adminGary Kirk Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S fastest drivers and riders will be in action at Donnybrook tomorrow as the Shield Raceday brings the 3rd round of the National Racing Championships to the Harare circuit, and right in the thick of the action will be four very quick women.
Lorraine Randall has already powered her Mini into the points this season, while newcomer Christy Laing has shrugged off some turbo problems and has her Starlet back up to speed.
On the motorcycle front, Tiffany Fisher has been riding her Megelli faster with every outing, while Bulawayo’s Bianca Schultz will be anxious to consolidate her top 10 position in the Superbike standings. Although the seven-round season has not yet reached the halfway mark, the rivalry is already very intense and several championships see the lead being shared between several competitors.
The prestigious Driver of the Year championship is a case in point. Supported by Toyota Zimbabwe and based on a handicap system, 2014 sees no less than three drivers tied on points for the lead. Father and son team of John and Brett Cameron share equal points with experienced multiple champion Richard Robinson, although while Brett and Robinson have each won a round of the series so far, John has moved himself into contention with a couple of consistent drives to positions in the points.
The runner-up spot is also shared by three drivers as Gary Kirk and Bulawayo’s Byron Norman are tied with rookie sensation Brett Olsen. Although an experienced kart racer, Olsen has turned his hand to the big circuits at the wheel of a LRSS prepared Corolla, and finds himself leading the 1600cc National Saloon car championship.
Team patron Nicky Berkau is one point behind Olsen in the second team car, and tied with the indecently fast Anglia of another Bulawayo driver, Denzil Bhana. A gaggle of Toyota Corollas and MR2s dominate this class, prompting Toyota Zimbabwe to sponsor a separate handicap for them, and again we find Brett Olsen at the top of the table, but this time pursued by Mike Exton and Peter Flack.
With Olsen missing Sunday’s racing due to commitments in Australia, the pursuing pack will seize their chance to knock him off the top spot.
In the Unlimited Saloon class, Rowan Whyte has shown that his decision to purchase the Subaru Impreza STi that Ian Howden used so successfully in 2013 was a wise one, and he has placed the car firmly at the top of the leaderboard.
The similar car of Angelo Tavares holds 2nd place ahead of the BMW of Philip Minnaar, with Howden’s 200km/h off track excursion in Bulawayo dropping him to 4th. The Unlimited Sports Car class has a surprise leader in the form of Richard Robinson, who has driven uncharacteristically consistently while those around him have faltered.
Double Harare race winner Barney Rogers did not score in Bulawayo, while reigning champ Cole Bond has had mechanical issues to deal with.
Former champion Eric Heard has had a dismal start to his season, and has yet to trouble the scorers, as has Bulawayo driver Sonny Young.
In the 1600cc sports class, early leader Gary Kirk has been caught and passed by both members of “Team Cameron”, while teenager Fanie van der Linde has made significant changes to his car, and is threatening to upset the old guard.
Superbikes have made a sensational return to National Class racing this year, and the speed and sound of these two wheeled missiles has proven very popular with the spectators.
Phil Archenoul has yet to be beaten at either circuit on his DeWalt Suzuki, despite the best efforts of Kawasaki mounted Ian Gutherless and the Ducati of former champ Uli Meiners.
A large contingent of Bulawayo riders have promised to make the trip to Donnybrook, including veteran rider Dave Mouat and the Schultz trio of Tim, Bianca and Matthew.
The 250cc Megelli class will also be in action, and again Archenoul heads the table, but Shaun Whyte and Graham Hill both have points to prove tomorrow.
Practise starts at 10am, with the first race scheduled for 12noon.
Online Reporter