Sharonlea racer experienced it all at Zwartkops Raceway

*At the Passion for Speed 2024 at Zwartkops Raceway Sharonlea-based Michael Kernic and his father Alan raced in the Historic Single Seater Association category (HSSA).

Their friends Janne and Kennet Persson from Sweden with their Mclaren M6B 1968 Can-Am car raced in the Sports Car race and the 45-minute race.

Michael was racing in the historic Formula Vee Class at HSSA in his late grandfather’s 1965 Capital Formula Vee and Alan was in the Formula Ford Class in the Dennis Temple TEmpest.

Michael explained that his weekend didn’t get off to the best start, as they finished rebuilding the engine a week before. “During the first practice on Friday, we had engine trouble leading to me having only four laps. In qualifying I didn’t get a lap in due to other engine trouble, so I started last again.”

After the disappointment of last year, they all wanted to win the 45-minute race. After qualifying they got the car ready for race day.

“I started last in the historic Vee Class and thought now I’m just going to take it easy on the start. The lights went off and I had a good start and worked my way through then by the exit of turn two I was in the lead. I put my head down and got on with the job in hand and won the race.”

During the 45-minute race, the crew was disappointed as their car was damaged and the lower suspension was broken. On analysis, they found that they’d had suspension failure which made the car spin, and it was hit by another car.

“My heart sank seeing the lower suspension broken. I knew we were done. I couldn’t believe it, and with the damage, the car was out of racing for the rest of the day.”

He added that it was a good weekend of racing even with the disappointment, but the memories made and being with friends is a privilege.

“It’s impossible not to enjoy it. Thank you to everyone involved in making the weekend happen.”