Gloomy Skies – Great Racing
The skies threatened, and the rain came down in sheets at Loftus Versfeld. But while the weather was wild elsewhere, Zwartkops Raceway stayed dry—almost as if the racing gods were on our side. Despite the looming storm, over 160 determined Northern Region racers gathered, engines roaring and spirits high. And race they did! Not only did we beat the clock—we beat the weatherman too. Victory on the track and in the skies. What a day!
The mighty Legends of the 9 Hour had 39 cars on track!
Little GIANTS/ U2 & U2+
In the U2+ class, Jonathan Needham powered his Mark 2 Cortina Parana to a commanding victory, with Francesco Lombardi hot on his heels in the U2 Alfa. Deon Schwabsky rounded out the top three in his Ford Escort, showing grit and pace. Just behind them in the ISP Ford Escort Djurk Venter put in a strong solo performance chasing down the Needham Cortina with determination.
Little Giants Class A saw a nail-biting finish as Kyle Brink snatched victory, edging just ahead of Nicolas Christofides and Ismael Baloyi in a tightly contested battle. Class B honours went to Robbie Frank, piloting his magnificent Lotus 23 to a standout victory and adding a bit of classic magic to the mix. Class C saw Donovan Meyer steer his Mini to victory, holding off Jaco Taylor and Elke van Vledder in the iconic yellow Alfa GT for a well-earned win. The variety and stamina of the U2 and Little Giants classes continue to showcase the heart of historic racing—gritty, characterful, and deeply appreciated by true racing fanatics.
Pre–1966/ 1969 Legends Production Cars
The V8’s are probably the most difficult cars to race. Big, heavy, raw machines with no driving aids and a mind of their own. It was Ben Morgenrood and Seef Fourie JNR who lit up the front of the field, delivering a ferocious battle that set the pace and shook the stands. Despite heat-win penalties, both still managed to be classified first and second—a testament to their speed and consistency. Lee Thompson and Mark du Toit looked set to keep the pressure on, but mechanical woes intervened—engine issues and brake failures forcing them both into early retirements.
The real disruption came from Hennie Groenewald in the incredible Kameeldoring Escort. Driving the wheels of his car mesmerising most of them with his giant-killing drive. It was truly one of the most remarkable performances of the day. The combination of James Temple in the Capri Perana, Jonathan Needham’s Mustang, and Paige Lindenberg’s Ford Fairlane was a spectacular display of muscle and skill. These three drivers are a true testament to the strength and flair of classic V8 Class B racing.
International Sports Prototypes and Le Mans Sports and GT
In the ISP Class, Mark in the stunning Lola T70 Spyder and Lee Thompson in the Opel Astra fought a dramatic battle up front, showing both speed and stamina. Despite the challenge, the ex-Willie Hepburn Chev Can-Am put in a mighty drive of its own, storming to a well-earned third place on the day. Andre van der Merwe in his Porsche 911 RSR won ISP Overall in Class B.
In Le Mans Sports and GT, James Temple was in a league of his own, storming to overall victory in his beautifully prepared Shelby Daytona Coupe. A fitting car and driver combo for a race that celebrates endurance and speed. Peter Bailey in the Trans Africa Racing GT40, Allen Meyer in the Chevron B8 and Djurk Venter in another Shelby Daytona Coupe. Each one put on a class-winning performance, bringing home trophies in style and showing the diversity and depth of talent across this prestigious field.
The engines may have cooled at Zwartkops, but the action rolls on. Join us at Red Star Raceway on Saturday, 7 June, for the next thrilling chapter in the Historic/ Inland Championship season.
Peter Du Toit
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