The rejuvenated Inland Championship Roadshow will head to the Phakisa Freeway in Welkom on 2 April for the second round of the 2016 season.
If the first round of the year is anything to go by the Phakisa event is expected to produce even more action and excitement.
Jody Vianna (Mazda RX8) should head up the GT3 field at his home circuit
The Big Boss Auto Super Saloon category will certainly be one of the highlights of the day with the V8 rolling thunder of the GTA class a firm favourite with the crowds. The old guard was certainly given a big surprise by the new generation of youngsters who have joined the class. Seef Fourie Junior (Chev Lumina) and Amos Cockerham Junior (Chev Corvette) kept the seasoned campaigners like multiple champions Ben Morgenrood (Ford Mustang) and Franco Di Matteo (Jaguar) on their toes.
The return of Mackie Adlem (Jaguar) and Terry Wilford (Ford Falcon) to the field also added to the spectacle. Of great interest at this round will be the addition of Devin Robertson (Chev Corvette) who is expected to cause a few upsets himself. Jody Vianna (Mazda RX8) should head up the GT3 field at his home circuit with Adrian Dalton (VW Golf) a likely contender in GT4. Jimmy Tsimenglou (BMW M3) will once again challenge for the GT5 honours.
The Bridgestone BMW Club Racing Series will once again bring their one make formula back to the Inland Championship. With four different classes making up the category, the action is expected to be fast and furious.
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.
