Summarize

What promises to be one of the most exciting motorsport seasons yet seen in the Cape, is due to get under way at Killarney on Saturday with the traditional Passion for Speed, international historic extravaganza.

While it’s going to be predominantly a day of nostalgia for the “When we’s,” the variety of events on the programme is going to see the golden oldies being joined alternately, by modern day boldies. As a result, there is certain to be something to grab the attention of petrolheads of any age or taste.

But it’s the quaintly titled Pre ’66 Production Cars and Little Giants events that are currently grabbing the most attention. Because firstly, with some of the largest saloon cars ever seen on a race track in South Africa -- there’s nothing “little” about the giants at all.

The legendary Sarel van der Merwe’s Chevelle will be joined by two behemoth Ford Galaxies - one in the hands of leading Dutch driver Michiel Campagne, while the third is a 5.7 litre model, being steered by Somerset West resident, Ferdi van Niekerk Jnr. Other giants in these events include a trio of formidable General Motors V8 products that have been entered by the Zwartkops, Du Toit brothers. Their cars include a 1964 Chev Nova, a 1964 Chev Chevelle and a 1957 “Black Widow.”

And that’s not all. Because in the same events, Peter Lindenberg is going to be seen in a Shelby GT350, Vance Kearny in a Ford Capri Perana and Jacques Mouton in this magnificent Studebaker Silver Hawk. There are even a pair of seldom seen, locally designed and built GSM Darts in one of the lower classes.

Armed with his South African championship winning Ford Escort replica, Louis Powell and Chris Carolin (Mazda Capella rotary), are challenging another battery of big V8’s led by Malcolm Uytenbogaardt (Ford Granada), Robin Forbes (Chev Corvette Stingray) and Erik Mouton (Chev De Ville).

Mike Beachy Head’s 4.5-litre V8 Porsche 917 Replica, will revive memories of the magnificent 917’s campaigned by David Piper and other top international drivers in days now long gone. It is the standout entry in the Pre’74 ISP and Trans-Am category and although the car has not been seen at its best in recent appearances, Saturday may be different. Beachy Head’s greatest challenge is likely to come from Stellenbosch wine farmer, Andre Bezuidenhout in a Porsche RSR Turbo.

A major surprise in the Historic single seater events is an entry by visiting driver Andrew Waring in a 1.5-litre BRM V8. Now no F1 BRM – real or replica – has ever been on the track here in the Cape and it is going to be interesting to see it in action.

The Killarney clubhouse will be open to the public for a variety of refreshment throughout the day, with the first race is due off after the final practice and qualifying sessions, at 10.00. Admission is R100 for adults and R40 for scholars under 16. There is no charge for kiddies under 12.