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PowerSeries 8

Are you ready for the penultimate LAUDE Classic Car historic race?

It’s been a long season, and as is the nature of motor racing, it’s had its challenges, at least for some.  The most important thing we must never forget is that historic racing is not your modern-day technology that is freely available from your nearest motorcar parts store.  In most cases, engine parts are scarce; some are almost unobtainable, while others must rely on importing such scarce items or parts that are sometimes required.  That is what makes historic racing so different from common club category racing, which often utilises modern-day technology.  For that, we salute all our historic competitors who have made sincere efforts to keep their race cars in top condition throughout the season.

This upcoming event on 11 October is no different, with good, healthy fields in all classes, ranging from class A through to E.  In addition, LAUDE Classic Cars has consistently proved to host the largest fields throughout the entire season and aims to continue to do so into the future.  This has not gone unnoticed, and this weekend we will have two out-of-town competitors, namely, Zane Schonknecht in a VW Beetle, as well as JC Engelbrecht in a Ford Cortina, all the way from East London to share in the event and its success.  A warm welcome to both competitors, and we sincerely hope you enjoy the event and the camaraderie.

While the 2025 championship is not quite over, one has to ask some tough questions.  While Michael Hitchcock has a comfortable lead in class A, who will challenge him and his mighty Ford Mustang, which now sports some new engine parts after suffering engine and gearbox failure.  Will Louis Powell (Ford Escort Mk1) defend his narrow lead over Franco Donadio (Ford Escort Mk1) with only 4 points between them?  While Jared Evans (Ford Capri V6) holds a comfortable lead in class B, will Ferdi Mouton (Ford Mustang) hold off a very determined Boetie van Zyl (Ford Fairmont GT) for second place with only 3 points separating them?  Class C sees Layne Hutchings (VW Scirocco Mk1) leading in class, but will Wayne Lotter (Ford Escort Mk1) make inroads in closing the gap of 11 points, or will Jan Koekemoer (Mazda RX7) catch Wayne Lotter, who is separated by only 5 points?  Will Dave Rowley (VW Beetle) hold off the 5-point lead over Malcom Pheiffer (Alfa GTA Junior) in class D, with an ever-hard-charging Herman de Kock (Escort Mk1) a further 7 points adrift?  Overall championship leader in class E with a healthy 87 points is Calvin Beekman (Morris Minor), however, can Germain Bedien (Datsun 1200 GX) hold off a feisty Bradley Rowe (BMW 2002 ti) with only 2 points separating them?

In some classes, anything is possible and usually is.  This should be a good turn-up for the books, with some putting everything on the line to ensure they take as many points through to the final in just over a month’s time.

All of this and more proudly brought to you by LAUDE Classic Cars, MasterDRIVE-SA and all of our sub-sponsors.

 

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PowerSeries 7

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.

 

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PowerSeries 6

Historic racing in the Western Cape is undoubtedly in good shape and remains one of the top categories producing solid results, above average entries, and some stunning old cars.  This coming weekend, on 2 August, will be no different, with yet another healthy field of 34 entries received and paid for.  Predicted weather shows somewhat cooler conditions, which may result in and assist in some good lap times being set by a few that have yet to prove a point.

Class A competitors have turned up in force with no less than 6 entries, which includes Franco Donadio having dusted off the old Ford Escort Mk1 to do battle among the mighty V8 entries.  Early indications are that Franco will have some work to do before taking up his grid position.  The grid lineup should see 3 V8S, a Porsche 944 turbo of Eric vd Merwe and also the quick Escort Mk1 of Louis Powell completing the class A lineup.

Class B is, as ever, the largest with no less than nine paid entries and should produce some exciting racing where Jarryd Evans (Capri V6) is slowly stamping his authority in the class championship.  Keeping him honest will be Trevor Momberg (Capri V6) with Jarred Thomson (BMW 325i) in there as well while Boetie van Zyl (Fairmont GT) will be pushing them hard hoping to challenge for top honours.

Class C, healthy as ever, is a bit of ‘anybody’s‘ race with father & Son duo, Trevor and Layne Hutchings (VW Golf Mk2 and Scirrocco) respectively giving hard chase to current class leader, Robert Rowe (BMW 325i).

Class D will see old stalwart, Herman de Kock (Escort Mk1) takimng to the grid with Derek Wilsnagh (Anglia), Malcolm Pheiffer (Alfa GT Jnr), Jacques Blom (Sapphire Cosworth) and Dave Rowly all with a shout.

Class E has  5 entries, which is very encouraging for the class and current championship leader, Calvin Beekman in the Rob Tissingting (Morris Minor) to gain maximum points and possibly even. further extend his lead.  Calvin will be competing with some stiff competition coming from Bradley Rowe (in his Veldt Reared BMW as well as Daniel Loter in a wide bodied Escort Mk1.

Temperatures outside will undoubtedly be somewhat cooler, but hot inside those historic cars, all vying for top honours in each class.  

A big thank you to our main sponsors, LAUDE Classic Cars, Masterdrive SA and all our sub sponsors for making this all possible.  Support them by supporting us.

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PowerSeries 5

It’s going to be cold!! That’s why it’s called The Winter Races.

Come June 28 and yip, once again the classic car boys have put no less than 30 names to the entry list.  Every class is well filled with great cars and competition within every class.  

For a change, class A is looking a little thin with the absence of the likes of Louis Powell,  PW Louw, Franco Donadio to name a few.  However Michael Hitchcock and Eric vd Merwe will be flying the class A flag.

Class B is where the real action has been and continues to be throughout this season so far.  The big question is, has Trevor Moberg (Capri V6) got the legs on Jarryd Evans (Capri V6) this time around?  Giving hard chance will be Brian Evans with his tricked-out Ford Escort Mk1 with Boetie van Zyl (Fairmont V8), hoping to upset that apple cart.

Class C is just as interesting, with Rob Rowe (BMW 325i)  having his hands full in keeping hard-charging Wayne Lotter (Escort Mk1) and revitalised Layne Hutchings (Scirocco Mk1) at bay.

Class D could be another cliff hanger with the return of Derek Wilsnagh (Anglia) taking the challenge to Herman ‘Mr cool as a cucumber’ de Kock (Escort Mk1).  Keeping the two of them in check will be Dave Rowly (VW Beetle) and Piet Matthee (Porsche 944).

Class E will see Rob Senekal (Escort Mk1) and Bradley Rowe (BMW) challenging ‘Mr Reliable’ Calvin Beekman (Morris Minor).

Class X will see an interesting Porsche taking to the grid which will be raced by Roy Obrey.  Of interest is the fact that the Porsche 924 is the  special GTR version that competed in the GTP class.  This was a class that later competed in the Le Mans 24 hour as (3) works cars in 1980.  For 1981 and 1982 only privateers entered these GTR cars.  

With rather cold weather on the cards, come dressed warmly and enjoy a great day of racing among these old cars, where the racing will be all but cold.

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PowerSeries 4

Sometimes, you just have to sit back and acknowledge that the effort and dedication made within the historic racing category at the WPMC is not only to be admired but should be applauded. And for good reason as well. Most of these cars are forty years old and older and are still driven in anger, yet they are well looked after and still produce great fields of racing. 

For the PowerSeries 4 event being held this coming weekend at Killarmney Raceway, no less than 32 historic entries have been received again, with a few well known competitors not being able to attend this round.  Consistency is king, as they say, and the classic car committee is for sure doing everything they can in the background to keep up this momentum.

Class C has the largest number of entries fielding  no less than 10 entries and will be the class to watch on the day.  Top contenders should be Wayne Lotter (Escort Mk1), Layne Hutchings (Scirooco) and Deon Conradie (Toyota Conquest).

Classes B, D, and A should provide some great racing throughout the day with a few competitors having done their homework and upping their game.  Keep an eye out for the likes of Brian Evans, (Escort Mk1), Trevor Momberg (V6 Capri), while class X sees the return of a once mighty, red, top contender, remaking its debut.

LAUDE Classic cars will qualify on Saturday at 08h15 with heat 1 off at 11h15 and heat at 15h10.  All in all, it should be a great day at Killarney Raceway.

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PowerSeries 3 (2025)

This coming weekend, April 12, 2025, the Laude Classic Car category will compete in round 3 of the WPMC Lime property management Powerseries.  With the seasons slowly changing and the temperatures slowly dropping around this time of the year, lap times are likely to be affected, especially among the top contenders, resulting in the competition getting hotter.  

Class A is slightly thin, with Michael Hitchcock (Cross Cape Forklift Services Mustang V8) heading up the class A field together PW Louw (PWL Konsult RX7) and Louis Powell (Engine Hero Ford Escort Mk1).  With Michael knocking on the door of a class breakout during the last event, this could be a tight one up front, keeping Louw and Powell at bay.

Class B should offer some exciting racing between Trevor Momberg (M&E Auto/All Scale Ford Capri V6) and Jared Evans (Cape Eye Laser Ford Capri V6) along with dad, Brian Evans, in his rapid Kent-engined (Cape Eye Laser Ford Escort Mk1).  Not to be outdone, Ferdi Mouton (Cross Cape Forklift Services Mustang V8) will keep his fellow competitors honest as he has something to show these feisty lot.  Old stalwart Robin Forbes (Corvette Stingray) will make a welcomed return and add some V8 muscle car action, while Bruce Avern-Taplin (Toyota Corolla) and Wayne Rosser (Mk2 Golf GTi) will complete the class B lineup.

Class C is where anything can happen on the day and will see the beautifully prepared RX7 of Jan Koekemoer, along with fellow competitors Theo Claassen (Yesterday’s Heros Nissan Skyline), Charles Arton is immaculate Porsche 914, Deon Conradie (Flat Four Racing Toyota Conquest RSi), Wayne Lotter (Lotspeed Ford Escort Mk1), Jaco Oosthuizen (Ravenol/GT Wraps Toyota Conquest) and Rob Rowe (BMW) filling up the field. 

Class D has a great lineup of entries with Grant Fourie (DGG Laser Designs Golf GTi Mk2) taking up the challenge to Robert Senekal (EMI Group Ford Escort Mk1), Stephen Manual (SLJ Auto Body Centre Nissan Skyline), Jacques Blom (Speed Bandit Cosworth Sapphire), Dave Rowly (Flat 4 racing VW Beetle) and Malcolm Pheiffer (Intellibus Alfa GTAm).  Expect to see some good dices among this class.

Class E is headed up by Mister Ever Consistent, Calvin Beekman, in his well-prepared Rob Tissington Morris Minor with Germain Bedien (Bedien racing Datsun 1200 GX) giving chase in class.

Class X, which is reserved for all new driver/car combinations before being allocated to a class after posting an official lap time, will see some interesting machines taking to the track.  Many may have forgotten the big ‘Yellow Banana’ (Ford Fairlane) formerly raced by Ferdi van Niekerk Jnr in the Legends category of Peter du Toit who has decided to take off the covers and again take to the track and hopefully put on a great show for the spectators.  Not to be outdone in the big boys’ club, Boet van Zyl in his 5.8-liter V8 (Fairmont GT) will also make his debut in this immaculately prepared beast.  One for the books must be the change in the father-son duo line up of Trevor and Layne Hutchings who have swapped cars with Trevor now behind the wheel of the previously raced Layne Hutchings’ Pre-90 HSC Racing Mk2 Golf, making his debut. At the same time, Layne takes over the office seat of the previously raced HSC Racing Jeigermeister Scirocco Mk1 of his father. Not to be outdone in the Scirocco lineup, keep an eye out for the new driver/car combination of Ian Richards, who will also be out for the first time in an immaculately built Berg Cup Scirocco Mk1.  JP Engelbrecht in his 1600 Escort Mk1 will also debut as well as old stalwart Trevor Fisk, who will race on invitation in his 16 valve Ford Escort Mk1. Daniel Lotter (Globetrotter Industries Ford Escort Mk2) while Shaun Bester 1275 (Bestune Fabrication Leyland Mini) will complete the class X brigade.  

PowerSeries
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