With only three days to go, the Historic Pre-80 and Pre-90 category continues to grow bigger and better, and is getting ready to raise the ante again. Hats off to not only the competitors, but also for all the efforts made behind the scenes to put it all together. This coming weekend, in collaboration with LAUDE Classic Cars and Masterdrive SA, along with 15 sub-sponsors, a total of 37 entries have been received, making it one of the largest fields assembled by the LAUDE Classic Cars category.
Class A has a fuller field than usual, with six entries received to date. Michael Hitchcock (Mustang V8) still leads class A, but with a very quick and determined Franco Donadio (Escort RS2000), he will have his hands full to keep the RS2000 at bay. Brothers Glen and Mark Uytenbogaardt will keep the rest honest in their Ford Granada Perana and Ford Fairmont, respectively. Pre-90 contenders, PW Louw in his turbocharged Mazda RX7 and Eric vd Merwe (Porsche 944) make up the rest of Class A.
Class B has eight contenders, with the usual class and overall contenders Jaryd Evans (V6 Capri) and Trevor Momberg (V6 Capri) still locked in battle to decide both class and overall title chases. This could go either way. Not far behind, keep an eye out for Brian Evans (Escort Mk1), fighting well above his weight, with Boetie van Zyl getting faster and faster in his immaculate Ford Fairmont GT 351, who will be hard pushed by Bruce Avern Taplin in his rapid FWD Toyota Corolla.
Class C comprises the largest class of the day with 10 entries received. Leading class C in his Martini coloured BMW 325i is Robert Rowe, who is no chicken behind the wheel and will be looking to extend his lead. Giving him chase is a lottery, as anything can happen. Probably best capable and in with a chance is Dave Alhadeff (BMW 325i), closely followed by Layne Hutchings (Scirocco Mk1), Deon Conradie (Toyota Conquest), Trevor Hutchings (VW Golf Mk2). Making up the rest of the class C is Malcolm Uytenboogaardt (V8 Ford Fairlane), Wayne Lotter (Escort Mk1), Charlse Arton (Porsche 914), Jaco Ossthuizen (Conquest), and Ian Richards (VW Scirocco Mk1).
Class D has five entries, and it’s anyone’s game for the class win. Keep a watch out for the nimble VW bug of Dave Rowley, old evergreen Derek Wilsnagh (Anglia), Ernest Leite (Fiat 128 Rally) and Malcolm Pheiffer (Alfa GTam) duelling it out.
Class E leader and currently leader overall in the 20205 championship, Calvin Beekman (Morris Minor) will want to extend his overall lead and hopefully keep the class B contenders out of reach. Assisting him in numbers for getting maximum points are Bradley Rowe (BMW 2002ti), Robert Senekal (Escort Mk1), Daniel Lotter Jnr (Escort Mk2) and Jermaine Bedien (Datsun 1200).
Class X, which is for new driver/car combinations until they’ve posted an official lap time sees newcomer Mathew Rowe (BMW 2002 Turbo), ex Sports & GT compeitor, Gary Fourie in a Golf Mk2, and last but certainly not least, Piet Mathee in the Porsche 944.
LAUDE Classic Cars will qualify on Friday afternoon and are first up on Saturday morning, as well as again directly after the lunch interval. Whatever happens, don’t miss this event.