21 April I make a brief visit to Kyalami to complete documentation and collect our tickets. The sounds of the other practicing make me realise I should also be there ….
22 April, 06h00 we arrive track side leaving tickets for visitors at the main gate, find a spot and dismount Fossa. Our lack of successful visits to this legendary track wears on my mind really not looking forward to another engine rebuild. We are once again in the secondary pit area, this time with space to spare.
Fossa is taken for scrutineering passing as expected. Being billed as a two day event we are happy that qualifying is at 9:35 on Saturday. With our previous visit cut short by a valve through the piston after only a few minutes, and a best time of 2:55.793, this is still new to me. The track surface offers a lot of, maybe too much traction combined with Fossa’s Yoko’s. Well, with five timed laps we run an improved 2:41.655.
Race one: 10:50. For this was a rather quiet race running alone, using the opportunity as a reconnaissance and practise session. The only other car that we could have played with the Sunbeam Alpine of Mark Van Rooyen slowly disappearing into the horizon. We ran a best lap of 2:41.536. We are lapped by twenty one competitors of which eight pass us twice!
Fossa lifting her left front
Race two: With the sun starting to fade at 16:40 we head out for race two. Heading over the startline, I make sure to just cross behind the nose of Mark’s Sunbeam and then it is an all holds barred drag down the strip, corner one, we find ourselves in front of the red trailer. From there on, it is a constant competition for that position. On occasion the Sunbeam Alpine pull in next to me with it’s awesome exhaust note. Fossa is really pushed to new limits with Mark in pursuit. In the corners the Sunbeam close the gap, on the straights Fossa opens a small gap. On the main straight I find my left hand moving for another gear, realising, there are no more. What it feels like to top out an Anglia on historic parts, 😉 . We run a best lap of 2:36.866. We are lapped by seven competitors once. The hardest I have worked behind a steering wheel in a while!
Our total race time, 18:44.4, Mark, 18:45.6 ….
Fossa Ford Anglia and her red trailer, Mark Van Rooyen
For now, Fossa Ford Anglia is the fastest Ford Anglia on the new Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
The spectator volume really surprised and was most welcome. It was heartwarming to see the embankments filled with visitors! If motor racing can draw these numbers there is increased possibility of sponsors returning to our favourite sport.
Received some sad news today with the passing of Sean Allen, a brother in historic racing. Rest in peace.
Our next race outing will be at the Extreme Festival 17 June 2017. Considering some changes to Fossa, time will tell. Cheers.