We were invited to attend the Times Racing “Historic Track Day Experience”.

tuxracing Arrived early as usual, this provided me time for a photo shoot in the pits with our Ford Cortina.

At the track, a Mustang, Biscayne, Bel-Air and GT40

The drivers, Thomas Falkiner, Mark Du Toit, Colin Frost, his son and Lee Thompson.

Mark Du Toit & Thomas Falkiner

We were all called together, advised of the planned activities. Our names were drawn from a helmet, Chris “Roach” was drawn first from the tuxracing team to the Ford GT40, next name, Annalie also GT40. I was secretly / openly hoping for the Ford Mustang. Then my name, I was drawn for the ’57 Chevy Bel-Air. No objections. A ride in any one of these fine examples of history is welcome.

We collected helmets and disposable balaclavas, which were really actually hair retainers for mainly food and manufacturing industries.

Every one standing around, some of the hottest cars on the planet and their drivers waiting to entertain. I thought, no way, let me go before they can change their minds! With that I am the first to go in the Bel-Air. My “PILOT” for the flight, Lee Thompson.

Lee Thompson

I enter and some idiot put the steering wheel in the wrong place! I get strapped in. I check out the scenery inside the car. It is pretty bare. Trust the essentials are here. I am much to short to help with the braking, at least the roll cage gives me a fixed point to touch my right foot.

The BIG V8 roars and we are off. There is the Biscayne in front of us.

Chevy Biscayne leading us out on to the track

Onto the track, corner two and shortly after we pass the Biscayne as if it is looking for that proverbial parking, in reverse. Lee does not take _______! The Bel-Air _______ off. Where that incredible traction comes from, who knows, that big Chev is biting into the track. It goes though my mind that Lee may want to prove a point with me wearing Ford attire. The Bel-Air uses the full width of the track. It is incredible to experience that enormous car flying along testing it’s adhesion in every corner.

That is me, Chris Visagie, Pic: Annalie

All to soon we pull into the pits and the ride is over. What a ride! What a driver. I chat to Johnny who is involved from what I understand, in the maintenance of the cars. He informs me that sometimes Lee “is soos ‘n los visstok” (is like a loose fishing rod).

Chris “Roach” is on the track when I returned.

Chris "Roach" on track

His words, “I have never felt so safe in a motor car. Dit was _________ lekker! (It was very very very nice).

Then came Annalie’s turn.

Annalie going out

Annalie on track

Annalie echoes Chris “Roach” comment about the safe feeling. Almost like a slot car. She says she wants one, anybody out there have a spare one?

Some random pic’s of the day ….

To Times Racing and all who offered up their Saturday morning for us, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, this day will never be forgotten!

I do suspect the adrenalin will subside in the next few days.