Round five of short circuit series held in Benoni

Round five of the SuperBike Magazine short circuit series was held on October 10 at the FK Kart Circuit/Formula K race track in Morehill.

“With have such a condensed racing programme to catch up on because of the Covid-19 lockdown. We are feeling the effects of the turn down in the economy with the least entries we have had since we started,” explained Clinton Pienaar, SuperBike Magazine organiser.

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“We sit now we just over 50 single entries with about a 100 over all the classes. I would have thought with us racing at a new track that this would have provided renewed interest, but the aftermath of the lockdown is being felt by everybody.”

The age groups of the event start from four years old to the oldest racer of the series, aged 66.

Michaela Vorster, race secretary or more commonly known by her nickname Mommy Bear, said that there are very few race series out there for children to start growing within the race industry.

“We hold this event, for children especially, to race for points within their league. We then provide a dinner for all the racers of the series where they will be awarded for first place, second and third.

“This gives them exposure and allows them to grow within the racing field.”

Only one race was missed this year due to Covid-19, so instead of eight rounds, the lockdown forced them to only host seven.

“We rushed this year to ensure we could host all the rounds hosting two rounds a month,” explained Vorster.

Mibern Medi-Call and chief medical co-ordinator Mike Russel said that no injuries had been sustained so far at the race.

“It’s still early but during the series so far we haven’t had many injuries. We had two minor injuries on October 9 but thankfully they are both fit to race and back on the track.”

People from all over South Africa, including international visitors, were seen on the day enjoying the sun and the familiar sound of motorbikes roaring around the track.

The ‘Two Old Dogs’ team were very excited to finally be back out on the track doing what they love.

“I have been racing this series for four years now but I have been racing bikes for 40 years,” said Paul Vollmer, member of the team and Fourways resident.

“A lot of the other race series out there cost millions, and this one is really affordable, with less injuries and a little bit slower hitting anywhere between 120 and 130km/h on the track.

“Cassie Carle, one of our team members, unfortunately got injured two races ago, not within this series, leaving her with a shattered collar bone and torn ligaments in her shoulder but she is still here today all the way from Canada to support us.”

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Clinton Pienaar thanked those who assisted in making the day a huge success.

“Just a short note of thanks to various guys again for helping with the live streaming, I am sure in time this is going to help us get traction with showcasing our sport to a broader audience.

“To the owners of FK Circuit, Marius and Phillip, thank you very much for all the effort you have put in to getting the circuit MSA safety approved. I know its been a lot of meetings and arranging various things, but we love the track and do appreciate what you guys have done for us and are doing for us.

“To all of you racers and spectators, thank you for your support so far this year.”

Round six will take place on October 24 at the Polokwane Kart Circuit in Polokwane with round seven taking place at the Redstar Raceway in Delmas on November 21.

Keep up with the Benoni City Times for final results and the announcement of winners.