Drifting News
Rockmania Rocked _ The Start of 2012
A cracker of a start to the renowned Rock Raceway’s seasonal event Rockmania, as patrons converged onto the main grandstand, in anticipation for a multipurpose event laid before them by the high speed junkies and sideway masters who were out to impress and show who is the alpha leader track side. With Championship points at stake for both Drifting and Oval disciplines awaiting them in the new season, all the competitors had to get the A game out and put the best foot down in this instance which would be the right foot.
There were a few close moments for some of the Drifters as they settled in the adjustments to their chariots, the heat of the day added challenging setups for both Drifters and Oval competitors a like as tyre pressures became the key factor in the performance of competitors chariots alike. The Drifters all found quickly rhythm and settled in nicely by the time the Solo runs got under way.
Kicking off the event with Solo runs the Drift Masters quickly grew accustom to the gauntlet laid before them. Awesome Drifting was seen by many patron alike as they tried to stamp their authority and approval of “we want to see that again” upon the judges by chanting One More Times to try and sway the judges hand.
Drifting was of an exceptional high standard, but not all made it to the start line as some drifters like Time Stephens Mr Rock was unable to compete due to mechanical failure during practise on Friday night. The Carnival City Drift Championship First round should see a large entry with some new faces to the scene in February.
On the Oval front a very high standard of racing was delivered by every competitor. One of the biggest surprises was the 1600 Saloon Class with a big field of entries on the start line. With so many cars on track and from various clubs joining in, everybody expected a huge pile up in the first turn. Oh how wrong we all where. In all three heats went down reasonably incident free in the 1600 class with an exception of a few retirements from blown engines and a puncher or two, this type of racing goes to show that drivers from various clubs can converge on one track and enjoy racing together. Well done guys awesome stuff!
Only major incident of the night on the Oval was that of Frans van Dyk who suffered a throttle jam short after the start of the race, as his chariot became a bulldozer of destruction as it hit the wall head on. Fortunately for Frans he was unhurt as he climbed out of his shortened race car. Unfortunately not the same could be said about his pride and joy as the tow vehicle removed the battered resemblance to back of the pits.
Drag racing also had moments of wow so close victories as patrons cheered the local Ice & Dice street racing competitors as they did heads up racing amongst themselves down the 1/8th mile strip. The American Style of Robot 2 Robot racing proves to be a hit at the Rock Raceway on Sunday nights as entries of no less than 100 cars per event proves that there is a demand for the sport of Street Drags. The main thing is East Rand now can boast a safe venue with medical staff and officials on hand so illegal street racing can now be exercised at a safe venue.
Formula N circuit racing also had the adrenalin flowing as the competitors raced hard around the circuit. Mauritz Nigrini broke the bad luck streak from last year despite the fact that he won the seasons championships. Mauritz drove the Mapier Sports Ware Fiat to victory lane in all three heats followed by Dirk Jaqcobs in his VW Golf and Jaco Nigtrini in his VW Golf settling a very close third.
Tough racing round for round between Mauritz and Dirk as the pair where interlocked in a battle at every corner.Dirk tried everything to get past Mauritz but just could not get it done. Better luck next time Dirk.
V8 Thunder cars were on hand as they drowned the night sky out with the beasts 700HP engines as they spectacularly performed some of the fastest entries into corners and accelerating just as fast out of them again. These beasts could easily pass as Drift cars as the clouds of smoke filled the air in every corner. Quentin “Lightning” Lehman took all the honours for the night finishing 1st and then throwing his Sprint car into a spectacular spin in Carnival Corner. The crowds went wild with awe!
As an added bonus a stunt was also performed by the members of the Drifting, Oval and even Drag Racing members. This was well received by all patrons as they fixed their attention trackside with a jaw dropping stature.
Finally rounding off the Rockmania tradition, Mr Rock Tim Stephens thanked the crowds, competitors and all involved and bid a Good night to all before setting off the awaited fireworks, signalling the end of another Rockmania but a start to a brand new season.
The Rock Raceway Team would like to take this opportunity to thank every competitor, sponsor, spectators and officials for the loyal support. Special thanks go out to all the photographers, Barend, Arthur, Nick from Sa Car Club Magazine and to Rudi from Racing Memories. Thanks to all of the loyal stallholders for attending our events. As Tim Rock Raceway Circuit Owner would say, without you there is no us, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve been Rocked.
