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CAPE TOWN - The July 5 'Independence Day' race at Killarney race track in Cape will see competitors take on Round 5 of the Power Series.
The event will also feature a selection of American themed attractions - among them a New York (NYPD) police car that will do duty as pace car.
There will also be a street-legal motorcycle breakfast run.
'HOT-DOG EATING' DRAG RACE?
Static items are going to include displays of Hot Rods, Ford Mustangs and chromed Harley Davidson's, while generous prizes await the winners of the first ever, timed hot-dog eating drag race, being held in the clubhouse.
Outside there are going to be minders to care for the kiddies in the nearby play area.
V8 MASTERS CLASS
The All-American influence on the track will be more obvious in the V8 Masters events than any of the other races. Although designed for the track by the late Owen Ashley and built in his Killarney factory cum workshop, the one make Masters muscle cars were (unashamedly), closely related to the big Ford Mustangs of the period.
Powered by a similar 347 cubic inches modified Ford V8 motor capable of 325kW of power to the back wheels through a five speed Trimax gearbox and a limited slip Mustang differential, the category’s controllers have finally also been able to overcome the earlier tyre shredding problems caused by the brand, a surfeit of power and in some cases just an extra tot measure of over-exuberant driving.
However the Masters also differs from all the other classes in that – as happens in golf these days – there is an age restriction and all competitors must be over 45-years-old.
MOTORSPORT VETERANS
However as drivers like multiple former national Superkart champion Marcel Angel, Charles Arton (whose car is already bedecked in the USA’s red, white and blue livery), and several others have shown, the mature guys have more than enough experience to counter any perceived changes in reaction time.
While the Masters is a one make category, the largest entry and greatest variety of cars is reserved for the clubman shootout. Operating in pairs at the head of the field, a brace of Beemers in the hands of the spectacular Danie van Niekerk and Nieyaaz Modack are going to take on a similar number of turbo Audis driven by Alex and Andre Johnson and two hot two-litre VW Golf's that have been entrusted to Clint Rennard and the mercurial Brennon Green.
Behind them, lesser known models include Wayne Wilson’s class D Nissan Maxima, Samantha Wilson’s class F Renault Laguna and a class X Ford Falcon SR6 driven by Pierre Basson.
CLASSIC CARS
The variety continues in the Classic Car class where the Ferdi van Niekerk father and son combo have entered a similarly V8 related giant Ford Galaxy and a more nimble Ford Capri Perana. Their opposition includes Richard "Quickly" Quixley (Datsun 240Z), Dave Kopke (Mazda R100), Robin Forbes (Chev Corvette Stingray) and Trevor Momberg (Ford Capri V6).
While former national champion Marcel (Kosie) Weyers, enjoys a controversial image on the track in the Bold Marine GTi Challenge, he certainly always provides more than his allotted share of spectator entertainment. His Independence Day opposition will probably come from drivers like Christopher Swart, Nian du Toit and the young Marco Busi.
Although Brad Wadeley looks like the man to beat in the formula supercar events, however Gareth Easom and Jarryd Evans may have other ideas about that.
Clive Spolander (Jaguar XJS) and the physically challenged Steve Hallett (Ford Sapphire), will probably have to spearhead the battle against a panzer brigade of Porsches led by Eric van der Merwe’s 924 turbo.
Finally, it should be close but the vintage F1 lines of Dee-Jay Booysen’s aesthetically clean motorcycle powered formula libre single seater may be just enough to see off the proven formula Vees of drivers like Sean le Riche and Wade Godding.
Racing is due to get under way after the final practice and qualifying sessions at 10am. Admission is R60 for adults and R20 for scholars under 16. There is no charge for children under 12.