(Left to right) Johann Rupert — the man who made it all happen at L’Ormarins near Franschhoek for the inaugural Concours and Time Trial event at the weekend. At centre is Serge Damseaux, multiple SA rally champion, and right: Wayne Harley, the curator of the motor museum.
The inaugural and exciting Concours and Time Trial motoring event that took place at the L’Ormarins wine farm/motor museum at Franschhoek over the weekend proved a massive hit, I reckon.
I did say that only diesel-type articles would appear on this site but please cut me a little slack!
Good heavens, didn't you know that a diesel powered car has won Le Mans for the fourth- or fifth time of late . . . thank you Audi and Peugeot! . . . But I must place on record that Cape Town now has a motoring time trial circuit venue (with a motor museum thrown in for good measure) to be proud of — destination Franschhoek — or more precisely the beautiful L’Ormarins wine farm that hosted the FMM Concours and Time Trial last weekend.
Based on the celebrated Goodwood Festival of Speed, our very own 3,2km (1,6km each way) track proved challenging to all competitors with its tight bends, short straights and daunting chicanes — with the glorious sounds of just about every machine you could think of including Porsches, Maseratis, Bugattis, Aston Martins, Jaguars, Le Mans-type cars and many more.
With more than 50 entries for the time trial and about 25 superlative motors vying for honours in the Concours d’Elegance competition, the heat was on —and I’m not just talking about the soaring temperatures that reached well into the 30s — and failed to deter spectators and competitors alike from enjoying themselves at surely one of the most beautiful backdrops to be found anywhere in the world.
When did you last hear the sight and sounds of a March 78B ( Ian Scheckter), or perhaps a Jaguar D-Type (Sarel van der Merwe) or perhaps a Maserati 250F (Chris Routledge) in full song? Jostling their way to the start line could also be found diminutive by comparison Lotus 7s, MGAs, Alfa Romeos and many more, to delight spectators, such as South Africa’s very own GSM Dart 2000 — that managed to finish in the top 10 by stopping the clocks at an incredible 2:06.01 sec.
In the pit section it was good to see that the public were allowed to mingle among some very expensive machinery while watching drivers frantically signalling last-minute instructions to mechanics eager to please. The sight of a row of sparkplugs being frantically changed in the Jaguar D-Type in record time while the driver waited casually under the shade of a nearby tree was truly memorable!
• During the lunch break Johann Rupert, the benefactor behind the event announced plans of a South African-style Mille Miglia event to take place in October. This three/four-day race would take place in and around the Western Cape and will surely be the biggest motoring event for us in many a year.
Selected results: 1. Toby Venter (Porsche 911) 1:57.46; 2. Peter Lindenberg (Ford Capri Perana) 1:58.28; 3. Ross Lazarus (Ford GT40) 1:59.64; 4. Sean Summer (Ferrari) 2:01.51; 5. Francis Cusens (Lotus 7) 2:01.81; 6. Johann Rupert (Mercedes DTM) 2:05.07; 7. Sarel van der Merwe (Chevelle) 2:06.50; 8. Anthony Corin (Ford Capri Perana 2:05.99; 9. Andrew Sickler (GSM Dart) 2:06.01; 10. Sarel van der Merwe (Jaguar D-Type) 2:07.15.
People’s Award: Lord Laidlaw (Aston Martin); Ladies choice: Porsche 356; Crystal bowl: 1. Dawie Theron (Ferrari 365); 2. Nigel Sedgwick (MG SA); 3. Dave Lyons (Chev Camaro 350SS).
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