The SA Endurance National Championship roared into action with a thrilling opening round at Zwartkops Raceway, where fans were treated to a weekend filled with high-speed duels, dramatic on-track moments, and unforgettable performances across multiple racing categories.
The opening race, the Samlin Racing Four Hours of Zwartkops, set the tone for the season with an electrifying showdown. Nick Adcock, Michael Jensen, and 17-year-old Ryan Naicker made their mark, securing a dominant victory in their Rico Barlow Racing/Adjust for Sleep Nova. Despite facing fierce competition, the trio kept their cool and fought hard, particularly against the reigning champions, Xolile Letlaka and Stuart White, who were piloting the powerful Into Africa Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo.
A dramatic twist unfolded halfway through the race, when Letlaka and White suffered a racing incident that cost them valuable time. This set the stage for Adcock, Jensen, and Naicker to take the lead and claim the top spot on the podium. Letlaka and White managed to recover, but their misfortune relegated them to second place.
The final podium spot went to the resilient duo of Steve Clark and Mike McLaughlin in their Backdraft Roadster. This marked a remarkable comeback after their primary car suffered a mechanical issue before qualifying. Opting to race a spare car in Class A, they delivered a strong performance and secured valuable championship points.
While the endurance race was the star of the weekend, the support races offered their own exciting moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From GT Cup SA to MRSSA Motorcycle Racing, the action was fast and fierce.
The much-anticipated debut of the GT Cup SA series didn’t disappoint, with Charl Arangies delivering a perfect performance in his Porsche 911 GT3 R, securing victories in all three races. But it wasn’t all one-sided, as rising star Ryan Naicker showed impressive skill and resilience, especially in the final race where he battled it out for second place with Arnold Neveling and Mo Mia.
The Sports & GT races provided a mix of fast-paced action and strategic driving. Andrew Horne, behind the wheel of a Ligier-Honda JS49, cruised to victory in the first race, showcasing his dominance. But Mike Verrier wasn’t about to let Horne have all the glory. In the second race, Verrier, driving a Shelby CanAm, fought his way to the top, delivering a thrilling victory of his own.
The MRSSA Motorcycle Racing series brought high-speed duels to the track across a range of categories. In the Superbike class, Adolf Boshoff, aboard his Honda CBR 1000 RRR, claimed the top spot after a series of intense battles. Meanwhile, Ora Phiri, riding a Yamaha YZF, emerged victorious in the 600cc class, providing an exciting spectacle for motorcycle fans.
Main Image: Supplied
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