Laude Classic Cars – Power Series 5 Pre-Race Report
Killarney International Raceway – 27 July
A healthy field of 32 historic and classic race cars will take to the Killarney circuit for the latest round of the Laude Classic Cars championship. With everything from thunderous V8-powered muscle cars and iconic touring cars to nimble Escorts, Capris and Beetles, spectators can expect a spectacular showcase of South African historic motorsport.
The grid features a remarkable variety of machinery spanning several decades of racing heritage, with close championship battles expected throughout the field. The combination of experienced campaigners, crowd-favourite machinery and a number of highly developed historic race cars should provide some of the most entertaining racing of the weekend.
Class A
The premier class boasts a formidable field packed with power and pedigree.
Franco Donadio – Chev Can Am
Mark Uytenbogaardt – Ford Fairmont 4.7L
Michael Hitchcock – Ford Mustang
Boetie van Zyl – Ford Fairmont GT 351
Trevor Momberg – Ford Capri 3.4L
PW Louw – Mazda RX-7
Eric van der Merwe – Porsche 944T
Jarryd Evans – Ford Capri MK1
With V8 muscle, rotary power and turbocharged Porsche performance all represented, Class A promises to deliver some of the fastest and most exciting racing of the day.
Class B
A competitive mix of proven historic racers will battle for Class B honours.
Ferdi Mouton – Ford Mustang
Bruce Avern-Taplin – Toyota Corolla 1795cc
Andre Diedericks – Ford Capri 5L
Brian Evans – Ford Escort MK1
Expect the lightweight Escort and Corolla to challenge the larger-capacity Ford machinery in what should be a closely contested class.
Class C
One of the most evenly matched classes on the programme, featuring a strong eight-car field.
Robert Rowe – BMW 325i
Daniel Lotter Jnr – Ford Escort MK2
Martin Bensch – Ford Capri 3L
Layne Hutchings – VW Scirocco MK1
Deon Conradie – Toyota Conquest RSi
Wayne Lotter – Ford Escort 2L
Daniel Lotter Snr – Ford Escort MK1
Dave Rowley – VW Beetle 2380cc
The Escort contingent will be out in force, but they will face strong opposition from BMW, Volkswagen, Toyota and Capri challengers.
Class D
The largest class of the meeting with a diverse nine-car entry.
Gary Fourie – VW Golf MK2 1.8L
Zane Schonknecht – VW Beetle 2.4L
Nicholas Fourie – VW Golf MK2
Herman de Kock – Ford Escort 1.6
Stephen Manuel – Nissan Skyline 2.8
Jared Thomson – Ford Cortina 3.05
Jacques Blom – Ford Sierra RS
Ernest Leite – Fiat 128 Rally 1.3L
Malcolm Pheiffer – Alfa Romeo GT Am
This class brings together an eclectic mix of iconic historic race cars, ensuring plenty of overtaking opportunities and class battles throughout the field.
Class E
Although represented by a single entrant, the class features one of the most recognisable historic touring cars.
Bradley Rowe – BMW 2002 ti
The legendary BMW 2002 remains a fan favourite and will undoubtedly attract plenty of attention around the circuit.
Class X (New Car/Driver Combination)
The development class provides an opportunity for new combinations to gain experience and establish themselves within the category.
Johann Coetzer – Ford Escort Mk2
Andre Fourie – VW Jetta 2L
Derick Truscott – VW Jetta MK1 2L
This class offers an intriguing mix of machinery, with the powerful Jaguar taking on a pair of Jettas and a proven Escort platform.
Race Preview
With 32 entries spread across six classes, the Laude Classic Cars field once again demonstrates why historic racing remains one of the most popular attractions at Killarney. The unmistakable sound of V8s, the agility of the Escorts and Capris, the character of the Beetles, and the variety of marques represented throughout the field will provide a true celebration of motorsport heritage.
Fans can look forward to close racing, spectacular machinery and a nostalgic journey through some of the greatest racing cars ever to compete on South African circuits. The stage is set for another memorable chapter in the Laude Classic Cars championship.
