PRE-RACE REPORT: LAUDE CLASSIC CARS – GRID PREVIEW
The paddock hums with mechanical nostalgia as a field of hardened machines and equally determined drivers prepare to take the green flag. These are not just cars—they are relics of a raw, unfiltered era where bravery outweighed electronics and mechanical sympathy was everything.
CLASS A BATTLEGROUND – POWER VS WIN AT ALL COSTS
Franco Donadio – Chev Can-Am
Determined as ever to dominate up front with his monster V8 and lead the way, Franco will want to stamp his authority, but will it come with a price to be paid?
Michael Hitchcock – Ford Mustang
A powerful pony car racer with a refreshed powerful V8 engine, always up for a challenge and always ready to show the way around the track.
Boetie van Zyl – Ford Fairmont GT 351
A new driver force slowly to be reasoned with in his V8 muscle car. Just when you thought he may be the quiet one, best his fellow competitors think again.
PW Louw – Mazda Capella
Taking the unconventional rotary engine to challenge the much bigger engined monsters with as much gusto and determination as a honey badger.
Jaryd Evans – Ford Capri V6
With a new found burst of speed from his V6 Essex engine coupled with a solid determination style of driving, Jaryd is out to show his fellow races his never give up attitude in class A.
Eric vd Merwe – Porsche 944 (T)
Bring in the more modern style, flare and German driving challenge, this Porsche 944 turbo driver and competitor hopes to be the thorn among the Class a racers and ever determined to keep the Pre-90 enthusiasts just as entertained.
CLASS B/C BATTLEGROUND – POWER VS PRECISION
Trevor Momberg – Ford Capri V6
A seasoned hand in the historic ranks, Momberg brings a methodical approach to racing. His machine may not shout the loudest, but it whispers consistency—often the deciding factor in endurance-style historic contests.
Ferdi Mouton – Ford Mustang
Classic American muscle meets Cape grit. Mouton’s Mustang is all about straight-line dominance, but the real question is whether he can tame it through the corners where finesse matters more than horsepower.
Bruce Avern-Taplin – Toyota Corolla
Lightweight, nimble, and deceptively quick. Avern-Taplin represents the underdog spirit—precision driving and late braking could see him embarrass more powerful machinery.
Andre Diedericks – Ford Capri SL
A Capri with intent. Diedericks carries the legacy of Ford’s golden touring era, combining balance and aggression in a car that thrives in close combat.
Brian Evans – Ford Escort MK1
The Escort MK1 is a giant-killer, and Evans knows it. Expect him to attack the tighter sections where agility trumps brute force.
Robert Rowe – BMW 325i
German engineering at its peak. Rowe’s BMW is a perfect blend of power and composure—dangerous in the hands of a driver who understands rhythm.
Daniel Lotter Jnr – Ford Escort MK2
Young blood with a heritage name. The MK2 Escort is a proven race winner, and Lotter Jnr will be eager to stamp his authority early.
Ernst Viljoen – BMW E30 325i
A car that rewards commitment. Viljoen’s E30 is known for its balance—if he finds his groove, he’ll be hard to catch.
Theo Claassen – Nissan Skyline GTZ
Turbocharged heritage meets historic racing. Claassen’s Skyline brings a different flavor to the grid—expect bursts of speed that could disrupt the order.
Layne Hutchings – VW Scirocco MK1
Front-wheel-drive determination. Hutchings will rely on momentum and corner speed to stay competitive against more powerful rear-drive rivals.
Deon Conradie – Toyota Conquest RSI
A scrappy contender. Conradie’s Conquest is all about extracting every ounce of performance—watch for bold overtakes.
Wayne Lotter – Ford Escort 2L
Escort loyalty runs deep. Lotter’s car is built for racing, and his experience could see him rise through the pack.
Jaco Oosthuizen – Toyota Conquest 1.8L
Another lightweight challenger. Oosthuizen’s strength will be consistency and tire management over the race distance.
Daniel Lotter Snr – Ford Escort MK1
Experience meets legacy. The senior Lotter brings old-school racecraft—calculated, composed, and always dangerous.
Dave Rowley – VW Beetle 2380cc
The wildcard. A heavily modified Beetle with serious punch—don’t let its shape fool you, this machine can surprise.
CLASS DEX – THE PURISTS’ GRID (Precision & Momentum)
Nicholas Fourie – VW Golf Mk2
A balanced package. Fourie’s Golf is built for consistency—perfect for a class where mistakes cost dearly.
Herman de Kock – Ford Escort 1.6
A nod to grassroots racing. De Kock’s Escort thrives on simplicity—light, responsive, and always competitive.
Stephen Manuel – Nissan Skyline 2.8L
A larger engine in a technical class—Manuel will need to manage power carefully to avoid overwhelming the chassis.
Bradley Rowe – BMW 2002 ti
A true historic icon. Rowe’s 2002 ti is all about driver feel—pure, connected, and capable of brilliance.
Robert Senekal – Ford Escort 2L
Another Escort in the fight, but each one tells a different story. Senekal’s approach is aggressive—he won’t wait for opportunities.
Jared Thomson – Ford Cortina 3.0S
Big engine, big presence. The Cortina is a handful, but in the right moment, it can dominate the straights.
FINAL WORD FROM THE GRID
This is a field defined by diversity—muscle cars, nimble hatchbacks, precision German sedans, and iconic British racers all sharing the same strip of tarmac.
In historic racing, it’s never only just about speed. It’s about:
- Mechanical sympathy
- Racecraft born from experience
- And the courage to push machines beyond their era
When the lights go out, expect drama, noise, and a return to a time when racing was as much art as it was competition.