adminThe championship lead is split evenly between Bulawayo and Harare in the various classes, so a large field is guaranteed in all races.
Bulawayo’s Darren Winterboer leads the Unlimited Saloon Car class in his BMW 330i, but a mere 4 points behind is Ian Howden, whose Subaru WRX turbo has been unbeaten at Donnybrook this year.
Howden was closing in on the lap record at the May race meeting, but a win on Sunday will only see him draw level with Winterboer in the standings if the BMW driver finishes second.
In the 1600cc saloon class Harare’s Rowan Whyte, son of motor rallying champion Jamie, holds a five-point advantage over Toyota team mates Rod Zwart and
Alister Howden who are tied for second place ahead of Denzil Bhana’s very quick Mini.
Zimbabwe’s fastest lady racing driver Chanelle Green is just behind Zack Flack in sixth place.
Newcomer Steve Murton is yet to make his mark, as mechanical problems with his Toyota MR2 have interfered with his season so far.
The sports car classes are buzzing with news of the arrival of James Alexander’s Nardini which is the first car of its type to race on Zimbabwe’s tracks.
Fitted with a highly modified 2.1-litre Golf motor, this car has produced times in South Africa which should make it a winner at Donnybrook this Sunday.
However, some problems in testing have restricted the car to a handful of laps, so it is hoped that all will be sorted out before Sunday’s race.
Stuart Young leads the Unlimited Sports Car class despite not having won a race this year, proving that consistency is the key to winning championships.
However, both Barney Rogers and Eric Heard are close behind Young, and combined with the fact that multiple race and rally champion Richard “Mahobho” Robinson has now joined this class, the first corner will be a very busy place.
Jason Kirk has returned from his overseas studies to campaign a Super 7 sports car in this class, while brother Ryan returns to the 1600cc sports car class where he was champion for two years while still at school.
However, reigning champion Brett Cameron will want to extend his run of class wins, and will have his father John as backup with a newly modified car.
Shaun Kerwin lies second to Cameron in the championship standings.
In the motorcycles, the Megelli 250 class guarantees some spectacular action with 14 riders competing for top honours.
The usual suspects are bound to be found up front, with the trio of Whytes, Shaun, Peter and Peter (Jnr) separated by an amazing 0.2 of a second last meeting, it would be impossible to predict a winner until the last corner.
Former South Africa national champion Shaun has the fight of his life on his hands keeping his two relatives at bay.
Hot on their heels will be the next group of Liam Muller, Shane Thomas and Rob Wallace, all within just half a second of each other.
Bulawayo has strong representation in the form of old master Dave Mouat.
A latecomer to the series, Mouat has proven to lost none of his speed from years ago and will be a strong contender for a top five place.
Sunday also sees the return of ex-national champion Tony Rowley.
The young at heart granddad will be out to show the younger riders that age is only a number as he is still quite capable of mixing it with the best of them.
The bike programme has two scratch and two handicap races.
The handicap events level the playing field, with the slower starting first and the fastest last, and in theory all the riders cross the finish line at the same time. This makes for dramatic last laps, with riders making desperate last minute overtaking moves to take the chequered flag.
The racing starts at 11am on Sunday, and will culminate in the race for the Toyota Trophy which is a handicap event open to cars of all classes.
Online Reporter