Sharonlea-based racer shines at KZN raceway
Despite hurdles, Michael Kernick, a Sharonlea race driver, placed fourth in the Backdraft Series four-hour race.
Michael Kernick, a Sharonlea-based racer, competed in the Backdraft Series four-hour race at KZN’s Dezzi Raceway.
Kernick, who raced in a Backdraft Cobra Roadster, did not attend Friday practice, and his first laps around the track in the Cobra were during the qualifying round on Saturday morning.
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He met his co-driver, Andre Bettencourt, for the first time on the track, as the race requires two drivers. Bettencourt had tested the car on Friday, so he was familiar with the conditions.
Kernick started the qualifying laps, and he was able to set a good pace.
“After my qualification period, Andre went out and we managed to qualify sixth out of 20 cars and third in Class B, so it was a good start.”
In addition to stopping every hour for driver changes and fuel, the team had ups and downs throughout the day. They maintained their position by attacking and defending effectively. By the end, Kernick was able to maintain a steady pace, minimise errors, and know which cars to take on and which not to.
“The track is tight, so I had to make the most of my passing possibilities, which also required me to plan when to pass others,” said Kernick. He added that after he had placed them third in their class, Bettencourt managed to take second place with an hour and a half to go.
However, the car’s left front suspension was damaged, so the team brought it into the pits and began replacing the broken pieces.
He added that while they were working on the problem, they noticed that the left rear wheel bearing had failed.
“There were only 30 minutes left of the race, with the wheel bearing trouble, we all agreed now it’s time to nurse the car and bring it to the end of the race, and we finished in fourth in our class.”
Despite the car’s issues, Kernick said it was an excellent result. He thanked the Backdraft team and his sponsors, Carte Blanche Marketing and Cargo Bulk Movers, for their help and support.
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