Execuline Springbok Series.

Fresh from a hugely successful meeting at Zwartkops, the more than 200 competitors in the international historic Execuline Springbok Series are all balanced on a knife edge as they await what promises to be an exciting final round at Killarney this weekend (6 and 7 February).

The shootout among the American muscle cars for instance, is certain to be particularly close. Because with Sarel van der Merwe the target to aim at in his 7-litre Holman & Moody Ford Galaxie that won 23 NASCAR races,  as well as the British Saloon Car title, before Bob Olthoff was entrusted to complete a demolition job in it, in South Africa in 1965, the opposition is determined to lower Supervan’s colours.

Leading their attack is Peter Lindenberg, who will be at the wheel of ‘The Animal,” a later model Ford Sierra XR8 that originally acquired a redoubtable reputation in the hands of the ageless Willie Hepburn. Others include the hard charging multiple former Wesbank V8 champion Hennie Groenewald in a Chev Camaro V8, while Mark du Toit has entered a 1959 Chev Biscayne and the brave Andre Mouton is going to be driving his Studebaker Silver Hawk.

Scotland’s Irvine Laidlaw is expected to play a leading role in the sports car and single seater events.  His Aston Martin DBR 2/1 in particular, has a proud history. One of only two produced by the factory, it fared exceptionally well in the capable hands of Stirling Moss, during early sports car campaigns in England and America. 

Although a last minute withdrawal from the Zwartkops round of the Series, the Aston is confidently expected to be ready for the Killarney final.         

Laidlaw’s second car is one of the Ferrari 312 PB’s that formed part of the illustrious team that clinched the 1972 World Sports Car Championship for the Scuderia Ferrari. Powered by a flat, 12 cylinder motor that develops 455bhp at 11,000 rpm, with brakes and roadholding to match, it should be one of the quickest cars on the circuit this weekend.      

Finally his open wheel Brabham B17A, with power from a F1 type  2.7-litre Coventry Climax engine of the time, was built for the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand.

The sports car entry in general, is particularly strong, with seven Ford GT 40’s, three Porsche 917’s and two Lola T-70’s, as well as a host of smaller cars, expected to face the starter. And while several are replicas, that is not necessarily going to be a disadvantage on the track.

The gates open at 07h.00 on both days, with racing from 10h.50 on Saturday and 09h.30 on Sunday. While adult admission is R80 per day, a discounted R120 weekend ticket is also available at the gate.

Scholars under 16 are liable for R20 pd, but there is no charge for kiddies under 12.

Details 

The Execuline historic weekend begins early, with scrutineering and documentation due to take place from 07h.30 on Saturday morning. This will be followed by the drivers and riders briefing, with the next two hours devoted to a series of short, timed practice sessions for all the competitors.

The day’s serious activity starts at 10h.50, with the first of the weekend’s 20 races, a 10 lap event for historic single seater cars.  This will be followed by a kaleidoscope of races for historic saloon, sports and racing cars as well as motorcycles.

Sunday gets under way with a church service in the clubhouse at 07h.30, followed by a one hour final warm-up session from 08h.30.

Racing after that is going to include the World Sports and GT Challenge for pre-1984 cars. The longest event of the weekend, a One Hour Endurance Race, is scheduled for mid-afternoon.   

Ostensibly for relatively modern – by historic standards – pre-1984 sports and GT cars, it is also going to include a Tourist Trophy category for similar units built before 1966, that are shod with treaded tyres.

With more than one driver permitted, the change can be made during a compulsory pit stop when the competing vehicle must remain stationary for a minimum of three minutes.  Refuelling can take place during this time. These stops are going to be closely monitored with any infringement liable to result in a one lap penalty.