The Trofeo Challenge (formerly Alfa Trofeo Challenge) and Midvaal Historic categories joined forces at the Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday 5 March for the first round of the renewed and refreshed 2016 Inland Championship. An impressive 26 car field lined up on the grid for the first race of the day.
Race 1
Shawn Smidt (Datsun 160Y) took a demanding lead from the first lap
Pole man Shawn Smidt (Datsun 160Y) took an immediate lead ahead of Brendon Parker (Datsun GX Coupe) with Jacques Mostert (Datsun GX Coupe) and Peder Jensen (Datsun Sedan). John Hendriks (Alfa Sud), the first of the Trofeo Challenge competitors slotted into fifth position ahead of Shaun Lamprecht (Alfa 33), Anton Vos (Datsun 1200 GX) and Warren Ewart (Alfa GTV6).
Ewart was scything his way through the pack and was up to fourth position by the second lap. Lamprecht’s challenge was cut short when he pulled into the pits on the same lap. Sean Fandam (Fiat 124 Sport Coupe) didn’t last much longer either when he pulled into the pits a lap later as well. Johan van den Heever (Mini 1000) then retired down the back straight on lap four as well.
Smidt was still leading ahead of Parker at the half way stage of the race. Ewart had moved into third position ahead of Mostert with Jensen still trying to stay with them in fifth. Francois Jacobs (Datsun 1200) was playing catch up and passed Hendriks on lap five. Paddy Venske (Toyota Corona) was also on a late charge as he relegated Hendriks by another position to claim eighth position
Smidt held on for a comfortable win ahead of Parker and Ewart.
The first round of the 2016 Inland Championship took place at the Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday 5 March, with close and competitive racing setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.
The tag line of ‘Real People, Real Racing’ rang true with the diverse field of categories catering to everyone’s taste.
Mackie Adlam took the overall win in the Big Boss Auto Super Saloons
The Big Boss Auto Super Saloons category brought out the rolling thunder with two exciting races. Series debutant Seef Fourie (Chev Lumina) grabbed pole position and comfortably led the first race until differential problems forced him to retire on lap six. Franco Di Matteo (Jaguar) went on to claim the victory ahead of Ben Morgenrood (Ford Mustang) and Willie Hepburn (Opel Rekord). Jody Vianna (Mazda RX8) took the GT3 category win with Chris Hoy (Renault Megane) taking the GT4 honours.
A drama filled second race saw the red flag come out on lap four when an electrical short caused a catastrophic fire in Hoy’s immaculate Renault. When the race restarted it was Mackie Adlem who took the lead ahead of Morgenrood and Terry Wilford (Ford Falcon). Adlem held on for the win ahead of Wilford with young Amos Cockerham Junior (Chev Corvette) grabbing third position. Hepburn claimed the GT2 honours yet again with Vianna taking the double in GT3. Adrian Dalton (VW Golf) picked up the win in GT4 with Jimmy Tsimenglou (BMW M3) taking the double in GT5.
