Local racer has a few hiccups at Zwartkops Raceway, but looks forward to future races
Michael Kernick put on a good show at the Historic Single Seater Association Grand Prix, held at Zwartkops Raceway, driving the 1965 Capital Formula Vee, but it just wasn't his day as he had to retire at the end due to engine failure.
Sharonlea-based Michael Kernick participated in a Historic Single Seater Association Grand Prix’s (HSSA GP) final race for the year at Zwartkops Raceway.
Read more: Sharonlea racer impresses at Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge
He raced the 1965 Capital Formula Vee for the first time since he raced in Sweden. The car was his grandfathers in the 60s, and the oldest car in the historic formula vee class, as well as the whole field.
Kernick explained that the weekend started rough as they finished rebuilding the engine for the car a few days before the race.
“We got to the track on Friday, for practice session, to make sure the car was working. I got ready and went out for the last practice session. However, disappointment was the result, having more engine troubles with barely doing four laps. We packed up and brought the car back home where we did another engine rebuild overnight.” The car was back on the track early Saturday morning, just in time for the HSSA GP qualifying, but he faced more problems in the pit as the clutch pedal broke.
“I got out the car and we found some parts we could use to fix the clutch, fixed it, and I managed to get out for the last part of qualifying managing to qualify second in the historic formula vee class.”
Kernick had a good start in race 1, managing to get into the lead, followed by a four-car battle for first place.
Also read: Blairgowrie-based racer gets Ferrari experience
“I managed to get into the lead, and I was doing my best to hang on, but my car was losing power and was a lot slower in the straight line, so I got passed, but I managed to hang onto second place, which is a good result.”
He started in second place in race 2. He was in the lead but was forced to pull out of the race in the last lap due to engine issues.
“I came past the pits and saw there were only two laps left of the race. I thought to myself, ‘Just keep it together and bring it home’. Then, on the last lap, going through a turn, the engine broke and I was out of the race. It was such a pity. I was disappointed, however, this is all part of racing. We will fix it and come back stronger.”
Kernick and his team are focusing on getting ready for the Famous Kyalami 9-hour, where he has been given the opportunity to race a Backdraft Roadster.
He said that this is an amazing opportunity for them, and that they are really excited to be doing the nine-hour.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Blairgowrie-based Gouws Motorsport aims to become best race car manufacturer
