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PowerSeries 3

Class A

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.

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PowerSeries 2

Historic Roar: The Icons Return for PowerSeries 2!

Dust off your sun hats and get ready for a hit of high-octane nostalgia. This Saturday, 7 March 2026, Killarney International Raceway is set to transform into a living museum of speed as the Laude Classic Cars return to the tarmac for the second round of the PowerSeries.

There’s something visceral about historic racing—the smell of unburnt fuel, the scream of naturally aspirated engines, and the sight of legendary steel being pushed to its absolute limit. If you miss the days when cars had character and drivers had to work for every corner, this is where you need to be.

Here is your official breakdown of the gladiators lining up this weekend:

Class A: The Heavy Hitters

The “Big Guns” are out to play. Expect the ground to shake when Franco Donadio’s brutal Chev Can Am squares off against Boetie van Zyl’s iconic Ford Fairmont GT.

  • Franco Donadio – Chev Can Am

  • Boetie van Zyl – Ford Fairmont GT 351

  • Eric van der Merwe – Porsche 944T

  • Jarryd Evans – Ford Capri MK1

Class B: Muscle vs. Precision

Class B offers a fantastic contrast in engineering. From the American V8 grunt of a Stingray to the surgical precision of the BMW “Gusheshe” 325is.

  • Trevor Momberg – Ford Capri 3.4L

  • Bruce Avern-Taplin – Toyota Corolla 1650cc

  • Dave Alhadeff – BMW 325is

  • Robin Forbes – Corvette Stingray 5.7

  • Brian Evans – Ford Escort MK1

Class C: The Packed Mid-Field

This is the biggest grid of the day. Keep an eye on the battle of the Sciroccos and the sheer displacement of Diedericks’ 5L Capri.

  • Robert Rowe – BMW 325i

  • Cary Blow – Datsun 240Z

  • Theo Claassen – Nissan Skyline GTZ

  • Ian Richards – VW Scirocco MK1 2L

  • Layne Hutchings – VW Scirocco MK1

  • Deon Conradie – Toyota Conquest Rsi

  • Wayne Lotter – Ford Escort 2L

  • Jaco Oosthuizen – Toyota Conquest 1.8L

  • Daniel Lotter Snr – Ford Escort MK1

  • Dave Rowley – VW Beetle 2380cc

  • Andre Diedericks – Ford Capri 5L

Class D: Technical Tussles

From Alfa Romeos to Porsches, Class D is all about maintaining momentum and clever lines.

  • Daniel Lotter Jnr – Ford Escort MK2

  • Nicholas Fourie – VW Golf MK2 1.8L

  • Herman de Kock – Ford Escort 1.6

  • Vance Kearney – Ford Capri V6 3.4L

  • Malcolm Pheiffer – Alfa Romeo GTaM

  • Jacques Blom – Ford Sierra 2L

  • Piet Matthee – Porsche 944 3L

Class E & Class X: The Wildcards

Bradley Rowe flies the flag solo for Class E in the beautiful BMW 2002 ti, while Class X features new car/driver combinations looking to make their mark—including a very cool Mazda Capella.

  • Bradley Rowe – BMW 2002 ti (Class E)

  • Lee Moulden – VW Scirocco 1.8L (Class X)

  • Peet v d Walt – VW Golf 2L (Class X)

  • Andre Fourie – VW Jetta 2L (Class X)

  • PW Louw – Mazda Capella (Class X)

  • Roy Obery – Porsche 924 GTP (Class X)

Why You Should Be There

Classic racing isn’t just a sport; it’s a spectacle. You aren’t just watching cars go around a track; you’re watching history being driven with zero driver aids and 100% passion. Whether you’re a die-hard Ford fan or a Porsche purist, there is a rivalry here for everyone.

Bring the family, fire up the braai in the stands, and let the sound of these legends remind you why we fell in love with racing in the first place.

See you at Killarney!

Qualifying Results

At the sharp end of the grid, Franco Donadio (Start No. 32) delivered a clinical performance in Class A. Clocking a blistering on his third lap, Donadio secured pole position with a commanding gap of seconds over his nearest rival. His average speed of km/h was the benchmark for the field, signaling that the blue-and-white machine is the one to beat in the main races. Boetie van Zyl (No. 72) put in a valiant effort to secure second on the grid with a , while Jarryd Evans (No. 414) rounded out the Class A podium spots in third, stopping the clocks at .

The creative tension was palpable in Class B, where Trevor Momberg (No. 73) led the charge with a . However, the highlight of the session was the razor-thin margin between Robin Forbes (No. 171) and Brian Evans (No. 441). After six and seven laps respectively, the two were separated by a microscopic seconds, with Forbes taking 6th overall at and Evans 7th at . This sets the stage for a classic “door-to-door” battle come race time.

In Class X, Roy Obery (No. 85) showcased exceptional pace, splitting the Class A leaders to take 4th overall with a . PW Louw (No. 80) followed in 8th place, posting a on his final lap, proving that Class X remains a wild card in the series.

Class C saw a dominant showing from Andre Diedericks (No. 182), who took the top spot in the category with a despite only completing two laps—suggesting either supreme confidence or a mechanical gremlin that cut his session short. He was chased closely by Wayne Lotter (No. 120) at and Layne Hutchings (No. 74) at . The Lotter family presence was strong, with Daniel Lotter Snr (No. 147) and Daniel Lotter Jnr (No. 14) both showing consistent pace. Junior led Class D with a , narrowly outperforming Vance Kearney (No. 93) by half a second.

Down the field, the determination was no less intense. Robert Rowe (No. 11) and Bradley Rowe (No. 27) represented the family name across Classes C and E, with Bradley braving the limits of Class E to record a . Meanwhile, Malcolm Pheiffer (No. 195) and Stephen Manuel (No. 62) were locked in their own private duel in Class D, separated by only seconds.

As the sun slowly dropped towards the horizon, the qualifying session concluded with Andre Fourie (No. 58) and Bradley Rowe rounding out the timing sheets. With the grid now set, the stage is prepared for a gladiatorial showdown where the raw power of the Class A giants will meet the strategic finesse of the midfield contenders. Fans can expect high stakes for Race 1, where tyre management and the cooling Cape breeze will play as much of a role as the drivers’ right feet.

Race 1

The late afternoon from the Friday qualifying tension spilled over into a frantic and exhilarating Race 1 for the Classic Cars at Killarney International Raceway. As the lights went out for Round 2 of the Power Series, the roar of historic engines echoed through the Tygerberg hills, signaling the start of a seven-lap sprint that would test both mechanical endurance and driver temperament.

At the front of the pack, Franco Donadio (No. 32) proved why he is the gold standard of the category. Starting from pole, Donadio delivered a masterclass in defensive driving and consistent pace. He controlled the race from the first corner, crossing the line with a total time of 9:55.053. However, his victory was not without pressure. While Donadio took the checkered flag, the statistical “Fastest Man on Track” was actually Jarryd Evans (No. 414). Evans, piloting his Class A machine with surgical precision, clocked a blistering 1:23.804 on lap six—beating the winner’s best time by 0.031 seconds. Despite the pace, Evans had to settle for third overall after a fierce mid-race tussle with Class B standout Trevor Momberg.

Momberg (No. 73) produced perhaps the most impressive drive of the afternoon. Splitting the faster Class A cars, he secured second place overall and a dominant win in Class B with a time of 10:12.414. He led a high-speed train of Class B and C competitors, holding off a late-race charge from Brian Evans (No. 441) and Dave Alhadeff (No. 95), who finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

The Class C battle was a story of raw speed versus tactical positioning. Andre Diedericks (No. 182) took the class honors with a fourth-place overall finish, but he spent the entire race looking in his mirrors for Ian Richards (No. 64). Richards was a man on a mission; after a difficult start, he carved through the field with a best lap of 1:25.785, significantly faster than any other car in his class. Had the race been a lap longer, the podium positions might have looked very different. Wayne Lotter and Layne Hutchings kept the pressure on, finishing ninth and tenth respectively, separated by a mere two-tenths of a second in a classic Killarney slipstreaming battle.

Further down the order, the “Lotter Dynasty” continued to shine as Daniel Lotter Jnr (No. 14) claimed the Class D crown, finishing 13th overall. He successfully fended off a persistent Vance Kearney (No. 93) and Piet Matthee (No. 944), the latter of whom missed out on the runner-up spot in class by less than four seconds. In the lower tiers, Bradley Rowe (No. 27) drove a lonely but disciplined race to take the Class E victory, ensuring he banked valuable championship points.

The race was not without its heartbreaks. Boetie van Zyl, who had looked so promising in qualifying, saw his race end prematurely after just one lap. Similarly, Roy Obery and Herman de Kock faced the frustration of non-finishes, leaving their crews with a mountain of work before the afternoon’s second heat.

As the cars returned to pit, the air was thick with the smell of scorched rubber and hot oil. Donadio may have the trophy for now, but with Jarryd Evans finding more speed in the closing laps and the midfield battles reaching a fever pitch, the stage is perfectly set for an explosive Race 2.

Race 2

The second heat of the Classic Cars at the Killarney Power Series Round 2 was a high-octane finale that saw established champions under pressure and underdog stories emerging from the Cape’s afternoon heat. As the sun began its descent on March 6, 2026, the grid lined up for an extended eight-lap showdown that would push these vintage masterpieces to their absolute limits.

Franco Donadio (No. 32) once again asserted his dominance in Class A, delivering a flawless wire-to-wire victory with a total time of 11:20.645. Donadio’s composure was most evident on his final lap, where he set the fastest time of the entire race—a 1:22.854. It was a psychological blow to his pursuers, proving that even with eight laps of wear on his tires, the Class A leader had plenty in reserve. Jarryd Evans (No. 414) maintained his role as the primary challenger, securing second overall. Evans showed incredible consistency, particularly around the mid-race mark with a 1:24.204, but he could not bridge the 11-second gap to the flying Donadio.

The shock of the afternoon, however, came from the Class C ranks. Andre Diedericks (No. 182) drove the race of his life, punching well above his weight to finish third overall and first in class. Clocking a best lap of 1:26.397, Diedericks successfully fended off the more powerful Class B machine of Trevor Momberg (No. 73). Momberg, who finished fourth overall, found himself embroiled in a multi-class dogfight with Brian Evans (No. 441) and PW Louw (No. 80). Evans and Louw crossed the line within six seconds of one another, showcasing the incredible parity found in the mid-grid classes.

A story of redemption unfolded for Boetie van Zyl (No. 72). After the heartbreak of an early retirement in Race 1, Van Zyl brought his Class A entry back to life for the second heat. Starting from the back, he carved his way through the field to finish 7th overall, setting a best lap of 1:26.616 on his final tour—matching Momberg’s pace and proving he belongs at the front of the pack.

The Class C midfield was a hive of activity. Wayne Lotter (No. 120) and Layne Hutchings (No. 74) reprised their rivalry from the morning session, finishing 9th and 10th, respectively. The two were separated by a mere half-second at the line, a testament to the surgical precision required to navigate Killarney’s technical back section. Further back, Robert Rowe (No. 11), Theo Claassen (No. 55), and Dave Rowley (No. 148) were locked in a nose-to-tail battle for the better part of five laps, with Rowley showing a late-race burst of speed to record a 1:30.322 on the final lap.

In Class D, Daniel Lotter Jnr (No. 14) completed a perfect day, taking his second class win of the event. He was pushed hard by Vance Kearney (No. 93) and Nicholas Fourie (No. 22), while Piet Matthee (No. 944) recovered from earlier struggles to finish 20th overall. Bradley Rowe (No. 27) closed out the active finishers in Class E, once again demonstrating the reliability that is so crucial in  club racing.

As the engines cooled in the Killarney pits, the narrative of the day was clear: while Franco Donadio remains the king of the mountain, the rising pace of Andre Diedericks and the grit of Boetie van Zyl have set the stage for a thrilling Round 3. For the fans who braved the heat, Race 2 was a vivid reminder that in classic racing, history doesn’t just sit in a museum—it roars.

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PowerSeries 1 (2026)

And just like that, 2026 is in full swing, and the PowerSeries racing starts this weekend at Killarney Raceway.  With so much to do, so much to repair, so much to buy, and so much to pay for new membership, competitor license, medical insurance, entry fees, let alone some racing fuel at nearly R60/Litre , did I mention school fees, new uniforms, shoes, books, etc., the first event is always a tough month.  

That being said, racing in todays world, even at club or regional level requires a fair investment to be able to do what so many of us love.  To soften the blow, we need sponsorship to help competitors where possible.  This year we have two new sponsors for 2026 namely, Exterme Auto and Wilson Precision Engineering, who have come aboard.  A hearty welcome to both.  Then, a big thank you to the outgoing sponsors, DriveLines SA, Skunk Tube Works, and Golden Oak Removals, for your involvement and sponsorship during the previous season.

This event has seen 21 entries to take to the field for the first race in the 2026 LAUDE Classics championship, and some great cars and competition is indeed expected throughout the field.  With some decent hot weather predicted, expect the racing to be hot as usual.  With many competitors still in the process of building new cars, new engines, and upgrading existing cars, there has simply not been sufficient time to get them all of them onto the grid for this round.  Be rest assured that for 2026 some serious racing will be taking to the track as the category has made the decision to move from a club championship to a regional championship with a lot at stake.  We wish all competitors a brilliant year ahead, and may the best man win.

Both Pre-80 and Pre=90 categories have qualified on Friday, 06 February 2026, and the qualifying results are as follows.

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PowerSeries 9 (2025)

2025 Championship Final

It may well be true that the 2025 racing season is slowly winding down, but the LAUDE Classic Cars racing seems to be getting hotter.  One would be forgiven if one thought it was the beginning of the season.

At the close of entries on Wednesday, 05 November, there were a total of 35 confirmed entries for the final championship round.  This makes it one of the largest fields entered to date for the historic category championship.  

In class A Michael Hitcock (V8 Mustang) holds a healthy lead. However, in second place, Franco Donadio (Escort Mk1) still holds on with Louis Powell (Escort Mk1) only 10 points adrift, meaning Franco must finish both heats to retain his place in class A. Louis Powell has certainly come with a revived challenge and may just be the upset in class A.  Brothers Glen and Mark Uitenbogaardt together with Eric vd Merwe make up the rest of class A.

Jaryd Evans (Capri V6) leads out class B with a hard charging Boetie van Zyl (Fairmont GT 351) who will be giving it his everything  this coming event to try and tame the rapid Capri of Evans all while Ferdi Mouton (Mustang V8) trails Van Zyl by a mere 4 points.  It’s still all up for grabs among the top 3 class B competitors.  Brain Evans (Escort Mk1) and Bruce Avern-Taplin (Toyota Corolla) make up the rest of the class B field.

Class C is yet again the largest class with no less than 10 entries up for battle.  Leading out class C in his Martini liveried BMW 325i is Rob Rowe with a healthy 93 point lead and he should rap up the Pre-90 championship.  In the Pre-80 category, class C is headed out by the Jeigermeister VW Scirocco Mk1, with Layne Hutchings, followed by Wayne Lotter (Escort Mk1), only 10 points adrift of Hutchings.  Lotter has brought his best game for this event to try and pip Hutchings, but Layne will undoubtedly be giving it his all for this final round.  Not to be outdone, keep an eye out for the rapidly quick Mini of Deon Valentine, who, if given the chance, is a handful with his Mini’s excellent cornering ability.  Returning for the final round in his winning Ford Anglia is Wynand Nel who is no stranger to the class and is definitly a top contender to watch out for, while not lying down just yet is Trevor Hutchings (Golf Mk2) who will have to bring his A game if he is to keep Eric vd Merwe (Porsche 944T) from grabbing 2nd place overall in the Pre-90 category.  Its again still all up for grabs in class C.  Making up the rest of class C is Deon Conradie (Toyota Corolla), Jan Koekemoer (RX7), Theo Claasen (Skyline), and returning for the final round is Ian Richards in his RBR-prepared (VW Scirocco MK1), making it his 3rd outing for the 2025 season.  Who exactly will be top dog on the day in class C is anyone’s guess.

Class D holds a surprise, but its not because Dave Rowley (VW Beetle) leads the class with 63 points, is followed by an ever determined Malcolm Pheiffer (Alfa GTAm) and Herman de Kock (Escort Mk1) but theres an immaculately prepared Datsun 160Y coming out (who will forget the great Golden Grove Datsun) with Cary Blows at the wheel to be the cat among the pigeons.  Making up the rest of class D will be Derek Wilsnagh (Anglia), Stephen Manual (Skyline) and Jaques Blom (Ford Cosworth T).  Class D is going to be on fire for this event.

Last, but most certainly not least, is class E.  Now, before you say anything further, this is where we find the current overall championship leader racing in the Rob Tissington Morris Minor, aptly hard raced by Calvin Beekman.  One must simply dip your hat and acknowledge, not only the reliability of this little car but also the absolute ‘get up and go’ determination and patience exercised to consistently finish and take maximum points each and every event this season.  Calvin will be heading out with Daniel Lotter Jnr (Escort Mk2), Bradley Rowe (BMW) and Rob Senekal (Escort), making up the rest of class E.

In class X we have Zane Schonknecht (VW Beetle), Nicholas Fourie (Golf M2), Greg Smith (Escort Mk2) and Piet Matthee (Porsche (944 T) out to complete a timed lap wherefter they will be allocated to a class. 

Please grab your tickets, your favourite viewing spot, and be sure to pop into the pit areas to say hello to your favourite drivers and to view their prized 4 wheel possessions.

Laude Classic Cars
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PowerSeries 8 (2025)

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 (2025)

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 (2025)

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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