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South African drivers this weekend qualified for the inaugural Free State 500 to be held at Phakisa Freeway in Welkom on January 31.
South African drivers Johan Cronje, FJ Oosthuizen, Lionel Lotter and Jaco and Danie Correia Jr attended the first two-day training and qualification courses held on Saturday and Sunday for the Nascar-like stock car race in South Africa.
Billed as a "battle between two continents", the race will see South African and American, as well as drivers from Australia and Great Britain compete in the American Speed Association's Transcontinental version of the popular race series.
Experienced instructor and president of the California-based Drivetech Training School tasked with preparing the local drivers Mark Ebert was impressed with the South African drivers' performances.
“I was totally amazed by the unbelievable race craft of the South African drivers. From the very first lap they proved that they are very good at what they do. I could not believe how quickly they adapted to Oval track racing considering that this was the first time they had experienced these cars and the circuit.
Not only did the South Africans impress with their driving abilities, but they all took to the theory lessons without any problems. “American stock cars are heavy and have narrow tyres, little downforce, small brakes and a high centre of gravity – in fact, everything that makes a race car difficult to drive,” said Ebert.
“Many drivers cannot adapt to driving these cars fast, which we have seen when top drivers from other disciplines, like Formula 1, have struggled to make the transition. Your guys did great.”
The next racing school takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday and interested drivers should contact Etienne Swanepoel at jim1@mweb.co.za.
The American teams are expected in South Africa on January 27. Official practice is on Friday, January 29 with qualifying on Saturday, January 30. The 207-lap 500-km race will be run on Sunday, January 31.
Tickets to the Free State 500 can be bought at Computicket and prices range from R20 to R330. All tickets include a 90-minute pit walkabout.
South African drivers Johan Cronje, FJ Oosthuizen, Lionel Lotter and Jaco and Danie Correia Jr attended the first two-day training and qualification courses held on Saturday and Sunday for the Nascar-like stock car race in South Africa.
Billed as a "battle between two continents", the race will see South African and American, as well as drivers from Australia and Great Britain compete in the American Speed Association's Transcontinental version of the popular race series.
Experienced instructor and president of the California-based Drivetech Training School tasked with preparing the local drivers Mark Ebert was impressed with the South African drivers' performances.
“I was totally amazed by the unbelievable race craft of the South African drivers. From the very first lap they proved that they are very good at what they do. I could not believe how quickly they adapted to Oval track racing considering that this was the first time they had experienced these cars and the circuit.
Not only did the South Africans impress with their driving abilities, but they all took to the theory lessons without any problems. “American stock cars are heavy and have narrow tyres, little downforce, small brakes and a high centre of gravity – in fact, everything that makes a race car difficult to drive,” said Ebert.
“Many drivers cannot adapt to driving these cars fast, which we have seen when top drivers from other disciplines, like Formula 1, have struggled to make the transition. Your guys did great.”
The next racing school takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday and interested drivers should contact Etienne Swanepoel at jim1@mweb.co.za.
The American teams are expected in South Africa on January 27. Official practice is on Friday, January 29 with qualifying on Saturday, January 30. The 207-lap 500-km race will be run on Sunday, January 31.
Tickets to the Free State 500 can be bought at Computicket and prices range from R20 to R330. All tickets include a 90-minute pit walkabout.