WWheels 17_Sept_2015.pdf

Big
money for
para­cycles
in Rio
PAGE 4
September 17, 2015
Witness
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… NOW YOU’RE MOTORING
Cheap, but
the opposite
of nasty
Merc says what you do with it is your business
ALWYN VILJOEN
BECAUSE I always answer “a panel van” when I
get the frequently asked question, “What is the
best bakkie”, I was all but palpitating to attend the
launch of the new Vito at the Zwartkops Raceway
in Pretoria this week, courtesy of Mercedes­Benz.
Vans, if you don’t know, already offer a canopy
to protect the load, they cost a lot less to run, their
floors are low enough to easily load any object and
— depending on your transport needs — you can
fit cargo restrainers, seats with three­point seat
belts, or a double bed.
The Vito was already a very good medium­sized
van to start with, which is why the MD at Merc’s
vans, Nicolette Lambrechts, had to sharpen her
pencil to a fine point indeed to make the latest
model range even better. She did this by adding
front­wheel drive versions (more on this below)
and by making the service intervals longer, up to
40 000 up from 30 000, and the service plans
are up from the previous five­year/90 000 km to
an unprecedented five­year/120 000 km for all
models of the new Vito.
Lambrechts said this was one of the things clients
wanted, and clients’ needs across the world
were what drove the new Vito’s improvements.
Lambrechts said these customers had one demand
in common, “even more reliability”.
The end result is a van that can safely shuttle
from toddlers up to well over a ton of payload.
“Never before has there been as much Vito as
there is now. It is a payload giant, a dwarf in costs,
and a safety expert. It is truly the best van in midsize
segment that will drive the success of most
demanding owners in most challenging businesses,”
said Lambrechts.
Two engines and four model ranges are on offer
— the usual bare­bones panel van, which has the
highest payload among the medium­sized vans;
the Mixto, which is competes with VW’s Crewcab;
and either a Tourer Pro model — aimed at airport
shuttlers companies, or a Tourer Select — aimed
at families or companies.
Tall okes will be delighted that the seats in the
panel van can now move eight centimetres further
back, which makes a big difference in the comfort
stakes, but I would have liked the centrally mounted
gear console to be moved higher, away from
my left shin.
Lambrechts said the Vito’s total cost of ownership
has been reduced by 2,6 l/100 km and the optional
seven­speed automatic transmission with
Blue tech will consume only 5 l/100 km. A drag coefficient
of 0,32 helped to reduce fuel consumption
to these levels. The materials inside the new Vito
have been tested in 45­degree heat near Upington
in the Northern Cape and all are of good quality,
although the entry­level radio really does not belong
in a van of this stature. Opt for higher spec.
Back to that front­wheel drive system, the benefit
is that it adds the lightness legendary race carbuilder
Colin Chapman was always going on
about. The new front­wheel drive system in the
range is very light and can carry a payload of
1 344 kg — the most in this class.
As drivers of the Fiat Ducato and Hyundai H1
also tell, the front­wheel drive offers better traction
“The new Vito
creates an
assertive and
unmistakable
impression but its
design is not an
end in itself. Even
at first glance the
new Vito’s
bodywork exudes
high quality and
both drivers and
occupants get the
impression the
vehicle can handle
any task thrown
at it.”
in sticky or slippery situations, where you can use
the front wheels to pull yourself out of trouble instead
of pushing yourself deeper into it.
The front­wheel drive Vito has Renault’s transverse­mounted,
1,6 engine common rail turbo diesel
engine that is also used in Merc’s A­Class.
But as any driver in a bakkie will also tell you,
piling more weight on the rear­drive wheels increase
the transfer of power to the tar (thank you,
Newton’s second law) which makes the rear wheel
drive models better suited for those long road deliveries
and to pull trailers.
The rear­wheel drive Vito is powered by a 2,2,
four­cylinder engine with a 2,2­litre displacement
available with three power output levels, 100 kW
in the 114 CDI; 120 kW in the 116 CDI and 140 kW
in the top­of­the­range 119 BlueTEC automatic.
A six­speed manual is standard, with the 7G­Tronic
Plus automatic with torque converter an option
on the Vito 114 CDI and Vito 116 CDI Vito.
PRICING
111 CDI Panel Van R372 780
114 CDI Panel Van R409 830
116 CDI Panel Van R443 460
111 CDI Mixto R443 460
116 CDI Mixto R556 320
111 CDI Tourer PRO R516 272
114 CDI Tourer PRO R540 314
116 CDI Tourer PRO R572 348
116 CDI Tourer Select R676 088
119 CDI Tourer Select R744 386
Able to carry well over a ton and sip less than 6 l/100 km, the new Mercedes­Benz promises its
new Vito will let you play as hard as you work.
PHOTO: QUICKPIC
2015 Renault Captur 1.2 Turbo Auto
14 000km, bal of Service Plan
& Factory Warranty,
Full House,
Sat/Nav,
leather
WAS R279 990
AUTO
2015 Renault Captur 900T
Dynamique
10 000km, Full House,
Balance of Service
Plan &
Factory Warranty
WAS R229 990
2014 Renault Duster 1.6 Dynamique
30 000km,
Full House
Sat/Nav,
Towbar
WAS R199 990
R269 990 R219 990 R189 990 R97 990
2014 Renault Megane III
2.0T GT 5 DR (162kW)
9 000km,
Full House
Sat/Nav,
Leather
WAS R279 990
R269 990 R239 990 R224 990 R139 990
2010 Honda Jazz 1.5 EX
90 000km,
FSH,Full House
WAS R129 990
2015 Renault Megane 1.6
Dynamique
5 000km,
Full House,
Sat/Nav
WAS R249 990
R119 990 R159 990 R69 990 R74 990
2015 Renault Clio IV 900T
balance of Service
Plan & Factory
Warranty,
Full House,
Sat/Nav
WAS R199 990
2014 Renault Fluence 1.6 Expression
(Demo)25 000km,
full house, bal of
Service
Plan and
Factory Warranty
WAS R169 990
2013 Nissan NP300 2.0 LWB
Power Steering
LAST
1 LEFT
2015 Renault Duster 1.6 Dynamique
Deliver Mileage, Full House,
Sat Nav, Bal of
Service Plan &
Factory
Warranty
WAS R229 990
2010 Renault Sandero 1.6
Expression
85 000km,
Full House
WAS R79 900
2013 Nissan NP200 1.6
Power Steering
LAST
1 LEFT
WAS R169 990 WAS R99 990
R189 990 R114 990
R89 990 R99 990
2011 Renault Scenic III 1.6 Expression
111 000km,
FSH,
Full House,
Navigation
WAS R109 990
2015 Renault Sandero 900T
Dynamique, 7 000km, Full House
Bal of S/Plan &
Factory Warranty
cruise control,
alloys
WAS R149 990
2011 Renault Sandero 1.6
United
Full House
WAS R84 990
2013 Suzuki Alto GLS
15 000km,
Full House
WAS R109 990

2 WitnessWheels MOTORING
September 17, 2015
Check those
hidden costs
when buying
GM techies achieve
Toti mechanic in final round of the Top Technician Skills Awards in PE
BUDGETING carefully is one of the
most important steps to take when
you’re planning to buy a new or previously
loved car — but are you sure that
you’ve taken all the costs associated with
purchasing a vehicle into account?
Imperial Auto listed some of the longterm
costs to run a vehicle.
ON THE ROAD CHARGES
Also known as the ‘delivery fee’, on the
road charges include the costs that the
dealer incurs in getting the vehicle ready
for you to take ownership. This includes
registering the car and having new number
plates made, a pre­delivery inspection
as well as fuelling of the vehicle.
Make sure that you’ve factored this into
your final price, and pay for it in cash
if you can – it doesn’t make sense to pay
interest on this part of the purchase price
unless absolutely necessary.
INSURANCE
If your car is financed, you won’t be able
to take delivery of it unless it’s comprehensively
insured. The finance facility
that you use to secure the loan to buy
your car may well offer you a quote, but
you are not compelled to take it and can
shop around for the best insurance deal.
It is worth noting that there are a range
of insurance options that not only protect
you from vehicle loss but cover costs
relating to terminal illness or the loss of
a family member.
SERVICE PLANS
Many new vehicle prices include limitedperiod
service plans, which are a great
value­add and cost saver in the shorter
term. If your car doesn’t come with a
service plan, find out how much services
are expected to cost, calculate your expected
mileage to determine how often
your vehicle will need to be serviced and
consider an RMI­endorsed package.
WARRANTIES
If you’re buying a used car, it’s worth investigating
the costs of extending the
warranty on the vehicle.
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Most brands publish fuel consumption
figures based on a combined urban and
rural cycle, consider the routes you drive
most regularly, and research a bit more
to find out what your expected fuel costs
will be.
GOVENDER Dharmalingum, a technician
from South Coast Motors in
Amanzimtoti, competed in the final
round of the Top Technician Skills
Awards by General Motors South Africa’s
(GMSA) in Port Elizabeth this
week.
Dharmalingum is one of five technicians
from GMSA’s 133 dealerships
countrywide who made it through to
the final round.
The others are Stefan de Wet from
Reeds N1 City in Cape Town, Jaun Smit
from Simpson Motors in Phalaborwa,
Quintin Vermeulen from Williams
Hunt in Pretoria and Seun Venter from
Tommy Martin in Johannesburg.
The competition is a joint initiative
of the Service Division of GMSA and
the National Dealer Council and aims
to promote excellence in customer service,
technical expertise while supporting
GMSA’s technological innovations
in vehicle manufacturing.
GMSA development and training
manager Dr Alf Bennett said this year’s
search for the best service technician in
the Chevrolet, Opel and Isuzu dealer
network has been intense.
“Just under 300 technicians participated
in the first knockout round and
round two saw 50 technicians compete
for a place in the Top 10. Only 10 points
out of a potential 200 separated the top
five technicians in the semi­final round,
with the top performer achieving an unprecedented
99%. The results are indicative
of the high standard of technicians
we have in our dealer network today,”
said Bennett.
The finals this week consisted of
three practical rounds where the finalists
were required to diagnose and fix
problems within a specified time period.
The practical exercises were based
on three GM products — the Isuzu KB,
a Chevrolet Cruze and an Opel Astra.
Practical exercises were scored by
Sue­Ann Lewack is the first female calibrator in the GM stable in Africa.
PHOTO: QUICKPIC
trained observers.
Brian Olson, GMSA vice president
for vehicle sales, service and marketing,
said the competition helps strengthen
technical expertise and drives a customer­focused
attitude.
“Our mission at GM is to earn cus­
40­year­old evee the fastest
tomers for life. We are focused on putting
the customer at the centre of everything
we do,” said Olson.
The top three technicians will receive
gift vouchers to the value of R15 000,
R10 000 and R7 500. The winner will
also receive a weekend getaway for two
V DR ALF
BENNETT, GMSA
development and
training manager
“Only 10 points
out of a
potential 200
separated the
top five
technicians in
the semi­final
round, with the
top performer
achieving an
unprecedented
99%.”
people at a South African destination.
In PE meanwhile, Sue­Ann Lewack
(39) became the first certified female
calibrator on the African continent.
Lewack placed a further feather in her
cap by completing her certification in
the shortest possible time of seven
months instead of the normal 18
months. This is one of the most soughtafter
qualifications for employees in the
automotive sector.
She has already been assigned to assess
GM’s vehicle and powertrain
plants in India, where she trains her
peers and she has led workshops in
Egypt and Kenya. — Wheels Reporter.
TYRES
Tyres last about 50 000 km. Smaller sizes
tend to cost less, while unusual sizes
cost a lot more. It’s never a good idea
to replace a single tyre — always purchase
new tyres in pairs to ensure equal
traction.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Pinetown­based researcher Malcolm
Kinsey’s annual list shows what replacement
parts for your new car are likely
to cost and his comparison always reveal
surprising prices, such as that a fender
bender on a Porsche Cayman was cheaper
to repair than one on a new Toyota
Corolla.
Contact the Imperial Auto Hub on 011
875 5852 for expert advice, or check the
Kinsey parts reports on his site www.kinseyreport.co.za.
— Supplied.
Fifth Gear TV presenter in the UK, Jonny Smith, has what is officially Europe’s
quickest street legal electric car. After completing a mandatory 25­mile street
cruise around the Northants countryside to prove it is both road legal and
capable, Smith took his converted 1975 Enfield 8000 electric city car to the
FIA European Finals at Santa Pod last weekend and smashed the Tesla’s
record of 11,5 seconds over a quarter mile. This after he had fitted taller axle
gears for more speed after qualifying with an 11,27 run and .
PHOTO: NEWSPRESS
For more information on Witness Wheels advertising
Contact Avir on 084 278 3447 or Avir@witness.co.za
Isuzu’s flagship 4x4 bakkie now comes with an automatic
transmission, perhaps in a nod to the many KZN sugar farmers
who want this convenience with the bakkie’s legendary softer ride.
PHOTO: FILE
Isuzu ride ‘still the best’
ISUZU today officially launches
three new models in the 2015 KB
range, as well as an upgraded 250
DTEQ engine.
Wheels can reveal the new models
see the Fleetside range geeting extended
and double cab models,
while the first 4x4 automatic double
cab in the 6th generation Isuzu KB
range. The KB 300 LX Double Cabs
Isuzu’s gets the latest infotainment
and navigation system and the
whole range had their active and
passive safety systems enhanced.
The three new models take to 18
the count of Isuzu bakkies on offer,
starting at R219 400 for the KB 250
Leed 4x2 single cab; R317 000 for
the new KB 250 D­Teq 4x2 crew cab
and R325 700 for the KB250 D­Teq
4x2 double cab.
Top of the rance is the KB300
D­Teq LX 4x4 automatic, which
makes 130 kW and 380 Nm, sells for
R529 700. On the other side of the
scale, the popular entry level Fleetside
workhorses now also boast a
radio/CD with Bluetooth linking, and
big 245/70/16 tyres. The new the
2.5­litre DTEQ makes 100 kW and
320 Nm. A five year or 120 000 km
warranty and roadside assistance
and a five­year or 90 000 km service
plan form part of the pricing.
Service intervals are 15 000 km
or 12 months for all derivatives.
All models except the low pressure
turbo 2.5 LEED models come
with ABS, EBD and EBA.
Isuzu brand manager Mlungisi
Nonkonyana told Wheels the new
range was tested in South Africa
over a period of 18 months, covering
some 700 000 kilometres and the
KB’s ride quality in particular still set
a benchmark for bakkies. — WR.

September 17, 2015 MOTORING WitnessWheels 3
Geared to cruise
BRIAN BASSETT
discovers joy at under
2 000 rpm in the 1,2 T
S Audi A3 hatchback
AS we have said previously, this is the age of the
small engine. Not surprisingly, Audi has now
equipped its A3 hatchback with a 1,2­litre turbocharged
engine and I was grateful when Darryl Topper,
dealer principal at the Audi Centre, made it
possible for me to spend a few days with the car.
STYLING
The Audi A3 hatchback is a dynamically styled motor
vehicle that looks fast and might even be called
a coupé it’s that good­looking. The flat, tough, masculine
and compact design projects no­nonsense
practicality and its slim line is clearly defined by
a striking tornado line along the edge of the windows
and a dynamic line above the sills. The front
end is dominated by the distinctive Audi grille with
its four rings and flanked by narrow headlights,
which give the front end a concentrated look. The
fog lights are built into the bumper and the resulting
front­end composition is distinctive. The rear of
the vehicle is dominated by slim, divided rear lights,
which are available in LED technology and provide
a sporty, low appearance, reinforced by twin exhausts.
The colour­coded exterior electrically operated
mirrors are set on the door rails like a sports
car and add spice to the design.
INTERIOR
Open the heavy front doors and you are introduced
to a quality interior which is typically Audi. The
cockpit is well­designed with a clear layout and excellent
ergonomics. The centre console is dominated
by a well­designed gear lever and rotary central
control unit surrounded by touch­sensitive buttons.
The centre of the dash has a slim, seven­inch
colour display, which pops up and disappears electrically
when the car is switched on and off. The
central control unit offers a convenient method of
operating the phone and Satnav, and the screen
presents the information clearly. I liked the crisp,
horizontal dashboard presentation with its clear,
well­lit analogue gauges and jet­design air vents,
which cool the interior effortlessly and add style.
The three­spoke, leather­covered, multifunction
steering wheel is also enjoyable to handle. The audio
system did a great job on the Beethoven’s Second
Symphony I played through it, but for those connoisseurs
who want the best, a Bang and Olufsen
14­speaker system is an optional extra. The seats
in my car were comfortable and well­upholstered,
and the interior was finished in soft­touch plastics
of high quality. The rear seats are easily accessible
through the wide doors and will take two adults
comfortably but, like most cars of this type, some
adjustment may be needed for the long­legged
among us. Various technical, optional systems are
available to enhance your ride and you can plug
in what the car does not provide. The rear luggage
space offers around 250 litres with rear seats up
and when lowered, quite large objects can be transported.
The space offered is also quite flexible.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
The A3 range has a five­star Euro NCap rating, so
it’s safe before you start with the impressive list
of driver aids. All of the usual safety gear is there,
like seat belts and child­safety anchors to international
standards, ABS, EBD and secondary collision
brake assist and a wide range of other assists.
Seven air bags surround the passengers and the
front passenger air bag can be switched off if necessary.
An electronic handbrake, which I am old
enough not to enjoy, adaptive cruise control,
which I do enjoy, as well as park assist and hill­start
assist, make it an ideal town car. What I enjoyed
most was the reversing camera, which takes the
stress out of shopping­centre parking. If you don’t
like parking in tight spots you can add the automatic
parking function. Your insurance company
will still hold you responsible even if a machine
parks the car. The car has keyless entry and central
locking, as well as an on­board alarm.
Edgy Aygo for the urban jungle
PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
Before driving the car, I was not sure that I would
enjoy the small engine, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The four­cylinder 1197 cc, turbocharged petrol
engine delivers 77 kW/175 Nm of torque expressed
on road via one of the smoothest six­speed
gearboxes it has been my pleasure to use. Zero to
100 comes up in 10,3 seconds and top speed is
around 190 kmh. Fuel consumption is about six litres
per 100 kms, but I am heavy footed.
The car handles superbly and makes nipping in
and out of traffic in town quite exciting. On steep
hills be prepared to use the gears but changing is
a pleasure. At speed the car is stable, involving and
provides a sophisticated, quiet, effortless ride. It
‘The Audi
A3
hatchback
is a
dynamically
styled
motor
vehicle that
looks fast
and might
even be
called a
coupé it’s
that goodlooking.’
PHOTO:
QUICKPIC
is made for cruising and in sixth gear on the N3
I rediscovered the pleasure of breezing along at under
2 000 rpm. If you are likely to fill the car with
adults and luggage on a regular basis, I suggest you
consider the 1,4T engine which delivers
90 kW/200 Nm of torque.
COSTS AND THE COMPETITION
The 1,2 T S comes in at R326 000 and the 1,4 T S
at around R334 000. Both come with a fiveyear/100
000 km maintenance plan and a one­year
factory guarantee.
Remember, the options list is long and expensive.
Also look at BMW 1 Series, VW Golf/Jetta, and Mercedes
A Class.
THE all­new edgy Toyota Aygo made its first local
public appearance before a crowd of 18 000
at the Red Bull X­Fighters event held at the Union
Buildings in Tshwane last Saturday.
Featuring bold styling and incorporating a
prominent “X” motif in the front grille, which
extends upwards to the A pillar and side mirrors
to create a unique identity and strong road
presence, the new Aygo is no shrinking violet.
The result is a decidedly cheeky, five­door hatch
that exudes a sporty, youthful and energetic
image, and is perfectly suited to conquer the
urban jungle.
Under the
bonnet
lurks a characterful 51 kW, 1,0­litre three­cylinder
engine with the best thermal properties in its
class. It’s good for a sub 15­second 0­100 km/h
sprint time and incredible fuel economy — just
4,4 litres per 100 km in the combined cycle.
Without giving away too much, the newcomer
gets the Full Monty treatment when it comes
to specifications, boasting standard features
such as display audio, Bluetooth functionality,
automatic door lock, front power windows, air
conditioning and a full suite of safety kit.
Local introduction of the competitively priced
Aygo has been confirmed for October, with full
specification details to follow prior
to market introduction.
— Supplied.
The Toyota Aygo.
PHOTO: QUICKPIC
118 C.B. DOWNES ROAD
MKONDENI
PIETERMARITZBURG
TEL: 033 386 9241
McCarthy - Member of the
Bidvest Group

4 WitnessWheels MOTORING
BIKING
September 17, 2015
Top money for a trike
BRAD MORGAN looks at the investment top para­cyclers make to stay on par
The BMW 1200 RS is a
deceptively fast sports tourer
that puts the rider in full
control.
PHOTO: BMW
Capable
sport
tourer
DRIES VAN DER WALT
JOHANNESBURG — BMW
have been accused of fitting the
liquid­cooled 1200 Boxer motor
into too many types of frame, and
the temptation to bolt this block
in a sport­touring frame may
have seemed too much to resist.
Especially as BMW’s current
Boxer line­up lacked a sports
tourer. The previously nimble
and dynamic RT seems to have
gained weight in its move closer
to the K 1600 tourers, and while
both the R 1200R and R nineT
are pleasantly light, they’re both
nakeds and as such ill­suited to
open­road use.
Enter the faired R 1200 RS,
successor (in name at least) to
the Hans Muth­designed R 100
RS of the late 1970s. BMW have
effectively taken the R 1200 R and
clothed it in a fairing to create a
credible and capable sport tourer.
Although there is nothing about
the bike that will make your jaw
drop at first sight, there is plenty
to like once you start riding it.
The seating position is upright,
but slightly forward­canted,
making it equally easy to ride
upright in town and crouched behind
the screen when going
through the twisties at high
speed. The fairing with its twoposition
screen give more than
adequate protection from the elements,
without falling into the
trap of insufficient ventilation
that was a cause of many complaints
against its forebear.
Thanks to revised gear ratios
the Boxer mill delivers more lowend
punch than the GS and RT.
The bike is actually deceptively
fast — the almost­unchanging
drone from the engine doesn’t
offer the same speed cues as a
screaming four­potter. And despite
the inherent roughness of
the Boxer motor, the RS feels refined
at almost any speed.
I rode it hard and fast during
the launch, and I came to the conclusion
that handling is more
than up to par.
By the time I returned the bike
to BMW, I felt that it was probably
my favourite Boxer Beemer.
It combines the best of both
worlds by being a light bike with
long­distance potential.
If you feel this is not the bike
for you, I challenge to take it for
a spin before making up your
mind — you might just have a
change of heart.
BMW R 1200 RS
Displacement: 1 170 cc
Power: 92 kW at 7 750 rpm
Torque: 125 Nm at 6 500 rpm
Transmission: Six­speed
Final drive: Shaft
Curb weight: 231 kg
Fuel tank: 18 litres
Brakes 320 mm disks front and
276 mm rear
Price: R173 550 (base).
WITH six gold medals, including
time trial and road race victories
for Justine Asher and Pieter
du Preez, Team South Africa
shone at the UCI Para­cycling
Road World Cup in Pietermaritzburg
over the weekend.
The event featured many big
name stars from the world of
para­cycling as the athletes made
use of a final opportunity to secure
UCI rankings points for the
2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic
Games, while for a good number
of the South African team it
served as an introduction to international
competition.
With six golds, one silver and
three bronze medals, South Africa
finished fourth on the medal
table, trailing only the U.S., Germany
and Australia.
That position accurately reflects
the country’s standing in
world para­cycling, SA team
manager Mike Burns told
Wheels.
That makes the team’s leading
competitors legitimate medal
contenders, even possible champions,
for the Paralympics.
Four of its members — Justine
Asher, Pieter du Preez, Ernst van
Dyk, and George Rex — are on
the South African Sports Confederation
and Olympic Committee’s
(Sascoc) Operation Excellence
(Opex) programme.
Van Dyk won road race gold
in Pietermaritzburg, but had his
time trial chances of victory undone
by a mechanical, while Rex
picked up two bronze medals.
Goldy Fuchs claimed the
team’s other gold medal in the
road race, and also won a bronze
in the time trial.
“We’re very grateful for the
support,” Burns said, which includes
travel expenses, coaching
fees, medical aid and a subsistence
allowance.
However, for South Africa to
move into the top three nations
in world para­cycling would take
a huge investment from the corporate
sector.
Well­oiled bikes go faster with less effort
“ARRIVING at a race with a
clean bike is very important to
me, there is also an old saying
a clean, well prepared vehicle or
bike will always go faster and
smoother, we call it free speed,”
said multiple cycling champion
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio.
“It’s all about marginal gains
and believe it or not a choice
of chain lubricant can make all
the difference,” said the champion
cyclist who earns her
bread as a chemical engineer.
Pasio is sponsored by Liqui
Moly, and said the giant German
lubricant company’s attention
to detail is impressive,
as they offer a choice of lubricants
for different weather conditions.
“When racing in wet conditions
I like to use the Liqui Moly
Bike Chain Oil Wet Lube, it
helps my bike run smoothly in
the toughest conditions, they
certainly did their homework
on these products.
“Different chain lubes for
different conditions is very
clever,” said Ashleigh.
She said cycling at the highest
level is all about finding free
speed, which is what Liqui Moly’s
LM40 multipurpose spray
Showing the grit and equipment required to compete at top level as a para­cyclist, Ernst van Dyk competed in the World
Cup in Pietermaritzburg over the weekend, passing by Midmar Dam.
PHOTO: DARREN GODDARD
Equipment, so vital to the
para­athletes, is not provided by
Sascoc.
That’s why 2006 Laureus
Sportsperson of the Year with
Disability, Van Dyk, a gold medallist
at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
and silver medal winner in
the road race in 2012 in London,
has invested a massive
R300 000 of his own money to
have a custom­made carbon­fibre
bike built by an aerodynamics
specialist for the Paralympics.
The move is in response to
former Formula One driver Italian
Alex Zanardi, the gold medallist
from London, whose move
Champion cyclist
Ashleigh Moolman
Pasio.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
to para­cycling after he lost both
legs in a racing accident, resulted
in a significant move towards
more technologically advanced
hand cycles.
“Hopefully I will get my new
bike later this year, so I will, at
least, have the off­season to work
with it and prepare for next year,”
Van Dyk said in a recent interview
with Wheels.
“What we know about Rio
now is that it is going to be a very
flat course. For the next few
months, all the focus will be towards
aerodynamics and high
power output. The time trial is
going to be about how fast you
to maintain her wheel bearings,
gears and all moving parts on
her bicycles assisted her. Butthe
tre fixing kit is the handiest.
“Being a female it can be difficult
and stressful to fix a flat
when training on my own but
the Liqui Moly’s Bike Tyre Fix
has provided a great solution
for me. Within five minutes of
can go, and how hard you can go,
for how long.”
Explaining his decision to
spend so much of his own money,
Van Dyk, who reckoned the
Rio Paralympics will probably be
his seventh and last, said:
“The way I look at it is: what
is the point to do all the sacrifice,
and to do all training, when you
know that on the starting line
you are going to be lacking technologically?
That takes you out
of the equation for the gold medal.
The decision I took was tough
for my family.
“It was tough for us to spend
that much cash on a bike, but it
getting a puncture I am back on
my bike riding and with no hassle
at all — this product is a real
lifesaver,” said Ashleigh.
— Supplied.
is all for Rio and hopefully it will
come with success.”
South African team manager
Mike Burns said he has been
seeking a big sponsorship for
some time from the corporate
world to back South Africa’s
world class para­cycling athletes,
but he has not enjoyed any major
successes yet.
He, nonetheless, remains optimistic
that an insightful backer
could make all the difference to
the country’s para­cyclists and
be well rewarded by those athletes
winning titles on the World
Cup, World Championships and
Paralympics stages.
Ducatti’s 1200 R Monster.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
DUCATTI’S
NEW MONSTER
DUCATTI showed its 2016 Monster
1200 R at the Frankfurt
Motor Show.
The R boasts superbike performance
levels to claim the title
of the most powerful naked
Ducati. Based on the 1200 S
sibling, the 1200 R is powered
by the R­version of the Testastretta
11 engine, making 120 kW
@ 9 250 rpm and 13,4 kgm @
7 750 rpm. The exhaust system
is completely new with larger
58 mm exhaust pipes and a
new Euro 4 complaint silencer.
The valves have to be adjusted
every 30 000 km and the oil
changed every 15 000 km or 12
months, increasing service intervals
and cutting running
costs. — WR.

The Art of a Great Weekend.
By Pieter from Maritzburg
This weekend I’ll be heading up the hill for the Hilton Arts Festival. It’s one of the highlights of my year:
the art, the music, the good food, the people. I always end up seeing old friends and making new ones.
But the best part is that it gives me an excuse to get in my Volkswagen and drive around the midlands
for a couple of days, just taking in the scenery.
Come to think of it, that’s one of my favourite things to do: just drive. KZN has so many wonderful things
to see, and the best way to see them is with the windows rolled down and your hands on the wheel.
My Volkswagen seems tailor-made for cruising around the highways and byways of the midlands.
Technology is all well and good, but what really matters is the result: a smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and
no troubles to disturb my weekend.
So take my advice: get a Volkswagen and get away from it all this weekend.
Barons VW Pietermaritzburg can be found at 9 Armitage Road. They are committed to bringing you
quality cars and excellent service at the best possible prices ALL year round! To start hunting for your
dream vehicle, visit www.baronsvwpmb.co.za. And to book a test drive or service call (033) 845 3100.
Open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, and Saturdays 8am – 1pm.
Choose Newone PolotoGTI.
suit your needs.
Ultimate Performance = Ultimate Confidence.
Made to meet life’s challenges.
3 year / 120 000km warranty
Purchase a Polo Vivo hatch
from R1,751* per month.
Model
Vehicle Price
Interest Rate
Monthly No. of
Linked /
Instalments Instalments
Variable
Deposit
Balloon
Payment
Total Cost Incl
fees & VAT
Polo Vivo 1.4 Conceptline R145,700 R1,751* 72 6.16%* R7,285 37.5% (R54,638) R180,724
Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline R160,900 R1,961* 72 6.23%* R8,045 36% (R57,924) R199,081
Polo Vivo 1.6 Comfortline R174,900 R2,133* 72 6.31%* R8,745 36% (R62,964) R216,525
Polo Vivo 1.6 GT R180,800 R2,205* 72 6.34%* R9,040 36% (R65,088) R223,876
Polo Vivo 1.6 Maxx R184,500 R2,251* 72 6.36%* R9,225 36% (R66,420) R228,486
3 year / 120 000km warranty
5 year / 90 000km service plan
New Jetta 90kW TSI Comfortline
from R3,904* per month.
The New Jetta 90kW TSI Comfortline standard features include:
- Driver and passenger front airbags
- Hill-hold control
- Cruise Control
Model
New Jetta 90kW
TSI Comfortline
Vehicle Price
Monthly
Instalments
No. of
Instalments
Interest Rate
Linked /
Variable
Deposit
R295,900 R3,904* 72 7.06%* 0%
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Brake
Assist and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Balloon
Payment
37%
(R109,483)
Total Cost Incl
fees & VAT
R390,587
Visit us on www.baronsvw.co.za
An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime
rate, currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the Polo Vivo hatch range in standard specifications.
Instalment excludes optional extras, but includes monthly administration fee of R57. Offers may not
be used in conjunction with any other special service or offering. Subject to bank approval. Information
subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from
Volkswagen Financial Services. Offers only available through Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa
Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit
Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid
until 28 September 2015.
e&oe
Visit us on www.baronsvw.co.za
An optional cost of R900 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate,
currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the New Jetta 90kW TSI Comfortline model in standard
specifications. Instalment excludes optional extras, but includes monthly administration fee of R57.
Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other special service or offering. Subject to bank approval.
Information subject to change without prior notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval
from Volkswagen Financial Services. Offers only available through Volkswagen Financial Services South
Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and
Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions apply. All the above is subject to price increase and
valid until 28 September 2015.
e&oe
• Mileage certified • 80-point mechanical check
• Full Service history • 2-year / unlimited km warranty*
• 7-day exchange plan • Vehicle History Integrity Check
• Vehicle Customization • Balance of VW Automation Plan
• 24 Hr roadside assistance • Professional Vehicle Reconditioning
Adventure calls.
Polo Vivo
2013 Polo Vivo Sedan 1.4 Tiptronic Silver R134 900 31 000 km
2013 Polo Vivo 1.6 GT 3 Door Silver R129 900 52 000 km
2013 Polo Vivo 1.6 5 Door Blue R129 900 21 000 km
2014 Polo Vivo 1.4 5 Door Beige R125 900 26 000 km
2014 Polo Vivo 1.6 GT 3 Door Red R147 900 31 000 km
2014 Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 5 Door Silver R145 900 12 000 km
2014 Polo Vivo Sedan 1.6 Trendline Silver R145 900 10 750 km
2014 Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Silver R135 900 20 000 km
Polo
2013 Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion White R138 900 112 000 km
2013 Polo 1.4 Trendline 5 Door Grey R149 900 35 000 km
2014 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Highline Silver R229 900 27 000 km
2014 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Trendline White R175 900 23 000 km
2014 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Trendline Blue R174 900 30 000 km
2014 Polo Sedan 1.4 Trendline White R159 900 18 000 km
2014 Polo Sedan 1.4 Trendline White R154 900 36 000 km
2015 Polo GP 1.2 TSI Highline Black R225 900 15 000 km
Golf
2011 Golf 6 GTI 2.0 TSI R DSG Red R309 900 66 000 km
2014 Golf 7 1.4 TSI Comfortline Silver R274 900 17 000 km
2015 Golf Sports Van 2.0 TDI DSG Red R325 000 6 500 km
2015 Golf 7 GTI 2.0 TSI DSG White R435 000 5 000 km
Amarok
2011 Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI White R249 000 40 000 km
2015 Amarok Double cab 2.0 TDI 4x2 132kW White R399 900 7 000 km
Other VW
2012 Touran 2.0 TDI White R209 900 65 000 km
2013 Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trendline Silver R209 900 83 000 km
2015 21st Century Beetle 1.4 TSI Sport Blue R289 000 11 000 km
2015 Tiguan 1.4 TSI Silver R314 900 7 000 km
2015 Take Up! Black R119 000 11 000 km
Other
2011 Ford Figo 1.4 Ambiente Gold R79 900 140 000 km
2014 BMW 316i Automatic White R275 900 37 000 km
2015 Isuzu Double Cab KB300 D-Teq Serengeti White R439 900 16 000 km
2013 Suzuki Swift 1.6 Sport White R159 900 42 000 km
*The advised price exclude the 2 year Mastercars Warranty. The Mastercars Warranty
is available as an option and is a contract between the customer, an insurer and
administrator. This extended Warranty is not available for all Amarok and Light
Commercial Vehicle models. Terms & conditions apply. While stocks last.
Mastercars Sales Consultants After hours: Laurie: 082 783 8040 • Rajen: 072 228 9834
Sanjay: 083 639 0989 • Barry: 072 235 4244 • Phumlani: 073 017 1294
Visit us on www.baronsvwpmb.co.za and fi nd us on facebook.com/BaronsPietermaritzburg
e&oe
3 Year / 120 000km warranty
5 year / 60 000km maintenance plan
Tiguan TSI 90kW Trend & Fun
for R305,999* incl. VAT vs
Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW Trend &
Fun for R327,999* incl. VAT
The Tiguan TSI 90kW Trend & Fun and Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW
Trend & Fun standard features include:
- 6-speed manual
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- Front, side and curtain Airbags
- Electronic Park Brake with Auto-hold
- High-Beam Control “Light Assist”
- Cruise Control
- Start-Stop with Brake Energy
Recuperation
- 16” Portland alloy wheels
Offer exclusive to Barons Pietermartizburg.
An optional cost of R2150 incl VAT will be charged for metallic paint. Note: *Linked to FNB prime rate,
currently 9.5%. Note: Offers calculated on the Tiguan TSI 90kW Trend & Fun and Tiguan 2.0 TDI 81kW Trend
& Fun in standard specifications. Price excludes optional extras. Offers may not be used in conjunction with
any other special service or offering. Subject to bank approval. Information subject to change without prior
notification. All finance offers are subject to credit approval from Volkswagen Financial Services. Offers only
available through Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited trading as Volkswagen
Financial Services an Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider. NCRCP6635. Terms and Conditions
apply. All the above is subject to price increase and valid until 28 September 2015.
e&oe
BP Advertising
Barons Pietermaritzburg
9 Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3201 • Tel: 033 845 3100
New Sales Consultants
Alison Wiltshire – Sales Manager 082 783 8855 • John Brown – 082 645 4396
Merglin Rama – 083 382 4589 • Menzi Ngubane – 073 534 8545
Bahle Bhengu – 082 337 5825 • Erica Neff – 082 858 7749
Thando Gumede – 078 969 8072 • Keshnee Pillay – 073 372 1452

GOOD CARS. BEST VALUE.
THE G2 PROMISE:
• A 114-Point Quality Check • Vehicle History Check • Full Service History
• Various Finance Options • Verified Mileage • Ownership Peace of Mind
• Optional 2 Year/Unlimited km Warranty • Optional 2 Year Roadside Assistance
SPRING INTO ACTION WITH
THESE SUPER SAVINGS!
BEST BUY
AUTOMATIC
ONLY 3 IN STOCK
2014 CHEVROLET AVEO 1.6 LS SEDAN
25 000KM,WHITE AND GREY AVAILABLE
R132 990 *
COMPANY DEMO
2014 CHEVROLET UTILITY 1.4i
ONLY DONE 16 122KM, CANOPY, BIN
LINER, MP3
R129 990 *
2014 ISUZU KB 250 LEED
DEMO MODELS WITH ONLY 15 000KM
BIN LINER, CD AND TOW BAR
R194 990 *
1 OWNER FROM NEW
2013 FORD FIGO 1.4 AMBIENTE
31 522KM, A/C, P/S, CD
R99 990 *
2015 OPEL ADAM JAM 1.0
TURBO
ONLY 1 IN STOCK, 6 000KM
R189 990 *
FACTORY DEMO
SAVE OVER R35 000!
2015 CHEVROLET SONIC 1.6
HATCH, ONLY DONE 972KM, FULL
FACTORY WARRANTY
R169 990 *
FACTORY DEMO
2015 OPEL ASTRA 1.6 ESSENTIA
UNUSED FACTORY DEMO
ONLY DELIVERY KMS
R219 990 *
ONLY 1 WHITE IN STOCK
2015 OPEL CORSA ESSENTIA
11 022KM, BALANCE OF SERVICE PLAN
UP TO 60 000KM
R149 990 *
ONLY 1 SILVER AVAILABLE
AUTOMATIC
2014 OPEL ASTRA 1.4T HATCH 2011 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 2015 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.4T
LOW MILEAGE, BALANCE OF SERVICE 2.4 LT A/T, ONLY DONE 45 000KM, SEDAN, SILVER AND WHITE IN STOCK,
WELL MAINTAINED AND AFFORDABLE
PLAN
7-SEATER SUV
11 000KM, IN HUGE DEMAND
R124 990 * R119 990 * R109 990 *
R209 990 * R204 990 * R204 990 *
2013 CHEVROLET SONIC 1.4
HATCH, 41 715KM, A/C, P/S, MP3
PLAYER, IN EXCELLENT CONDITION
2015 CHEVROLET AVEO SEDAN
ONLY 15 722KM, NEW SPEC MODEL, CD
PLAYER, MAG WHEELS
2015 CHEVROLET SPARK 1.2 L
ONLY DONE 1 000KM, ONLY 1 SILVER IN
STOCK, A/C, P/S, MP3, FRONT E/W
2014 ISUZU KB 250D FLEETSIDE
41 226KM, A/C, BIN LINER, AN IDEAL
WORKHORSE
R189 990 *
ONLY 1 WHITE IN STOCK
2014 CHEVROLET SPARK 1.2 L
45 122KM, A/C, P/S, FRONT E/W
R94 990 *
1 OWNER FROM NEW
2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE 1.6
65 995KM, A/C, P/S, MP3, A CAR IN
HUGE DEMAND
R139 990 *
COMPANY DEMO
2013 OPEL MERIVA 1.4T
COSMO, 35 331KM,PANORAMIC ROOF,
PERFECT ALL ROUNDER VEHICLE
R169 990 *
2012 CHEVROLET AVEO 1.6 HATCH
ONLY DONE 67 000KM, A/C, P/S, MP3, WELL MAINTAINED
ONLYR89 990 *
2014 OPEL ASTRA 1.6 ESSENTIA
COMPANY DEMO, ONLY DONE 19 522KM
RETAIL PRICE: R264 000
OUR DEMO
PRICE ONLY:
R204 990 *
AUTOMATIC
2012 CHEVROLET SONIC 1.6 LS
52 111KM, 1 OWNER FROM NEW, PERFECT FAMILY SEDAN
ONLYR139 990 *
2015 CHEVROLET UTILITY 1.4 A/C
ONLY HAS DELIVERY MILEAGE, PRE-REGISTERED UNIT
ONLYR144 990 *
2015 CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 2.4
ONLY DONE 7 500KM
RETAIL PRICE: R384 000
AUTOMATIC
OUR DEMO
R299 990 *
PRICE ONLY:
2011 CHEVROLET UTILITY 1.4 A/C
ONE OWNER FROM NEW, 48 501KM, IN HUGE DEMAND
ONLYR104 990 *
2013 FORD FIESTA 1.4 AMBIENTE
SILVER, 56 222KM, A/C, P/S, MP3
ONLYR134 990 *
We have some hail damaged
units that have been repaired
and still carry the balance of
their FACTORY WARRANTY
available at REDUCED PRICES!
*On-the-Road and Registration Fees Excluded. Terms and Conditions Apply. Model/s shown may differ. Errors & Omissions Excepted.
Shazeer
073 819 8679
Saleem
083 704 6968
Lungisani
071 450 8192
Please call one of our sales
executives for a great deal on
these units. Don’t miss out!
2 Peter Kerchhoff Street
Tel: 033 345 2542
91887 ADMAKERS.COM

The fastest way into
anyone’s heart
FROM
ONLY
R219 900
SAVE
R10 000
F1-Inspired Turbo Engine now with
Overboost Function*
Fuel Consumption from 4.5 Litres/1 00 km
NEDC combined fuel cycle.
On-Board Touchscreen Navigation
FREE SMASH AND GRAB
The new Renault Clio GT-Line now with
overboost function*
delivering impressive power and torqueoutput of
70kW and 150Nm.
This specific offer including FREE
smash & grab is valid for this month only.
*Plus 4kW in 2nd and 3rd gear for 20 Seconds.
Clio range retail price from R172 900 in
accordance with pricelist September
2015.
Price excludes “on the road” costs.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Features are model-specific
and may vary
2015 RENAULT SANDERO EXPRESSION
OPTION 1: NO DEPOSIT
OPTION 2: 10% DEPOSIT
PRICE: R122 250*, WAS R139 900, SAVE: R17 650
OVER 72 MONTHS, NO DEPOSIT AT 10,5%
INTEREST RATE & 35% RESIDUAL R42 787
PRICE: R122 250*, WAS R139 900, SAVE: R17 650
OVER 72 MONTHS, 10% DEPOSIT R12 225 AT 10,5%
INTEREST RATE & 35% RESIDUAL R42 787
*Excludes delivery costs and metallic paint. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to finance through our Finance Partners:
McCarthy Finance and Renault Finance. Pictures for illustrative purposes.
www.renault.co.za
Yagan Padayachee
084 555 7456
Andries (Sbu) Hadebe
082 672 6618
Darryl Smith
078 120 6861
Hector Mkhwanazi
078 739 6392
Gerard Chetty
071 192 1609
*Terms and conditions apply. Repayments calculated on balloon of 35%, over 72 months, at 10,25% linked interest rate with )% deposit. Subject to bank approval. Excludes mandatory on-road charges
and metallic paint. Vehicles depicted may differ to actual models. While stocks last. Above offers available for the month of June 2015. E&OE.
McCARTHY RENAULT PIETERMARITZBURG
9 Armitage Road • Tel: 033 940 1433 • www.renaultpmb.co.za • www.mccarthyrenault.co.za

8 WitnessWheels MOTORING RACING
September 17, 2015
Adolf Boshoff leads the Super600 pack.
PHOTO: MOTORPRESS
Dezzis
will be
roaring
For the love of racing
Ernst van Dyk grabbed gold for South Africa in the H5 road race at the UCI Para­cycling Road World Cup,
held in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday. He is getting a special racing wheelchair built for the Paralympics
in Rio, where technology adds the edge. Like most athletes, Van Dyk pays his own way, with no Sascoc
support. More on page 4. PHOTO: DARREN GODDARD
Luck will favour the brave as
spotty showers wet the track
ALWYN VILJOEN
BIKERS are already setting up for
the weekend’s final races in the
Deod SuperGP Champions
Trophy at Dezzi Raceway in Marburg
tomorrow and Saturday.
The first leg of the trophy races
was held at the Phakisa Freeway
outside the Free State town of
Welkom, and the riders have
since crisscrossed the country in
the build­up to the finale which
will take place at the Dezzi South
Coast Raceway on Saturday.
The pundits who spoke to
Wheels, ranging from the Impi
riders (famous on YouTube for
their musical revving) to the
women at iStyle bike shop, expect
racing that will be even more
exciting than Sunday’s now­drynow­wet
nail­biter at the San
Marino in Spain.
That race saw Valentino “The
Doctor” Rossi lose to Marc Margues
on his Honda as The Doctor’s
army of Italian fans yelled
as one man: “Put on yer f****ing
slicks!”
British riders Bradley Smith
(Yamaha) and Scott Redding
(Honda) flashed by in second
and third places.
Smith (24) decided to stay
bravely on slick tyres for two wet
laps as the rain fell on the plains
in Spain. “I went one lap, then
two laps [on slicks], but I just
kept saying ‘luck favours the
brave, luck favours the brave, luck
favours the brave’, and all the others
were making two pit stops,
but I never expected to be on the
podium,” said the Oxford rider
whose previous best finish in the
highest category was third in
Australia in 2014.
With AccuWeather predicting
“spotty showers” tomorrow and
showers on Saturday, the South
African riders keen to gather
some last points will either have
to tap off, or go off onto the lush
green grass verging on Dezzi’s
steep, tight turns. But the fans
know most of these brave/crazy
riders will be thinking like Smith,
and they look forward to a humdinger
finale of the year’s biking.
Going into the weekend’s final
round, defending SuperGP
champion Clint Seller (NeoLife
Africa Yamaha R1) needs 24
points to make sure of his second
successive SuperGP title.
In the Super600, Steven
Odendaal missed only one of the
11 podiums this year, when he
crashed out in Cape Town.
The SuperJuniors will go
throttle wide open as William
Friend is assured of the title, but
not of a win, chased by Brandon
Staffen, Kewyn Snyman Luca
Coccioni and Dominic Doyle.
In the SuperM, Beau Levey has
a comfortable lead and Neil van
Loggerenberg will have to win
both races at Dezzi Raceway to
deny him the title.
Bikers with a tin of food enter
free before 9h30. More on
www.SuperGP.co.za
Dirt riders will race for gold on West Rand
CHARMAINE FORTUNE
VRYBURG — Castrol Team Toyota
Hilux crew Leeroy Poulter
and Rob Howie put the finishing
touches to winning the Production
Vehicle category when they
cruised to victory at the Vryburg
Endurance.
Winning the fifth round of
the Donaldson Cross Country
Championship underlined the
domination Poulter and Howie
have exerted on the title race
from day one. The pair went into
the weekend needing only a
third place to clinch the title,
and were virtually home and dry
when defending champions and
team­mates Anthony Taylor
and Dennis Murphy ran into
problems in the qualifying race
that determined grid positions.
Going into the race, Taylor
and Murphy were the only other
crew with a mathematical
chance of winning the championship.
By adding the cross
country title to a South African
rally championship and numerous
national circuit racing and
karting titles, Poulter is also assured
of a place in the local motorsport
history books.
“We lost time on the second
loop with two punctures, but
otherwise it was a clean run,”
said Poulter.
Volkswagen on a podium hunt
ROUND seven of the South
African National Rally Championship
sees the Volkswagen
Sasolracing team head to the
Western Cape this weekend.
The big question among the
team members is who will appear
on the podium after the
lucky 13 stages of the two­day
event.
This after the squad’s
youngest rider Henk Lategan
and Barry White stepped on
the podium at the first round
of the season.
Then Gugu Zulu and Pierre
Arries stepped up for the Sasol
Rally while Zulu and Hilton
Auffray appeared on the podium
together at round three.
Most recently, Hergen Fekken
and Arries made their first
podium finish together, in
round six of the championship.
“The Volkswagen Sasolracing
team have put in some
very good performances this
season,” said Mike Rowe, head
of Volkswagen Motorsport.
“In the final stages of 2015,
I’m expecting further good results
as we wind up the current
season. The pace is there,
the team is hard at work and
the driver and navigator pairings
are the right combination.
We’ve got all the ingredients
to end the season on a high
note.”
Ford and Toyota will, of
course, try to keep VW off the
podium, which will make for
flat­out action this weekend.
— Supplied.
Mark Corbett and Juan Mohr (Century Racing CR5).
PHOTO: MARC BOW
BITTER PILL FOR FORD
In the Ford camp, youngsters
Gareth Woolridge and Boyd
Dreyer (Neil Woolridge Motorsport
Ford Ranger) were the only
ones to end in the top 10 overall.
The two factory Ford Performance
Ranger entries
dropped out of contention while
running second and third.
Former South African champions
Chris Visser and Japie
Badenhorst, who won this race
last year, suffered drive train failure,
while Lance Woolridge and
Ward Huxtable retired with a
broken suspension arm.
It was a bitter pill for the Ford
Performance squad who looked
to be en route to salvaging some
pride after a disappointing season.
The retirement of the two
Ford Rangers opened the door
for Mpumalanga brothers Johan
and Werner Horn (Malalane
Toyota Hilux) and North West
crew Jason Venter and Vincent
van Allemann (4x4 Mega World
Toyota Hilux) to finish on the
podium. The Horns were delayed
by a couple of punctures,
but Venter and Van Allemann
reported a clean run and never
had to get out of the car.
Terence Marsh and television’s
Cave Man presenter Janez
Vermeiren had a steady run in
the second Regent Racing Nissan
Navara. They came in ahead
of former South African champions
Jannie Visser and Joks le
Roux (Toyota Hilux), who were
first in Class S for cars up to four
litres with solid axle rear suspension.
The VW Sasolracing team are (from left) Henk Lategan, Barry
White, Hilton Auffray, Gugu Zulu, Pierre Arries and Hergen Fekken.
PHOTO: QUICKPIC
SPECIALS WIDE OPEN AGAIN
Evan Hutchison and Danie Stassen
lost a battle but won the war
when they wrapped up the Special
Vehicle category championship
at the Vryburg Endurance,
round five of the Donaldson
Cross Country Championship,
which ended today.
Second place for Hutchison
and Stassen, in the Motorite
BAT Viper, was enough to put
the title out of reach of race winners
Mark Corbett and Juan
Mohr (Century Racing CR5)
and Lance Trethewey and Geoff
Minnitt, in the LTE BAT Venom.
Trethewey and Minnitt went into
the weekend trailing Hutchison/Stassen
by 17 points, but alternator
problems dropped
them out of the race and blew
them out of the championship
picture.
It was a long overdue win for
Corbett and Mohr,and a maiden
success for the Century Racing
CR5, which was designed and
built in the team’s Midrand
workshop.
It was a victory that lifted
Corbett/Mohr into second place
in the championship ahead of
Trethewey and Minnitt, but
even if they win the final event
of the season with Hutchison/
Stassen failing to finish, the
Century Racing crew cannot
overtake the new champions.
• The final event of the season
will see the Donaldson series
head for the West Rand
on October 30 and 31 for the
Atlas Copco Gold 450.
CV JOINT
SPECIALISTS
for CV joints, ball joints,
tie rod ends, wheel bearings.
341 GREYLING STREET
Pmb. 033 342 9174/75
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