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Franschhoek youngster Giordano Lupini is looking forward to a rough and tough season in one of racing’s most competitive classes in 2018. Lupini, who raced nationally in the Engen Volkswagen Cup last season, moves back to Class C of the BurlyPro GTi Challenge for 2018 — a class sure to be among the toughest to win in all motorsport in South Africa this year — starting at the opening round of the Wingfield Motors Power Series at Killarney Saturday 17 February. 

“We enjoyed a tough but most enriching national season in Polo Cup last year, but the change to the new car there has moved that class out of reach for us for now, so sadly we will not be there this year,” the Bridge House College matriculant rued. “Happily however, our old GTi Challenge Class C has developed into among the most competitive classes in the country and we are able to compete at a similar level right here at Killarney. “I must beat eight or ten top guys to win in this class again — its super competitive and we are racing against some highly talented drivers with winning international and national pedigrees, so I really can’t wait to get back on track!

“We are also only allowed to race Golf 1 GTis in Class C this year and all the cars must produce 95kW or less and they must weigh no less than 950kg, so it’s all very tight. “Unless of course we end up in the top three and then we must carry penalty weight into the next race, which makes it all even more interesting. “Another novelty this year is that we only have 6 new tyres available to us for 16 races, so tyre management is going to be critical too. 

“But the biggest attraction is who we have to beat here in BurlyPro GTi Challenge Class C — we have a really top field of drivers in the class; many of whom are former racing champions and regular race winners, from highly experienced older drivers through to youngsters like my old karting rival Dario Busi and me.

“I would like to take the opportunity to shout out to our hometown Franschhoek sponsors ahead of the season — La Vie de Luc mineral water, CIR Construction, BP Franschhoek and Motorsport Media for their continued support and to Brian Maunder and the MRD team on our car, as well as the GTi Challenge, the WPMC, my folks and everyone else for making it all possible — now let’s get racing!”

The GTi Challenge races as part of the Wingfield Power Series at Killarney Raceway every month and Giordano’s first race of the season is 17 February’s opening Power Series regional meeting, which offers a fine day out with great action on track, plenty to keep the family entertained and fine facilities too…