26 January. We head for Zwartkops leaving a little later and our first time avoiding the dreaded robbery called etolls. We arrive at about 06h15. Get Fossa dismounted, everything unpacked and in their place. It is going to be a busy day …… Ya, right ….

Shane Venter and “family” arrived for support.

First slot available we head out on track. The new diff ratio makes a BIG difference with regards to gear changes, I can do with more practice use it optimally. Unfortunately the Racechrono app on my phone did not play ball. I have no record of top speed or lap times. Based on the course times taken from our GoPro footage, my times are +/- 3seconds higher …..

The new tires seem to fold in under Fossa which does not instill trust. Will up the pressure …… Would have on a next stint, but Fossa started making a new noise, louder and louder …… Her recently heat-wrapped exhaust branch in an attempt to reduce heat in the engine bay had broken clean off! That wrap did make a difference. It also was the downfall of the branch. The contained heat destroyed it! And to top it, it looks crystalised.

Broken exhaust branch

———————————-

With that behind us it is time for Legends of the 9 Hour 2013 prize giving. I walk up to the ZOC club house, wondering about the damage to the branch …. we have a race next weekend. We find Brian, he does however not have his rubber stamp with him and Fossa’s HTP document is not “certified”.  Prize giving starts, my mind busy stripping the branch from Fossa trying to picture the damage. I am called, first place class U. I return to our table and can not help working on Fossa .. in my mind when Annalie utters a “HUH”. Not a characteristic of Annalie this draws me back to the present. Annalie tells me I have been called again …… what, why, how ……

Prizes, yip the plural

We receive a 2nd prize over all for the Pre66 Little Giants! A real surprise!

Soon after I drift away and am working on Fossa again, concerned about the damage…..

Annalie has sourced us a new branch at Wildcat which will be delivered to us tomorrow …… Guess I will be working on Fossa tomorrow evening …. and might have to take her to an exhaust place to join to the remainder of the system on Friday morning which will make us late at the track …..

With a confirmed entry of 340 cars, Zwartkops Raceway is the place to be this Saturday! See you there!