SPIT AND POLE-ISH…
For the first time, Bridgestone Production Cars will use a ‘Superpole” format, to ratchet up the excitement a notch further, and put additional pressure on the country’s top saloon car drivers to perform…
Superpole is a three-way shootout for both classes, which will see the leading trio from Kyalami’s Friday afternoon qualifying session go out for a flying lap on Saturday morning to see if they can improve their starting position – or in the case of the pole-sitter, retain it. They will also score points on a three, two, one basis, this replacing the points previously allocated in Friday’s qualifying.
“An out-lap to warm the tyres, a flyer, and an in-lap to cool everything down…that’s what will determine the first three slots on the grid,” says Supa Production Car CEO Dick Sorensen. “It is going to be like a race in its own right, and a perfect opportunity for the guys who think they could’ve been on pole to have a second chance at grabbing it.
“With our format of two six lap sprints followed by a 12-lapper late in the day, a top starting position is a highly sought-after commodity, and we’re expecting fireworks!”
Competing for the pole in class A are Michael Stephen (Engen Audi A4), Johan Fourie and Ettienne van der Linde, both in Afrox BMWs. The class T pole will be fought out between Lee Thompson’s Castrol MINI, Graeme Nathan’s Indyoil Golf GTi and class newcomer Kelvin van der Linde also in a Golf.
Superpole starts at 10h45 tomorrow (February 23) and ends at 11h05 – it’s going to be a 20-minute adrenalin rush.
