RACING action in the Engen Volkswagen Cup single-make series at Phakisa on Saturday was of typical nature for this series – tough and exciting right through the field. For the defending champion the event was a chance to further extend the lead already amassed.
Two race wins for Mathew Hodges (1) in the PG Autoglass car continued the trend he has been working on this season to extend his lead by 30 more points in the bank. Added to the 112 point total, Hodges now has 142 points on the scoreboard, his nearest rival is on 111.
Devin Robertson (3) in the Ferodo / Big Boss Auto Polo is the closest competitor to Hodges, hanging on to the championship leader by a combination of good results and bonus points. Robertson has claimed six bonus points – including the two at the Phakisa race meeting – this season, the highest of any competitor in this series.
Hodges isn’t over-confident in his lead though, it could be wiped out by a double-win on the part of Robertson if he has a bad race meeting. Instead of resting on his laurels, Hodges is intent on posting as many winning results as he can.
Kosie Weyers (6) in the Engen Xtreme Polo showed good form at the Phakisa event, filling the third slot in the overall podium. He is also third on the national standings and the points bagged at the Phakisa race meeting ensure he is breathing down Robertson’s neck. Just 18 points separate these two drivers – a very small margin in this series.
In the opening stages of race one, Masters competitor Miguel Pasqualli (5) in then Engen Xtreme entry pulled off the track in the first corner when his accelerator cable chose an inopportune moment to disconnect itself from the engine. Pasqualli made a running repair at the side of the track, but it kept jumping out during the race.
For Robyn Kruger (19), behind the wheel of the Azoic Panelbeaters / Northern Tool and Bolt Polo, the first corner also held a few surprises. She braked too late going into the corner, made contact with Kyle Barnes (22) in the Phoenix Motors / Conti Partner / CFP Tyres entry, and then hit the wall. In the second-last lap of the race she was a bit enthusiastic in trying to catch Trevor Bland (25) and she spun in the bowl.
The second race was even less kind to Kruger when a CV joint failed at the start of the race and she was immediately sidelined. Up front, Robertson lost out to Hodges in the second race when he climbed on the brakes too hard, allowing Hodges to slip past. According to Weyers his third place finish was as a result of “running out of tyres” when the racing rubber could no longer provide the grip he needed to stay in the fight.
The Engen Volkswagen Cup series is contested in two categories. The first is the national championship – for which Hodges, Robertson and Weyers are currently battling for honours. The second is the Masters category and drivers over the age of 27 fall into this class.
Here Brett Roach (11) Old Mutual Max Investments proved to be the most successful racer with Graham Donker (27) Mini / Maxi Panelbeaters in second place and Dorian Garvie (16) in the Indo Contractors car taking third overall for the day.
The Engen Volkswagen Cup formula will now head to Zwartkops Raceway for round six of the 2010 championship on Saturday, 11 September.
Results:
Race one:
1. Mathew Hodges (1) PG Autoglass
2. Kosie Weyers (6) Engen Xtreme
3. Devin Robertson (3) Ferodo / Big Boss Auto
Race two:
1. Mathew Hodges (1) PG Autoglass
2. Devin Robertson (3) Ferodo / Big Boss Auto
3. Kosie Weyers (6) Engen Xtreme
Overall:
1. Mathew Hodges (1) PG Autoglass
2. Devin Robertson (3) Ferodo / Big Boss Auto
3. Kosie Weyers (6) Engen Xtreme
Masters
Race one:
1. Brett Roach (11) Old Mutual Max Investments
2. Graham Donker (27) Mini / Maxi Panelbeaters
3. Dorian Garvie (12) Indo Contractors
Race two:
1. Miguel Pasqualli (5) Engen Xtreme
2. Brett Roach (11) Old Mutual Max Investments
3. Graham Donker (27) Mini / Maxi Panelbeaters
Overall:
1. Brett Roach (11) Old Mutual Max Investments
2. Graham Donker (27) Mini / Maxi Panelbeaters
3. Dorian Garvie (12) Indo Contractors
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