29 Aug FMM Slot car championship
The second round of the July-November FMM Slot Car Championship took place in August and despite the wintry Cape weather and the absence of a couple of regular racers, there was a record entry of 27 drivers and 40 cars for the two championship categories. It was a busy night for everyone and proceedings got under way with the second 24-minute Enduro Challenge, this time with Team Bratwurst – Karin Ras (Audi R8 DTM), Günther Ras (Ford Zakspeed Capri), Mark Venske (BMW M4 DTM) and Michael West (Mercedes CLK DTM) – up against Team Mustang, the quartet of muscle cars driven by Malcolm Uytenbogaardt, Mike Monk, Franklin and Boeli Smit. The mix of German sports and classic touring cars took the early initiative and the Muzzies had to claw their way back into contention but finished seven laps behind at the finish. A good contest enjoyed by everyone.
Then it was down to the championship racing. Twenty cars were ready for the touring car category and after some intense duels, Marius Brink caused a surprise by taking victory with a first outing with his Holden Torana. Marius finished a mere 0,13 seconds ahead of regular leader of the pack Pieter Venter’s Jaguar XKR-S. Youngster Albie Venter finished third with his Porsche (934) 911, his fastest lap being only 0,01 seconds slower than Marius’ quickest time. After two rounds, Pieter leads the championship with 36 points from Franklin Smit (Ford Mustang) on 32 and Mark Venske (Lamborghini Huracan) on 20.
The sports car category also had 20 cars in the line-up and another surprise was in store when Jackie van Wyk emerged as the winner with his Porsche 917, two laps ahead of Jon Lederle’s Audi RS5 DTM. Mark Venske filled the podium places with his BMW M4 DTM, a further lap behind. Jackie set up the fastest lap of the evening to earn a bonus point. Jon leads the championship log with 34 points with Jackie second on 32 and Mark third on 30.
Race meetings are held in the evening of on the first Wednesday of each month and the August meeting. The final details are being carried out on the new, longer, more challenging four-lane track that will offer more racing opportunities at each meeting.
