THE Engen Volkswagen Cup delivered a high level of racing action at Scribante on Saturday, 1 May 2010. This event marked the first round of competition in this single-make series in the new Volkswagen Polo Vivo guise.
The most successful driver on the day was Mathew Hodges (1) in the PG Glass entry – the defending champion who also set a new lap record (1:13.199) to replace the previous best of 1:13.744 set by Bryan Morgan (4) in the Timken/Greatsoft entry set in 2008. Hodges produced a no-mistakes double victory, leaving the rest of the field to battle amongst themselves for the other positions. These battles are what ensured victory for the series leader as they afforded him the chance to build a strong lead in each race.
Just how strong? Hodges crossed the finish line 2.3 seconds ahead of his nearest rival in race one and 3.6 seconds in race two. On each occasion this rival was Devin Robertson (3) in the Ferodo/Big Boss Auto entry – third man in the national points listing.
Third on the list of overall top finishers was Kyle Barnes (22) in the Phoenix Motors/Conti Partner entry – thanks to a third place finish in race one and a sixth in the second race to keep him ahead of his pursuers.
Things got off to an exciting start when Kosie Weyers (6) in the Engen Xtreme entry tried to fit between the Midas/Car King/Nyaleti Holdings Polo of Jacques Joubert (20) and the Timken/Greatsoft car of Bryan Morgan (4). The result of this opening lap incident saw the side of Morgan’s car decorated in black rubber marks and Weyers’ retirement after just one lap due to engine damage.
The start of this race was a high point for Robyn Kruger (19) who made the top six draw for this first time this season and found herself in the middle of a massive battle. Kruger pulled off the line in second place – and found herself under the attentions of Brennon Green (9) in the Indy Oil/Vaalmac Polo and Bryan Morgan (4) and his Timken/Greatsoft car.
It was especially the battle between Morgan and Kruger that drew attention as the two fought tooth and nail for position. Kruger did well to hang on as long as she did, but ultimately is was the experience of Morgan that beat her to the line.
The train of 20 Volkswagen Polo Vivos contested two races on the day. In race two it was Joubert who moved up to grab third that drew attention to his racing. Joubert had rolled his Polo during practise on Friday and it was touch-and-go whether he would be able compete on Saturday.
For this rookie competitor it was thanks to the help of Trevor Koen (23) and his Oilco Patralco Polo from whom his team got parts to get their car finished. Koen was unable to compete in the PE event as he had engine problems.
Confidence is key for any racing driver and recovery from an accident can take time. For Joubert there was no such delay and he drove a hard race to claim the final of the podium positions in this race. It was also here that Weyers was relegated to starting from the back of the field – and gained 10 places over the 10 lap competition to finish in ninth, eight of which were gained on the first lap.
Trevor Bland (25) went from a 10th place finish in race one to post a DNF in the second race after his car started spewing smoke and he retired.
Shaun la Reservee (14) and his Alpine Motors/Compendium Insurance Group debuted at the Port Elizabeth event – and gave a good account of themselves in the process. Staying out of trouble saw La Reservee post a 13th place in race one and 16th in race two to successfully complete his first race meeting in this championship.
In the Masters category for drivers older than 27 it was Graham Donker (27) in the Mini/Maxi Panelbeaters car who claimed honours in race one with Dorian Garvie (16) driving the Indo Contractors car in second and Miguel Pasqualli (5) and his Engen Xtreme entry third. In race two it was Pasqualli who finished first with Donker in second and Leon Odendaal (34) in the G&H Transport Polo third.
Results for the day were:
Race one:
1 – Mathew Hodges (1) – PG Glass
2 – Devin Robertson (3) – Ferodo/Big Boss Auto
3 – Kyle Barnes (22) – Phoenix Motors/Conti Partner
Race two:
1 – Mathew Hodges (1) – PG Glass
2 – Devin Robertson (3) – Ferodo/Big Boss Auto
3 – Jacques Joubert (20) – Midas/Car King/Nyaleti
Overall:
1 – Mathew Hodges (1) – PG Glass
2 – Devin Robertson (3) – Ferodo/Big Boss Auto
3 – Kyle Barnes (22) – Phoenix Motors/Conti Partner
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