The third round of the 2016 Inland Championship saw the Trofeo Challenge and Midvaal Historic categories head to the rustic Midvaal Raceway on Saturday 7 May with their biggest entry of the season heading out for qualifying – thirty two entries in total! Many familiar faces from other forms of Historic racing seem to have joined the ranks – testimony to the success that the Inland Championship continues to enjoy with each passing event.
Race 1
The strong field of Trofeo Challenge and Midvaal Historics competitors
Pole man Colin Ellison (Alfa GT Junior) took an immediate lead ahead of Adrian McCaw (Alfa Alfetta GT 1.8) and Brendon Parker (Datsun GX Coupe). Miguel Ribeiro (Alfa GT Junior) slotted into fourth position with Martin Botha (Datsun GX Coupe) and Jacques Mostert (Datsun GX Coupe) hot on his heels.
A determined Parker was up to second position before the end of the first lap. Ribeiro followed his example and grabbed third position a lap later. Botha was enjoying his first appearance in the series and relegated McCaw to fifth position on lap four.
There was a bit of drama on the seventh lap of the race when Reghardt van Zyl (Alfa GTV) ended his race in a plume of smoke down the back straight. The battle for the lead was far from over with Parker making a bold move on the last lap of the race to clinch the victory ahead of Ellison and Ribeiro.
The third round of the 2016 Inland Championship was held at the rustic Midvaal Raceway on Saturday 7 May.
Once again the Bridgestone BMW Club Racing Series produced one of the biggest fields on the day.
Julian Fameliaris (E36 328i Turbo) took a double win on the day
Julian Fameliaris (E36 328i Turbo) took the lead ahead of poleman Stefano Martinelli (E36 328i Turbo). Fameliaris romped home to a comfortable Overall and class A victory ahead of Martinelli who took the class B honours ahead of Rick Loureiro (E30 3.2 CSL). Paulo Loureiro (E36 M3) took the class C win ahead of Mish-al Sing (E30 325is) with Alex Desogus (E36 M3) taking class D.
The traditional reverse grid by class for the second race would set the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons. Fameliaris grabbed an early lead once again and went on to take yet another Overall and class A win. Martinelli took the double in class B with Sing taking the honours in class C. Series newcomer Andy Smith (E36 318is Turbo) claimed his first win in class D.
