ZWARTKOP races, namely the ’13th passion for speed’ which replaces the David Piper show ‘Legends of the 9 hour’, took place recently. A group from the South Coast Motor Cycle and Car Club attended and had a wonderful time mixing with the cars and bikes in the pits and enjoying the close-fought races.
There were 400 cars and 100 motorcycles, dating back to the 1950s, entered into the various events. For example, Les Miller’s 64-year-old MG Spider was racing full-steam ahead, together with cars like the Lotus 11 750 Climax from Le Mans. On the motorcycle side there was even a Norton Rotary on demonstration.
The big American V8s raced together with cars as small as Minis. A brilliant Austin A35 had the crowd on its feet and entertained all day. In the Lotus challenge there were no less than 39 replica Lotus 7s, a tribute to Colin Chapman’s brilliant 57-year-old design.
The new Formula 1 cars started testing at Spain’s Jerez Circuit at the end of January. It was immediately obvious that Mercedes-engined cars had the edge in terms of speed and reliability. Sebastian Vettel, in the new Red Bull Renault, had a lot of problems and was unable to put in any quick laps.The new 1.6lt turbo charged F1 cars proved not as quick as last year’s 2.4lt V8s but it is early days yet.
The latest news from the Grenoble hospital where Michael Schumacher is being attended to by the world’s top specialists is that they are battling to get him out of his coma.
This Saturday, February 15, will see another South Coast MCC meeting at Classic Cars and Motor Cycles, Margate at 2pm.
