Motorsport’s best coming to Brakpan again
One of motorsport’s most unique competitions, attracting a full grid of elite international drivers, is set to hold its world final in South Africa this year.
Gymkhana GRiD is back, and returning to Carnival City at the end of the 2018 competition season.
This not only means a one-of-a-kind racing spectacle will be going live on December 1 but also, for all except two drivers, there’s a chance for redemption and a second shot at the coveted GRiD podium.
For the series’ seventh year of tyre-slaying, GRiD returns to Carnival City with a faster and more technical track layout – offering a fresh set of challenges to test man and machine to the absolute edge of their performance.
Last year, the Savannah of shred and a braai of burnouts witnessed reigning FIA World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson (all-wheel drive) and four-time Gymkhana GRiD rear-wheel drive class champion Luke Woodham steal the show in the final battles, leaving the rest of the field in their dust.
Also, motorsport icon Ken Block will be back in Brakpan for the event.
Now, the scene is set for a sequel of epic proportions.
Woodham said: “It gets harder and harder every year.
“There are some big names coming over to South Africa, and I want to put up a good fight for the title again.
“Certainly I never expected to win it two times in a row, let alone three or four times in succession, but I’m coming back in better shape than before – faster, and stronger.
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“There’s a lot of pressure for sure – most of which I put on myself, but mainly I’m just excited now to get there and drive at GRiD again.
“It’s the part of the race season I work all year towards, it’s on my mind nearly every day.
“It’s one of the biggest and best events which I look forward to.
“It’s so much fun to drive because GRiD is so different from anything else.”
FIA World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson added: “It’s going to be a little bit different this year – now I know what to expect, and what to focus on to be quicker.
“Gymkhana GRiD is very different to other events, and it’s a great challenge.
“I’ve raced in a lot of different categories and styles (rally, rally cross, and circuit racing) and Gymkhana is totally unique as it’s a mix of so many skills.
“To see all the different drivers come to race with their own cars, which they have built themselves, is really cool to see too.
“I’m definitely excited to be heading back to South Africa.
“I know that my teammate Petter Solberg is looking to reclaim the winning trophy too, and he will be pushing 110 per cent.”
Keep tabs on all of the developments in the build-up to Gymkhana GRiD 2018 via the Facebook page ‘Gymkhana Grid’ and gymkhanagrid.com
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