Summarize

Lee Thompson Racing heads to Zwartkops’ bumper Youth Weekend race meeting ready for another double-whammy of races as all six of its cars are ready to race at its Pretoria home track Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June. 

The team’s Sasol GTC driver Charl Smalberger never had the best of races in East London last time out, ending the two races seventh and fourth positions. “I wasn’t getting out of the slow corners properly, so I never had the right pace,” the UPE mechanical engineering student explained. “I was using second gear where the others were using third and it got worse when I tried third. 

“It turned out that the turbocharger was not boosting properly, but we’ve put a fresh turbo in there and while I have not been able to test much being exam time, Lee has taken my iCorp Volkswagen Parts Golf GTI out and its been good. “Its time to win that first race of the year — I can’t wait for Zwartkops!”

The Thompson team’s Engen Volkswagen Cup driver, Mauritian Simon Need heads to Pretoria looking to continue his recent upturn in form. “We had a good if troubled weekend in East London,” Simon reported. “I had a very good qualifying, but we took an early shower in race 1 before a good run in race 2. “Tight Zwartkops is a different prospect though and it’s always a tough and grinding weekend compared to fast and flowing East London, but I can’t wait - let’s race!”

Need and Smallberger will race on Youth Day Friday, but Lee Thompson Racing’s four-car Comsol Volkswagen Challenge meanwhile will take to the track on Saturday 17 June, with the teams littlest car currently shaping best in that regional race series. The ever-humble Ancro LTR Polo Vivo pilot took overall Class honours at the series’ East London away race last time out and sits second in the class title chase and fourth overall in the mid-season championship.

“Hey — first and foremost I want to thank God for another race meeting,” Shaun admitted. “I’m excited for the race Lee Thompson has been hard at work on the car it is going to be a great race and just a big thanks to my sponsor Ancro Building Projects for the opportunity and everyone who helps make the racing happen — from the club to the marshals and officials, the sponsors, my rivals and my team!”

LTR’s trio of Class A Polos will race at home looking for an upturn of fortune following some recent challenges. “We have spend a bit of time playing catch up this season and a gearbox issue in East London did not help,” Husqvarna Motorcycles Polo veteran Iain Pepper, who sits second in the class chase explained. “We have done a lot of work since then and the car was great in testing, so let’s see if I can get one over these lighties.”

Waldie Meintjes is another Lee Thompson Racing VW Challenge veteran keen on a step forward at his home track. “I’m pleased to be back at Zwartkops this weekend — we normally run well there so I’m hoping for more of the same to get my year on track this weekend.”

Elder brother Wayne Crous is not saying much following some recent progress with his Delway LTR Polo: “I don’t have much to say except that I am confident and ready for the race weekend.” Wayne confirmed. “The car and the driver are ready for some hard racing!” 

“It’s another big weekend for the team” Lee Thompson explained. “We have all six cars racing again, fortunately this time split over two days so there’s a bit more of a breather after Kyalami and East London’s one day affairs, but I am excited for all the guys and we are looking forward to a really good race at our home track.”