09/07/08 - South Africa’s only national sports car championship, the popular Execuline Shelby Can-Am series moves to South Africa’s oldest, and most spectacular track, for round six of the fascinating championship battle.

East London’s former Grand Prix venue is relatively narrow ribbon of tarmac and is the ultimate test for a driver as it is also the fastest track in the country.

On top of the points table are young Chris Hart (Hi-Q Plettenberg Bay) and veteran Rui Campos (Hugo Boss). They have fought hard this season and after the previous round at Zwartkops where each scored a win there’s a mere five points separating them.

Leading the rest is Brian Algar (Firedart) who has proved consistently fast and has scored points in all ten races held so far this year. Only six points adrift is the most experienced driver in the field, Alan Eve (Hugo Boss). He was in devastating form at Zwartkops until he was nudged off the track by teammate Campos.

Next up are Dave Beattie (Dura Solatanche Bachy) and Edenvale’s Jennifer Murray (Execuline) who had another good outing at Zwartkops and she’s now tied on 118 points with Beattie.

Former Engen VW Polo Cup racer Guy Botterill (Fragram Tools) joined the series at round two but has made a strong impression and lies seventh. He took a hard fought win in Cape Town and is looking forward to another win in East London.

There’s a close battle for eighth between former Porsche 924 racer Sean Greve (Vulcania Reinforcing) and another KZN driver, Chemspec backed Bryant van der Merwe. It is his first season in the big league and he’s learning fast. His other passion is flying so watch him on short finals into Potters Pass. Currently they are joint eighth in the points race.
Although it’s his debut season in the series Thomas Reib (Intertrans) has looked threatening and he loves the wide open East London circuit which he’s enjoyed behind the wheel of his brutal Porsche 935 recreation.

Colin Frost (Strocam) also brings a wealth of experience to the grid and he is capable of mixing it in the top ten thanks to a bundle of determination.

For a province that doesn’t have a permanent race track, Kwa-Zulu Natal breeds a huge amount of drivers and Sun Moodley (Bigfoot Express) is quietly determined to get into the top six. Like Moodley, JHB based Hanno Pengilly is enjoying his first season of racing but often has his rhythm spoilt by having to balance business and pleasure.

Other drivers to watch are Craig Shorter (Execuline) who could easily creep into the top six, but he’s missed a few races during the year. Like Frost, Richard Wood has been in the series since its inception he’s also a reliable finisher.

Execuline Shelby Can-Am Racing is supported by: Execuline Motor Underwriting, Hollard, Spanjaard Ltd, Carrera eye wear, British International and Goodyear.