Monday 24 January 2022 will stay etched in three young gentlemen’s memory banks for a very long time to come, as the 2021 Investchem Formula 1600 top three lived the dream in their Global Touring Car prize test.
Champion Andrew Rackstraw, runner-up Jarrod Waberski and third lad Josh le Roux each had the opportunity to drive the former GTC championship Audi S3 GTC at Zwartkops raceway and all three thrived in the opportunity.
Capetonian Rackstraw was thrilled by his experience. “What an unbelievable experience it was to drive that Audi GTC car,” the ’21 SA Investchem Formula 1600 champion, who so dominated that series reported after his reward outing in the wild 400kW tin-top Audi.
“After only driving single-seaters for the majority of my racing career, it was so refreshing to drive something so different!
“It really is a steep learning curve but that’s half of the fun. Learning new techniques and driving styles way out of my comfort zone is always a challenge and to be part of such an amazing team is the icing on the cake for me.
“Thanks so much to Ian and the Investchem team, WCT engineering, DAW racing and RDSA for making this dream come true.”
Waberski also found his test went very well. “I thoroughly enjoyed testing a GTC car. What an amazing experience to drive something so different to anything I’ve ever driven before. “I had to adapt my technique, but everything I learned in Formula 1600 definitely made the transition so much easier. “Massive thanks to Ian at Investchem, Greg and Duncan from DAW Racing and the guys at WCT Engineering, for an incredible experience.
“This fantastic prize casts an even stronger foundation for my racing career.”
Third in the 2021 Investchem Formula 1600 championship, Le Roux thoroughly enjoyed his Global Touring Car experience and loved the power of the car. “The speed and the power of the GTC Audi are so different to what I am used to in the single seater. “What a thrilling drive. This is definitely something I would love to do again! “Thank you very much to Investchem, Ian Schofield and everyone else who made it happen, for a super special day!”
“One of the cornerstones of Investchem Formula 1600 racing is that we reward our champions,” series patron Ian Schofield explained.
“So Andrew, Jarrod and Josh not only took SA’s best paying prize money home, but they also earned a prize GTC test and this year it was in the former four-time champion Audi.
“All three lads impressed in their outings, showing good pace and giving great feedback too. “Congratulations to all three drivers. We now look forward to watching their progress this season.”
Looking ahead at the trio’s 2022 plans, Rackstraw steps up to GTC driving the same ex-Michael Stephen 4-time champion Audi that the three tested on Monday.
“I am beyond excited to race in GTC, to learn from the best drivers in the country and to see what we can do as a team this year,” Andrew explained. “I’m also extremely excited to bring an Audi back on to the GTC grid, and even though there are massive shoes to fill, I feel confident we won’t disappoint.”
Both Waberski and Le Roux return to Investchem Formula 1600 for 2022 and both also plan a few outings in the British Formula Ford Kent Championship through the year.
“We will continue in Investchem Formula 1600 and also compete in a few races in the UK later on this year,” Jarod confirmed.
“This year we will chase the Investchem Formula 1600 championship and I will spend some time in England racing Formula Ford Kent,” Josh added. “We are so excited for the season to take off!”
Let the games begin!
Source: MotorsportMedia
