Kyalami, gigantic expectations, worse disappointment ….

Looking forward to Kyalami since mid September, completing a successful race at Zwartkops Raceway ….. Did an oil and filter change. No obvious problems …

Annalie and myself take leave from the 21st with the intention to sus out the track, the available pit space and facilities. A late decision have us take Fossa to the track to find the impressive secondary pits already filling. It would have been a lot easier had fellow event competitors adhere to the spirit and keep their service vehicles out of allocated pit bays.

Somethings I would have banned, “pitbikes” and skateboards.The guys with the pitbikes race in and out with no consideration for the pedestrians. Skateboards / snakeboards, it is a dangerous area, it is not a playground. Testing of race cars in the parking area.

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, the venue. Sure there are things that can be improved on, I would like to see a few more covered pavilions. The African sun can be quite vicious. The embankments will look very inviting once the dry spell passes and they start to green up. The toilet facilities is very welcome for a venue that had to provide portable toilets at past events. It is obvious that a lot of money has been spent and it is probably not the end.

The security will have to be beefed up with regards to training. I understand some people can be difficult, but no pit access = no pit access. Here I am not referring to pedestrians. I refer to unauthorized vehicles that enter an already congested area. On Sunday there seemed to be a swing in the complete opposite direction. Unluckily for us Fossa broke in practice on Sunday morning. A call to The Roach to bring the Cortina to be used as recovery vehicle, have the bright sparks refuse me access to the secondary pits to collect our remaining items despite ticket arm bands and a pit sticker applied to the windscreen.

The events seemed to be spaced to boredom. It felt as if there was an incredible quantity of races red flagged. Probably over enthusiastic participants?

We were scheduled to have a practice session 17H50 Saturday afternoon. We arrived very early to ensure a worry free parking for our service vehicle as the previous day vehicles were triple parked. I knew it was going to be a close call with the program at one stage about an hour and a half behind schedule. Very looking forward to the session to enable a first hand reconnaissance of the track, feel out the spectacular looking track surface and verify Fossa’s mechanics which have held up well for the last few races.

We were losing light fast and at 18H30 were advised we will have a ten minute practice session …. The Legends, all prepped, Thomas Falkiner’s Mustang even fitted with lights, line up. It is now dark. A different level of adrenaline flowing. This is going to be like starting out on night shift of an endurance race. I knew this was going to be a different challenge but I am so mentally prepared and up to it ……. and then it is called off, eish.

Fossa ready for action

Fossa ready for action

The Sunday morning’s menu has been changed. Third morning in row we are up early. With the winds we experienced during the night and home only 14.3Km from Kyalami as the crow flies wondering how the secondary pits held up. Luckily they did not turn into a new world record sized kite. We will have a practice session included in the early morning. 07H15, We are lined up again. This time it is a go!

The track surface seems tricky with offering a change in traction. Firstly just a warm up lap, accessing Fossa, then time to cruise. I take it easy feeling the corners, take mental notes. Fossa should be able to sail through this course nicely. I think I have the long main “straight” figured. Corner one, a corner to be wary off, already has Fossa’s tires chatting. Crowthorne done. Go though Jukskei Sweep and line Fossa up for the changed Barbeque. Here the change of traction can be felt and with the hint of squeal from the Yokohama rubber I have this corner in the coming race 6-D in-printed in my mind. Go past our secondary pits Fossa feels good, heading down through Sunset corner, this is a corner I have not got the full feel for … Clubhouse and the Esses sorted.

Leeukop, I have to find a brake marker, prior to the revamp there was a join in the surface that was my guide to braking. Down the Mineshaft, with the changes to track width, pending available clean under wear, I think I can pilot Fossa round at full tap. This will however leave me with a very tricky Crocodiles braking point and style. The Crocodiles have been widened and seems to make available a few possibilities as as far as line is concerned. The squeal from Fossa’s rubber and the feeling of a slight drift make me long to see Ol Blue Racing Capri and some of the big Merc’s go through here! I go through Cheetah corner still storing data. And then just before the primary pit entrance, a whiff of smoke, a glance in the mirror indicates some critical oil burning taking place. With the actions of a trained professional the engine is killed and Fossa has only enough momentum to safely enter the pits. Two and a half laps end all expectations! All the anticipation destroyed. I can not describe the disappointment.

Fossa exiting Barbeque

Fossa exiting Barbeque

Who knows when, if ever the next opportunity to race this track will present itself. Will we be able to afford the entry fee? Questions to which only the future has the answers.

The cause: No 3 Exhaust valve decided it is time to leave the party.

Endoscope view cylinder no 3 looking rather psychedelic

Endoscope view cylinder no 3 looking rather psychedelic

The reason: It appears one of its neighbours have been tapping it’s piston, very slight, but that is all it takes at a few thousand rpm ….. ? Normally this does make a noise … Maybe it did, and us too caught up in the moment.

Fossa still the first Ford Anglia to take to the revamped Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. Pity we did not set a lap time.

Stripping the damaged engine ——- There is NO SIGN OF THE REST OFF THE VALVE! The aliens took it!

Replacement engine build is in progress with a starting target before the coming weekend. She should be ready for Redstar Raceway 19 November. This decision will only be made pending available funds and sufficient PRE66 Legends entries to have a field for a competitive Legends only race. Other than that I will try to fit in some extreme trackday at Zwartkops Raceway prior the year end.

Thanks to TOTAL SA and Petrus Motsoko for your assistance, unfortunately analysing this batch will be rather fruitless, I trust our next attempt with oil no3 will more successful!

The joys of racing, because RACECAR, cheers, 😉

Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, a week to go

On 21 October Kyalami re-opens for racing. On 23 October Fossa Ford Anglia will take to the track for her first race on this revamped historical venue. The weekend has secured more than 400 race entries!

Fossa has been serviced and prepped. The only remaining items on my to do list. Fit a exhaust “catcher” for Carel, our scrutineer and then wash and wax. The music level for Kyalami is 112db ….  Everybody is complaining that Fossa is to quiet …. Maybe just remove part of the exhaust 😉

The final program has been made available. Fossa’s appearances:

Practice: 22 October 2016, 17:50 -18:10

Qualifying: 23 October 2016, 07:55 – 08:10

Race 1: 23 October 2016, 10:30, 6 Laps

Race 2: 23 October 2016, 16:00, 6 Laps

Legends of the 9 Hour, the GRID …. I have sorted the entries, putting class by class …. What a field! Including some real legends! An extremely diverse field, expect a big speed differential between Fossa and the front runners with them coming into their element with their design, power plants and those nice straights!

 

Car No: Class Name Entrant/Sponsor Vehicle Model
1 8 ISP A Roman de Beer Genie Racing Lola
2 25 ISP A Franco Scribante Franco Scribante Chevron
3 3 ISP B Shayne Frost Shayne Frost Porsche
4 61 ISP B David Hoal David Hoal Chevron B61
5 969 ISP B Keegan Campos Campos Transport Porsche RSR
6 20 ISP C Fred de Kock Hendok Porsche RSR
7 78 ISP C Colin Clay SP Racing Datsun 240Z
8 116 ISP C George Avvakoumides George Avvakoumides Porsche 911 RSR
9 56 SGT/ISP C Nick Parrott Nick Parrott Porsche Carrera
10 16 ISP CAT 5 Mike Schmidt Mike Schmidt Ford Capri
11 7 ISP CAT 5 Willie Hepburn Willie Hepburn Ford Capri
12 ISP CAT 5 Derek Boy Derek Boy Chev CanAm
13 54 ISP Fred Konig Fred Konig Porsche
14 14 SGT A Mark du Toit TAR Lola
15 4 SGT B Warren Lombard Warren Lombard Cobra 289
16 18 SGT B Jonathan du Toit TAR Daytona Coupe
17 135 SGT E Franco Resca Cool Shirt MG
18 11 SGT D Ben van der Westhuizen Ben van der Westhuizen Maurader
19 31 SGT D Allan Garrow Allan Garrow Cobra 289
20 12 COC AN Other TAR Camaro
21 88 COC Hennie Groenewald SP Racing Mercury Comet
22 111 COC Thomas Falkiner Thomas Falkiner Mustang GT
23 9 COC Ben Morgenrood Ben Morgenrood Ford Ford Mustang
24 104 ZA Paolo Cavalieri Pablo Clark Racing Ford Galaxie
25 83 ZB Colin Ellison ATE Brake Systems Alfa
26 1 U2 Laurence Davies Laurence Davies Alfa Romeo
27 5 U2 John Simpson John Simpson Alfa
28 7 U2 Shaun Cabrita Scuderia Cabrita Alfa Romeo Giulietta Ti
29 32 U2 Marc Miller Marc Miller Alfa Romeo Giulia Super
30 141 U2 Carel Pienaar SP Racing Lotus Cortina
31 125 U2 Alan Poulter Alan Poulter Volvo
32 168 U2 Trevor Tuck Trevor Tuck Alfa Romeo
33 223 U2 Patrick Gearing Patrick Gearing Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint
34 225 U2 Rob Gearing Patrick Gearing Alfa Romeo Ti Super
35 226 U2 Dino Scribante Dino Scribante Porsche 911 RSR
36 227 U2 Francesco Lombardi Francesco Lombardi Alfa Romeo
37 251 U2 Roger Houston Roger Houston Alfa Romeo
38 300 U2 Mike O’Sullivan Mike O’Sullivan BMW 2000
Little Giants
39 22 SGT D Shannon Winterstein Shannon Winterstein Lotus 23
40 144 E Les McLeod Mr Clean MG
41 15 F Ishmael Baloyi Ishmael Baloyi GSM Dart
42 33 F Josh Dovey Josh Dovey Austin Healey Sprite
43 51 F Stephen Brits Stephen Brits MGB
44 186 F Keith van Heerden Keith van Heerden Jaguar
45 201 F Chad Ten Doeschate Chad Ten Doeschate GSM Dart
46 912 G Clive Winterstein Clive Winterstein Porsche 356
47 44 V Chris Carlisle-Kitz Chris Carlisle-Kitz Ford
48 82 V Eddie Botes Eddie Botes Austin Mini Cooper
49 36 W Brad Woolley Locost SA Ford Cortina
50 61 W Vic Campher Vic Campher Volvo
51 47 W Frank Copping Frank Copping Renault R8
52 221 W Robin Clarke PIRI PIRI Racing MG Magnette
53 277 W Gary Stacey Gary Stacey Ford Cortina
54 777 U Chris Visagie Chris Visagie Anglia

More than fifty shades of entries!!!

I was really hoping for some more Legends and especially class U entries. We can only trust that Fossa and driver will deliver. That will have us play with Clive Winterstein’s Porsche and if Fossa (and driver) really step up keep a class V competitor in sight. That only time will tell! 

All in all, the Kyalami Motorsport Festival, 21 Oct 2016 – 23 Oct 2016 an event NOT TO BE MISSED! An extremely full program with the action starting with the first practice session Friday 07:00.

SEE YOU THERE!

Fossa at Zwartkops ..

Venue: Zwartkops

Date: 8th October 2016

Event: Historic Tour

At dawn, the team slowly makes its way to the location for the day, Zwartkops. Nerves have got the best of everyone. No one knows what the day will unfold. We have all been impressed with Fossa’s performance at the previous events. We can only believe that it will keep improving as we keep trying out different methods, technically, so as to ensure that she performs at her peak level in 2016 with 1960 technology.

Fossa sizing out her competition Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa sizing out her competition Pic: Petrus Motsoko

At they go out for their qualifier rounds, Fossa sizes up her competition. Driver is also nervous as he has no idea what Fossa will be doing on the track. Eventually the cars come back into the pits having completed their qualifiers. Now we eager to hear what the driver has to tell us about Fossa’s performance, “Well she is driving fine, but I had no brakes.” Then as the crew, we immediately got to work, jacking up Fossa to bleed the brakes while waiting for the results for the qualifiers.
After getting the air bubbles out of Fossa’s system, we received news that Fossa actually did very well on the qualifiers despite her lack of brakes.

Fossa pulling out of the pits for her first heat   Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa pulling out of the pits for her first heat Pic: Petrus Motsoko

With Fossa now all prepped up and shiny, she pulls out of the pits for the first heat. The times could only keep improving now that we have fully operational brakes. Fuel tanks is full, oil is on the right level as well as water. Chris holds nothing as he and Fossa do a good job keeping the competition at bay.

Fossa can be seen coming hot around the corner   Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa can be seen coming hot around the corner Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Just to prove how tough it was, Fossa was always coming hot around the corner, as the competition was looking for any opportunity to pass Fossa by. Chris did a great job piloting Fossa around Zwartkops, at high speeds while managing to stay on the grey stuff as some people ended up going off-roading as sights of dust were a common trend through-out the day.

Three wheels on the road   Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Three wheels on the road Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa sometimes came around the corner with only three wheels on the road surface. To us that’s a sign that Fossa as well as the driver, Chris, are no synchronized and focused on delivering a good performance. The lap times keep on improving and the smiles on our faces keep on getting bigger.

The cars come back into the pits     Pic: Petrus Motsoko

The cars come back into the pits Pic: Petrus Motsoko

The vehicles can be seen coming back into the pits after a very tight battle on the track. No driver was holding back. Seeing that its almost the end of the season,, drivers want to score maximum scores so as to improve their positions on the leader board.
We then give Fossa some TLC and let her rest before the final heat for the day. Everyone is feeling good today as everything was working well. Fossa stayed together for the entire event. Nothing broke down.

Soon it was time for the last heat. The driver and machine were all ready and we were sure that they would do their best. So we wished them luck, and saw them off. It was clear that they meant serious business.

Fossa showing the competition a thing or two    Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa showing the competition a thing or two Pic: Petrus Motsoko

We were in the spectator sections cheering the team on as they put on a good performance keeping the competition at bay.

Fossa continuing to showing the competition a thing or two    Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa continuing to showing the competition a thing or two Pic: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa kept this performance up the whole race    Pic:  Petrus Motsoko

Fossa kept this performance up the whole race Pic: Petrus Motsoko

The competition really tried, but they could not overcome Fossa’s pace. She was on another level with this event. We were all speechless and very much impressed. We might not have physically timed Fossa but we knew for sure that her lap times were much lower than earlier in the day.

As the day reached its end, we loaded Fossa onto her trailer, and went for the prize giving. We clapped for people who went to collect their various trophy’s. Eventually the announcers got to our category, and our team was called to come and collect its prize.

Fossa & Chris   Pics: Petrus Motsoko

Fossa & Chris Pics: Petrus Motsoko

We managed to get a 2nd Position prize in our category. Congratulations go out to the Pit Crew, Chris and Fossa. It was definitely a job well-done. We will continue to work together to see to it that Fossa performs at her peak always.