#170 Race report Zwartkops 12 April 2014

On Saturday we had the 2nd round of the Historic tour at Zwartkops international raceway.

Qualifying was a nightmare. Went out, did three laps and then got T-boned properly on the driver side on the exit of turn 5. Other car burst a brake hose and used my door to stop his car. Rear fender, 1/4 panel and front door is stuffed. The impact was enough to bend the roll cage sissy bar right up against the seat. Roll cage and neck brace did their job, I only got a couple of bruises on my knee.

Got back into the pits, bent the door back so it actually closes... check hubs and wheel alignment. Car is still straight wheelbase wise, but plenty cosmetic damage 🙁

Race 1. Started in 21st place overall but did not really make up a lot of places. The beetle is seriously underpowered against the big guys, but still had a good race. Finished 16th overall. On the first lap going into turn 4 everything got a little tight and I touched the black Datsun with the LF fender... no more headlight and some fiberglass damage to the beetle. I have not had any body damage on the car in about 5 years... so it seems like I do it properly when I do. 🙁 . Going up to turn 5 I almost got taken out again by the Escort as he came flying past the inside and then ran wide. Around lap 8 I had a huge moment on the turn 6 exit, full lock countersteer as the arse came out. Managed to catch it at least. 🙂

Racing against the red 351ci v8 capri was frustrating... I pass him under braking and into the corner just for him to come flying past down the straight again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g88J3MOGYEc

Race 2. Saw a couple of good dices again and I probably passed infamous the red Capri 8 times going into rurn 5. I'm sure he is pissed at me for not letting him go. 🙂 . Never give up!!! He might have 300hp more than me, but handling means a lot too 🙂 . I must say that the guy in the capri sure does trust the beetle's brakes... he would come past and then slam onto the brakes right in front of me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H_4h09uqzo

Maybe getting hit on the door is just a reminder of what can happen... so double side protection bars will now be installed with another brace to the tunnel as well.

Front fender damage

great footage! the guy in the capri is a nutter.

your car sounds really strong and obviously handles very well. Always look forward to your vids.

great footage! the guy in the capri is a nutter.

Thanks. The guy in the capri obviously trusts the beetle's braking capabillities a little too much. I almost rear ended him a couple of times. 😵