Racing team makes solid start to exciting new series

Fourways resident, Gennaro Bonafede raced to a pair of third-place finishes in the inaugural round of the Sasol Global Touring Car (GTC) Championship at Zwartkops Raceway after qualifying his Sasol BMW 2 series race car in third place on the grid.

Hennie Groenewald followed his teammate home in fifth spot in the first race after qualifying fourth fastest, with the team electing to park the number eight car for race two after encountering technical issues.

The large public holiday crowd was treated to a pair of 14-lap races of the exciting new series with the two Sasol GTC cars spitting flames under braking, much to the approval of the appreciative crowd.

Bonafede qualified just 0.4 seconds off pole sitter Michael Stephen in an Audi A3 who went on to win both races. Off the line in race 1, Bonafede had a slight loss of power to contend with which prevented him from challenging Stephen or Mathew Hodges in a VW Jetta ahead of him and settled for his maiden GTC podium and early championship points.

Groenewald raced around the 2.4km track in fourth place but was caught and passed by Graeme Nathan in a VW Jetta mid-race. Nathan spun, allowing Groenewald back into fourth spot, but was again caught by the VW driver. With a misfire hampering his available power, Groenewald cruised home in fifth place.

In the break between races, Bonafede’s team tried various solutions to resolve an electrical issue. Bonafede lined up third on the grid and noticed a marked improvement. He spent the race pushing hard, too hard on the final lap resulting in him spinning at Turn 6.

Although passed by Hodges, Bonafede retained his third place as the VW headed into the pits to retire.

Bonafede said, “It was not a bad day at all. There are a lot of positives to take out of the races. The car handles exceptionally well and is very consistent in all aspects.

“We undoubtedly have the right package. I was only 0.4 seconds away from pole with a lot more to come.

“I had a small electrical issue in race two but pushed hard all the way. I dropped a wheel onto the dirt in Turn 6 on the last lap and while braking, the car swapped ends. I am happy to take third overall on GTC’s debut.”

The Sasol GTC Racing Team will be in action in Port Elizabeth on 10 September.