Summarize

Tasmin second, points for all four cars

Pepper Racing enjoyed a positive step forward in the Engen Volkswagen Cup at the Zwartkops Youth Day Extreme Festival Friday 16 June with Tasmin Pepper ending second overall, Shaun la Réservée fourth and both rookie drivers Giordano Lupini and Daniel Duminy in the points as each of them overcame various challenges.

Tasmin Pepper drove two very strong races to finish second each time to take second for the day in the Campos Transport/Alpine Motors Pepper racing Polo. “This was a really great weekend for me,” Tasmin beamed. “I’ all smiles — the team did a great job on the car and we are  back in the front where we know we can be! “Now I’m looking even more forward to the next event in PE where I can hopefully improve on that second position…

Shaun la Réservée ended up fourth overall with a second and a sixth in the two races in his Alpine Motors Pepper Racing Polo. “Zwartkops wasn’t as easy as I had hoped,” Shaun reflected. “Polo Cup ran new, narrower rims for the first time this weekend and that meant we had to find out where the setup sweet spot was again and I struggled a little in the practice sessions, but I managed to pull a rabbit out the hat in qualifying and get 5th and 7th. 

We changed the car for morning warm-up and it was fantastic, ending second fastest by the smallest of margins and race 1 was good — I got a good start and ended third right behind Tazz. “Race 2 was a little more difficult — I started 7th and ended 6th — I just never had the pace to run with the front guys. “Thank you to the team for everything they did this weekend - see you in PE!”

Giordano Lupini was delighted to break his dreadfully unlucky start to his Engen Volkswagen Cup career with a points finish at Zwartkops. “That was a really up and down weekend, with practice going very well for us, we were looking good for a great qualifying but unfortunately the car broke on my out lap so I had to start last for both races,” Giordano explained. 

“Race 1 was good — I managed to make my way up to 14th and finally get over that disastrous streak of mechanical failures. “Race 2 was tougher — my car ran hot and I lost a bit of power so I struggled down the straights. “Although the weekend didn’t go as well as it could have, we’re glad to have finally finished 2 races and scored a few points — thanks so much tot he team for all their work again, but hopefully it’s onward and upward from here — bring it on!”

Daniel Duminy drove well to overcome some issues with his car before being taken out of heat 1 and then bouncing back to grab a couple of points in the second race.  “Yet another tough day at the races,” Daniel rued. “It breaks me that I can’t deliver for the team as I know they put in so much hard work.

“We had a problem with my car from the first practice and we still haven’t found out what it is. “Thanks to everyone for the support and thanks to the team for everything — what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger — watch this space…”

“Zwartkops was a breath of fresh air after that disaster in East London last time out,” team principal Iain Pepper concluded. “Tasmin and Shaun were second and fourth overall and Giordano and Daniel fought hard to score points after they each had their difficulties. “Well done to all four drivers — now for the next step forward next time out.” Pepper racing returns to action for round 5 of the Engen Volkswagen Cup at Aldo Scribante 15 July.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Pepper Racing

What:Engen Volkswagen Cup Race 4 Report
Where:Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria
When:Friday 16 June 2017
Community:Pepper Racing

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