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Collin Matiza
PHIL Archenoul has seen it all when it comes to competing in all classes of motor racing here in Zimbabwe.
The veteran driver, who is calmly sitting on the other side of the 60s age-wise, has been in the trenches for quite a long time, leaving some indelible footprints in main circuit racing, motorbike racing, drag racing, motor rally, endurance races and flat track racing.
In 2009 and 2010 he made his little bit of history when he helped the now-retired motor rally driver Jamie Whyte to win back-to-back African Motor Rally titles.
He was Whyte’s navigator.
After having achieved that, “Archie”, as he is affectionately known in the local motorsport world, took a back seat although he has been seen helping out at main circuit races and endurance events in Harare and Bulawayo, sending a clear message that he has not retired from motor racing.
He actually hasn’t stopped racing and this weekend will see Archenoul back doing what he loves best: “Dirty Dancing” in the Castrol 4×4 Jamboree at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
The Castrol 4×4 Jamboree is one of the biggest annual motor sport events in this country and it draws together all the top drivers from around the country.
This year’s Castrol 4×4 Jamboree is set to be held today and tomorrow at Donnybrook with “Archie” heading there to compete among the best. And he just loves competing with the best.
At the weekend, “Archie” will be driving an Isuzu.
Zimpapers Sport yesterday caught up with Archenoul and we have some good news from the veteran motor racing driver.
Archenoul announced yesterday he is returning to racing during this weekend’s Castrol 4×4 Jamboree at Donnybrook Park Raceway in Harare.
His face lit up when asked about his experience as a 4×4 driver.
“I started 4×4 competition work about 6 years back, having retired from international ralling, then Superbikes and drag racing in Zimbabwe.
“Although a lot slower, 4×4 demands a different skill set. It can be heart-stopping to say the least.
“I drive in the standard LWB class, aimed at bringing in beginners who just want to have fun in their daily run about vehicle. It is wonderful finding out just what your standard vehicle is capable of!
“I drive an Isuzu KB 300, which has been absolutely incredible, I just wish its driver could match its capabilities!”
The Castrol 4×4 Jamboree has been running for over 30 years and has produced some very talented drivers. Many start off in the standard class and eventually progress to the Specials.
These Specials are purpose built vehicles that can pretty much go anywhere or do anything, in the roughest dirt conditions. Most have individual brakes on each wheel, operated by the driver and co-driver, some even have 2 steering wheels! That certainly wouldn’t work for the average couple going home!!
“The courses at Donnybrook are set in very rough , rocky or muddy areas, that are demarcated by canes either side. Points are deducted for your vehicle touching a cane, knocking any of them down, or having to stop and reverse because you chose the wrong line.
It sounds simple enough, until you are in the vehicle and the ‘red mist comes down’!
Run over two days this weekend from 8:30am – 4pm, the event offers something for all off-road enthusiasts, and the normal general public – we all have that competitive spirit somewhere inside, that says “I could do that”
“And, most of us can,” Archie said.
Speaking more about today’s and tomorrow’s event at Donnybrook, Archenoul said:
“We have the traditional Mud Run, which is probably the all conquering crowd favourite, the see-saw, where one has to drive onto a huge see-saw and try and balance the vehicle horizontally.
“A new addition to the competition this year, is the Tyre Drag event. The driver has to tow a large tyre through a course, in as quicker time as possible.
“Great fun until it goes wrong, then things can get ugly! We ran this for the first time at our recent Eastern Highlands 4×4 event, and it being a first time out, there were some spectacular blunders. Watch this space on the weekend!
“Being Zimbabwe’s largest motorsport event of the year, there is a real carnival type atmosphere, with numerous stalls and sponsors showing off their products, from brand new vehicles to camping equipment, tyres, and loads more,” Archenoul said.
Online Reporter