Summarize

Cape Town race driver Nick Adcock went into Killarney’s Sasol GTC2 races keen to just come away knowing his brand new AidCall 24 Volkswagen Golf GTI a little better as he limbers up to a full season in the series next year. Instead Adcock came home clutching the silverware following an unexpected debut podium in the series.  

“It’s been quite a couple of days!” Former African Endurance champion Adcock explained. “We took a measured approach to our debut Sasol GTC2 race meeting and despite the combined pressures of our rush to get the car trackside and my rustiness in racing a front wheel drive car, never mind that my work schedule only allowed me to sit in the car on Friday morning and then we even missed the first practice session, we came home a bit shocked to have ended up on the podium on debut after we netted third overall for the day!

“We looked around a few months ago and it was clear that Sasol GTC is South Africa’s premier saloon car series racing on the finest circuits in the country — it is full of top driving talent. The GTC2 category is an exciting challenge, both technically and from the high level of competition it offers, so we decided to build a car and race.

“Our Rico Barlow Racing team originally considered converting a donor car into GTC2 specification, but there was a degree of uncertainty as to what we would end up with –- it would either be an advantage or just as easily a disadvantage. “Then at the last moment, a third party put me in contact with Mike Rowe, the head of VW Motorsport and we quickly came to an arrangement to acquire one of their existing GTC2 Golf 7 GTIs. 

 

“Our chassis needed some preparation prior to being raced and it was only competed on Thursday evening prior to the official Friday test day at Killarney. “I have not raced front wheel drive since my Renault Clio Cup days 10 years ago and we were also delayed while we made the final touches to the car, but the rest of practice and race day worked out well.

“There’s been a lot to remind myself of and much more still to come once I get to grips with the car, so we will conduct some serious testing in the break before Kyalami, but thanks to Mike Rowe, Graham Nathan and VW Motorsport - we have arrived in GTC, we are all delighted with the build quality of the car. “Now we’re really looking forward to the next two race meetings — roll on Kyalami!”