A fabulous threesome

In our favour and largely thanks to a brilliant race engine builder (Martin Richards) there was little or no work to be be done on either the SSS or the GX Coupe other than an all round spanner check. Due to a very full race program we (Classic Cars) were exempted from qualifying and grid positions were done by drawing positions from a hat. (We've now done our bit towards limiting the 'greenhouse' gas environment.)

Saturday was a busy day with the first classic car race off at 11h40 with the SSS in 9th position and the GX Coupe in 17th. Weather conditions were good, the track was hot and clean and fast race times were clearly reflected. The SSS managed to finish 8th in Class A amongst the big guns with a most respectable time of 1:27:10. My little GX Coupe managed a blistering 1:32:76 (almost a breakout) in lap 6 while dicing with Nick v Rensburg in the Fiat 124 Sport and I finally finished 1st in class D after starting 4th on the grid.

Race 2 was off at a slightly earlier unscheduled time due to an oil spill and although times were generally slightly slower than the first heat, good racing was still managed amongst all competitors. Martin in the SSS managed to finish 7th after putting in an even better race time at 1:26:35 in lap 6 while my GX Coupe again finished 1st in class D at a slightly slower time of 1:33.19. (Guess you'll know why!!!) My sincere thanks again go to my 'Boet' Martin for ensuring a reliable and very well prepared & competitive little race car.

While the off season was enjoyed by many a racer relaxing and soaking up the sun, Martin had other ideas which resulted in him producing a 'Magnificent' red Nissan 200SX (which almost hugs the ground) for its first ever outing in the Indy Oil Clubmans series. (To the best of my knowledge, this is the first ever Nissan 200SX to be raced in South Africa) While it would be acceptable that most new comers to a new race series encounter some teething problems that inevitably side line them for the day, Martin's preparations had none of the kind. Having to compete as a class X entrant for the first time out in the SX he posted an above expectation race time in qualifying and ran in a brilliant 1:27:41.

Race 1 was off at 13h45 where Martin finished a most respectable 8th place and right up there with the class B guys and having put in another 1:27:78. Race 2 was again similar finishing 7th comfortably and overall far ahead of the much rated Ford Focus of Philip Booysen.

I guess a better finish to the weekend could not have been asked for with a resounding impact slowly being made upon the 'Ol faithful' Datsun and Nissan supporters around the Killarney race track.

Thanks 'Boet'