Zwartkops Raceway, west of Pretoria, will host the VW Challenge competitors when they take to the track for the second round of the 2015 championship on Saturday, 21 March. After the opening round at Midvaal a month ago the championship log has some unfamiliar names at the top.
Series newcomer Nic Clarke (Central Technical Services Polo) had a great start to his VW Challenge career, taking pole position in class B before going on to win both heats. Equal on points with Clarke at the top of the table is Zander Roos (Nathan’s Motorsport Polo) who claimed both class C wins at the opening event.
Gerhard Henning (Toyota Replacement Parts Polo) is next on the championship log just two points ahead of Elke van Vledder in her class C Golf. Daine Stewart (Grandmark International Polo) and Shaun Crous (X35 Polo) are tied on 12 points for fifth place with another tie two points further back, this time between Andy Gossman (Chamdor Veridot & Police Clearance Golf) and Brad Hall (Piazza Motorsport Polo).
Derick Smalberger (Sabertek/Tyremart Beetle) is the first of the class A cars in ninth place a point ahead Rory Atkinson in his class A Comsol Polo.
In class A the battle at the head of the field is likely to between James Hurley (The Starter Pack Company Polo) and Atkinson although Smalberger will fancy his chances in the Beetle around the 2.4km long Zwartkops circuit. Iain Stevenson (Comsol VW Challenge) was bedevilled by mechanical problems last time out and will be looking to show his true pace. Devan Piazza-Musso (Piazza Motorsport / Genie Racing Polo) is another who could run at the head of the field.
In class B Clarke will be looking to continue his great start to the season but Henning and Daine Stewart will be doing their best to spoil his plans. The likely return of Darren Nathan (Sex Trader Polo) could be a game changer.
Current class C champion Jacques Smith is only likely to return to the fray at the next round so Zander Roos will be looking to take full advantage while he can. Elke van Vledder and Shaun Crous should also be at the head of the field with Henry van Vledder also likely to be up at the head of the field. Mechanical issues stopped Francois van Zyl (Jesus Saves Golf) taking to the track at Midvaal but he knows how to win and will be looking to make up for the missed points scoring opportunity.
Qualifying will take place on Saturday morning at 09h00 with the first race of the day getting underway at 12h15. The lights should go out to signal the start of the second race at 16h00.
