Summarize

Lee Thompson Racing continues to dominate the Volkswagen Challenge following Iain Pepper’s latest double victory in the series at Meyerton’s Midvaal Raceway on Saturday. Pepper took two victories on the day to tighten his hold at the top of the championship chart, while Lee Thompson Racing newcomer, youngster Delon Thompson put it on pole position and scored a strong second, Waldie Meintijes had a positive day at the office and the Crous brothers both had an up-and-down weekend.

“That was another positive weekend,” team boss Lee Thomson reflected. “We scored good points for our class A championship with Iain taking a double after a hard fought scrap with Stiaan Kriel and overall our whole team showed great pace and they could all run in the front, but when you have that in a team, accidents do happen…”

“I’m happy with that!” Husqvarna Motorcycles LTR driver Iain Pepper admitted. “I messed up qualifying and only managed second, but I got in front and pulled about a 6 second gap then backed off to save the tyres. “In race 2 I was second for the first 6 laps with Kriel holding us up badly, but I found a way past with 4 to go and I was about 5 seconds ahead at end. “Lee and his guys gave me a great car once again — the least I could do was to reward them with another double and extend my lead in the class A championship.”

Lee Thompson’s other elder statesman Waldie Meintjes enjoyed a good day with his silver Polo. “I kept out of trouble in the races and the results came to me,” Waldie smiled. “I qualified sixth and ended up there in race 1, but some of the others had a few issues and I ended up fourth in race 2, so not too bad a weekend. “I’d have preferred better results, but I’m happy with a positive points haul.”

Team newcomer Delon Thompson enjoyed a positive first run with Lee Thompson Racing aboard his baby blue Polo. “I had a confidence inspiring weekend,” Delon explained. “My pace was good enough for pole position against seasoned campaigners, I set the fastest lap in both heats and ended second in the first race.” A racing incident put a premature end to Delon’s second race, but the former karting champion was happy with a major step forward. “This was a good boost to my tin-top racing career — I’m looking forward to learning from Lee as I did this weekend with his advice and great car setup and to continue growing as a racing driver.”

Wayne Crous was the other party involved in Delon Thompson’s racing incident. “I had a great start in the first race and found myself in third place from the start before enjoying a great dice with Delon, but I ran out of talent and dropped 2 places to end up fifth. “If my race 1 start was good, race 2’s was a monster and passed Delon to sit behind Stiaan and defend third for six laps or so. “Delon and I then had a huge unfortunate fender bender that ended both our races, which was a pity. “Still, I’m happy with my pace in a very competitive class.”

Younger brother Shaun Crous was another Lee Thompson driver to enjoy a polar weekend, qualifying second, retiring from race 1 and bouncing back to end up second in race 2 in the Class C Ancro Projects Polo Vivo. “Qualifying and the second race were good - I will take second, but we need to find a little pace to beat Rory Atkinson,” Shaun explained. “I have a great team around me and we will keep on working on both the car and my driving and we’ll find what we need to — thanks to Lee and to my sponsors Ancro Projects and thank God for the chance to race!”

Lee Thompson Racing now looks forward to a full seven car attack on Kyalami’s Festival of Racing with the VW Challenge five, Sasol GTC2 frontrunner Charl Smalberger and Polo Cup racer Simon Need Saturday 4 November.