A father and son, race drivers from Sharonlea, performed well on August 8 and 9 in historic single seater races at Zwartkops Raceway.

The father, Alan Kernick, and the son, Michael, had a memorable weekend sharing the track, Alan in the 1970 Dulon Formula Ford, and Michael in the customary Capital, competing in the historic formula vee class.

Read more: Sharonlea-based racer shines at KZN raceway

During the practice runs, both drivers kept a respectable pace and were satisfied with their cars. Michael stated that he enjoyed being in the Capital, and the fastest in class. “We were both in a great position for qualifying. Dad qualified sixth overall and fourth in class. I finished first in my class and tenth overall, which made us both very happy.”

In race one, Alan was eager to move up the field, while Michael focused on the historic vee race. Alan worked quickly to move up a few ranks, and get to the front of his class. Michael was able to maintain a lead over the other vees, even passing some formula ford vehicles.

“I was thrilled,” said Michael, “because I could see Dad a few cars ahead of me. I was able to get a nice run and open up a distance that I kept until the end, winning the historic formula vee class by five seconds and placing ninth overall.”

Alan, after a long battle, ended sixth overall and fourth in class.

In race two, both racers followed the same plan: To do their best and see what happened. Alan managed to finish fourth overall and third in class, but Michael had clutch issues on the final two laps, only managing to pull a win by seven seconds, and finishing seventh overall.

“It was a terrific weekend,” concluded Michael, “and it was a joy to race on the same track as my father. I’m glad he had a successful day of racing. Thanks to everyone involved in making this happen.”

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