Visors down for Toti road racers

By Race Mom

VISORS are down this year on the Dezzi Raceway Track in Port Shepstone for the KZN Road Racing Club.

The men and the women have shown their colours, revealed their goals and are determined to become the best versions of themselves behind the wheel of their trumped-up cars and behind the bars of their extraordinary machines.

All good performance results come from a clear intention and a sustained effort during the year, and committed spectators witness that achievement as the racers make committed efforts to the sport in the motor world.

They persevere, despite the difficulties, injuries, problems, dogfights on the track, until finally, they reach the goal, pass the chequered flag and enjoy the roar of the crowd. And it is just as exciting, if not moreso, as watching moto-GP and the battle between Valentino Rossi and Marc Marquez.

Spectators hold their breath as they watch their husbands, partners and children racing around the track. For the riders and drivers, just like any sportsmen and women, success is determined by physical strength, mental ability and stamina in controlling those machines that want to go straight at that kind of velocity for 15 laps. On the bikes, slight adjustments in the seat, controlled handling of the handle bars, and knees out around the corners all add to the bikes’ performance. Sooner or later, the skill working together in harmony with the bike, success is achieved.

South Coast riders and newcomers this year achieved spectacular results.

Anja Conci from Amanzimtoti is one of two KZN road racing woman riders. She is third in her championship points so far in her class, against the Drifter boys, Storm Swanepoel second, and Baron O’Hagan, first. Two weeks ago, Nikolai Conci, another Toti resident won Breakfast Extreme Class on a Ducati. In second place was Jaun de Wit, and in third place was Luan Van Zyl, also from Toti. Their points made during these races add to their champion points.

The youngest riders U16 years are Max Smith (13) and Jake Jansen in the NSF 100 class, Jesse Conci (15) in the CBR 150 class, also from Amanzimtoti. It’s been said that if you introduce your children to biking, they’ll never have money for drugs and alcohol, or time for the opposite sex. Mums will probably spend a little more time at the hairdresser, getting rid of those unwanted grey hairs that appear suddenly on Sunday mornings, but watching your children live their dream is a reward all on its own. These young boys are up-and-coming champions. Their riding style and determination reminds you to watch this space.

Another South Coast rider, Malcolm Rudman holds the track record in the 150 class. A new lap record was set with Greg Gildenhuys at 1:14:45 and Blaze Baker at 1:14:61 in the Superbike race. Vincent de Bock adds excitement to the race, defending his position as they all press on toward achieving championship points.

Between bikes and cars, there are 12 different classes racing on the track. The leading men that will be defending their championship on 8 October are:

• Class NF100: First Jake Jansen, second Max Smith.
• Class CBR 150: First Malcolm Rudman, second Vincent de Bock, third Nikolai Conci.
• Open class: First Llewelyn Puren, second Duncan Day, third Roy Hallett.
• Class 300: First Juan de Wit, second William Lubbe, third Gona Pillay.
• Drifters: First Baron O’Hagen, second Storm Swanepoel, third Anja Conci.
• Breakfast class: First Jarred Stowe, second Franco Antoro, third Trevor Stuart-Steer.
• Extreme breakfast class: First Malccolm Rudum, second Juan de Wit, third Luan Van Zyl.
• Super bikes: First Wyatt Avis, second Malcolm Rudman, third Blaze Baker.
• Open wheels: First Chris Woolley, second Dave Rabie, third Rob Mordaunt.
• Tin tops A: First Ronald van Rensburg, second Elton Fuchs, third Clinton Bezuidenhout.
• Tin tops B: First Gary Brown, second Rosh Soonful, third John Montanari.
• Super GT: First Mike McLoughlin, second Duncan Dos Reis, third Mason Moodley.

As we near the final race of this year on 8 October the motor-sport enthusiasts gear up for a final showdown in KZN Shepstone on Dezzi’s Raceway track. Tickets are for sale at the gate for R80. The races begin at around 10am, after qualifying laps. Not to be missed, nationals will be held this weekend at Dezzi’s Raceway on Saturday. This is another exciting event and the South Coast boys will be there too.

A big thank you goes out to the men and women behind the scenes, co-ordinating, scrutinising and organising the day – chairman Bob West, vice chairman Paul Ward, treasurer Vivian Steer, club secretary Marina Alldred, race day secretary Tracey Puren. Not to forget the volunteers and marshals that keep the day running smoothly.

All the best to the riders and drivers for 8 October. May the best rider win.