Nothing strange, track side before six am. This is a special day, Fossa is fitted with her first set of semi slicks. Despite the weather office promising rain, we were very happy with the sun shine!

Fossa, towing / wet wheels off - semi's fitted and ready for action

We expected a low turnout – and the biggest turnout we have ever attended pitched. As per http://tuxracing.com/super-traxday-what-is-it/ ,  “B” Class was so big that it had to be divided into two groups.

Annalie takes first ride!

Eventually we get our chance and Annalie elects to take first stint on the brand new untested semi slicks! The seat is set far back so that Annalie can not dent the floor pan attempting to brake. On the corners I notice hands flailing for holding place. All goes well, no fireworks with regards to times, but I was very wary of how the tyres would co-operate! As seen in above photo Annalie was not tied down as she could fly the Ford flag on our final lap!

Annalie’s impressions, pride abundant. And she wanted another stint to make up her mind!

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Then it was the turn of our first visitor of the day, Gerdus Smit. Gerdus races Locost C Class. Clearly not “normal” having jumped from a plane the previous day and then pitching for a “suicide ride” in Fossa.

Gerdus Smit, aka, Queen Victoria, strapped in for the unknown, his second time in two days

Is that a strange form of fear in his eyes, nope, Gerdus soon to be certified crazy or stuntman.

Gerdus Smit, navigator and the day's advisor.

Will he do it all again? Time will tell.

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Visitor number two, photographer slipped up, no photo. Mari Ducasse and her father Gavin. Mari pitched for her second and longer stint in Fossa. We spent time having some interesting chats including HHO. Keep an eye out for Mari on the historic circuit in the future. We were however very disappointed with the extreme turnout and Mari decided to try her hand at gymkhana on the skid pan. Eventually Mari left without her stint. We will attempt this again on the 13th of January!

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Then our next visitor of the day, Jacqui Laffite makes an angel appearance in a white outfit. Jacqui did not get the memo, she was supposed to bring her “pink” Mini and racing gear to come and play with Fossa. Unfortunately she is still in the process of completing her Mini.

Jacqui Laffite popped in, wearing an unusual racing outfit, is that legal?

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Then our third visitor/s. My, my ain’t Fossa popular! A facebook friend who has made a few short fly-by’s in the past, Alex Thompson and his wife Joan. This time however we were able to convince Alex to park their camping chairs in our camp.

Alex and Joan Thompson, Fossa supporters

We had nice chats in between stints. Good to “REALLY” meet at last!

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Fossa exiting corner eight

In the remaining stints, Chris “Roach” accompanied me with Annalie taking the last outing on track for 2012.

Fossa showed signs of improvement

And then, the results of the day. Fossa’s road holding shows improvement, she attained a slightly better top speed and a lap time of 1:34.92. That is on the way to a three second improvement. Might be all we need not to be lapped on race day! So many things to still do, would have been cool if all our neighbors would go on holiday!

See a very short video here.

Fossa is now equipped with ………….

Can you see a difference?

Can you see a difference?

Not ……..

Fossa has semi slicks!

Fossa has 185/60 x 13 Yokohama semi slicks!

How will this help? Will this help?

We have put our trust in the pro’s, they say it will! First test pending weather, SuperTrax Day, Zwartkops Raceway, 9 December 2013.

Also on test on the day a few other enhancements. And Annalie’s first trip around the track in her creation, “Sa, vat haar” Fossa!

Fossa for fun

Summary: Some of the events.

27 & 28 January – Spectators and photography – International Historic event, Zwartkops Raceway with sleepover (Trust us, the soil is hard)

1 February – Decide to buy, prep “a” car for Historic Racing

5 February – Purchased a Ford Anglia, Fossa. 8th Sell our Nissan for funding and the work begins

24 March – Spectators and photographers- Zwartkops Raceway

19 May – Spectators and photographers and first presentation of Fossa  – Kyalami

20 May- Fossa makes a first appearance at the Piston Ring Club

20 & 21 July – First race with Fossa – Zwartkops Raceway

1 September – Second race and first trophies – Midvaal Raceway

29 September – Third race, withdraw Fossa – Kyalami

3 November – Real third race, another trophy – Zwartkops Raceway

17 November – Three lap suicide ride

1 December – Springbok Series, spectate and photo’s – Kyalami

These are only some of the events attended, most with Fossa either to promote and take part in Historic Racing. It has been a busy year, I am still amazed at the progress made with Fossa. At times it felt like an extremely long process. Thinking back there was not at any time doubt about the project despite very long hours, deviations from plan due to changes that had to be implemented and very hard work.

A small collection for half of 2012

Our friendship base in the Historic Racing scene and beyond has grown above  expectation. I can not even think to list them as I will forget someone. Thanks for all your support and advice.

The in-house support in labour and funding has been extreme. Last year at a Midvaal event a young racing drivers mother explained “There is money for tires, but the fridge is empty” ……..            We are not quite there yet, but we also do not compete at that drivers level. I do however fully understand her statement!

A enormous thanks to Lionel Da Silva and Michelle “Powerslide” Groenewald for their diligence and support at racing events. We have the coolest pit crew!

The continued support from Bolt Stop rocks, thanks!

2013 – What lies ahead?

Just finished doing some work on Fossa and already thinking 2013. But wait! Our next excursion is still in 2012! SuperTrax Day at Zwartkops Raceway, 9 December.

Our first planned outing for 2013 pending Fossa’s reliability and serviceability will be SuperTrax Day on the 13th of January in final preparation for our first races, 1 & 2 February at Zwartkops Raceway and only one week later, 9 February at Kyalami.

Thereafter racing events provisionally for now, still waiting for the Pre 66 2013 calender.

16 March- Kyalami

13 April – Zwartkops Raceway

27 July – Zwartkops Raceway

17 August – Kyalami

19 October – Kyalami

9 November – Zwartkops, Springbok Series / Maybe

7 December – Kyalami

Phakisa Freeway and East London will have to pass, finances and annual leave will not allow.