East London set to challenge

The Comsol VW Challenge competitors make their way down to the coast for their annual “away race” on Saturday, 20 May. The daunting East London Grand Prix Circuit will host the third round of the 2017 championship.

At the head of the overall championship log Rory Atkinson (Pozi Drive Polo) has a slender one-point lead over Stiaan Kriel who, on top of looking to get to the top of the table, will be aiming to give new sponsor Spanjaard the best possible introduction to his team. Adrian Wood (Laserfiche Polo) and defending champion Nic Clarke (Pozi Drive Polo) and next in line with veterans Wouter Roos (Nathan’s Motorsport Polo) and Iain Pepper (Campos Transport Polo) round out the top six tied on 29 points.

In class A Kriel has won all four of the races held so far and aims to keep his 100% record intact. Pepper is the one likely to be leading the charge to spoil that record, although Wayne Masters (Performance Masters Polo), Devon Piazza Musso (Polo) and Waldie Meintjes (LTR / Marty’s Body & Spray Polo) are all capable of mixing it up at the head of the field.

Last time out at Red Star Wood took both wins to move into the lead of the class B championship but almost certainly won’t have things all his own way at round 3. Clarke and Lyle Ramsay (Monroe Racing Polo) have both stood on the top step of the podium this season and will be out for a repeat performance. Jacques Smith (Hydra Arc Polo) and Deon Holliday Jnr (Centworx Polo) are also likely to be in contention.

Baring a second place in the season’s opening race at Zwartkops, Atkinson has taken every point on offer in the class C championship and will be out to continue that dominance in East London. Roos and Shaun Crous (Ancro Building Projects Polo) are the drivers most likely to challenge him although Chris Dale (Pozi Drive / Dale Automation Polo) has been steadily getting closer to the front of the field. Another one to watch could be newcomer Shivesh Bissoon who is scheduled to make his Comsol VW Challenge debut in the Trevor Bland Racing Polo.

After re-acquainting themselves with the 3.9 km circuit during Friday’s practice sessions the drivers will go out for their qualifying stint at 08h10 on Saturday morning. The two 10-lap races take place at 11h00 and 14h30.

Comsol VW Challenge would like to acknowledge the valuable support of their sponsors, ATE Brakes, Dicktator Engine Management Systems, Tron Lubricants, Glasfix Windscreen Repairs and Norbrake, who make the series possible.