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Thompson keen to end in Zwartkops style

The 2017 South African circuit racing season comes to an end at Zwartkops’ Extreme festival races Saturday 25 November, where Lee Thompson Racing will end its season in it’s usually hectic fashion with six cars racing in two series. Just in case that was not enough, team boss Lee Thompson took a few days off to head to the Lesotho mountains to race his KTM in the Roof of Africa hard enduro over the past weekend.

“We are looking forward to the Zwartkops weekend,” Lee admitted. “We have a championship to win with Iain Pepper and there’s still the chance of Charl Smalberger ending up second in the Sasol GTC championship, while Shaun Crous is looking good for third in Challenge Class C, but first I have a weekend off and the small matter of racing my motorcycle at the Roof of Africa to take care of. “See you at Zwartkops!” 

Privateer Charl Smalberger has had a great season in the Sabretek iCorp VW Parts LTR Golf GTI and sits a strong third in the Sasol GTC2 championship race as he heads to the Pretoria finale ahead of most of the factory entries in the class. “There is an outside chance we can steal second in the championship,” Charl admitted. “But this is our home race and whatever else happens, we want to win it for our Pretoria fans — what better way to end off the season?“

Iain Pepper meanwhile heads down the road to Zwartkops with one mission in mind and that’s to wrap up the Class A MADA Volkswagen Challenge championship with his Husqvarna Motorcycles LTR Polo. “We arrive with a handy 20-point lead in class,” the Midrand veteran racer who returned to winning ways this year after a 7-year sabbatical confirmed. “I just need to keep out of trouble and drive it home this weekend — let’s do this!”

Another Pretoria local, Waldie Meintjes goes to Zwartkops attempting to steal third in the VW Challenge Class A championship at his home track. “We had a shocking start to the season, but the last few races have been great and I won the day at Kyalami last time out,” Waldie explained. “There are 14 points between third in the championship and me — it’s not an easy ask, but to overhaul Devon would make our comeback complete.”

Meintjes needs to keep one eye on his rear-view mirrors though — LTR teammate Wayne Crous still has a mathematical chance of pipping Waldie to the post, although the Alberton driver is more than happy with his championship fifth in his Delway Polo going into the finale. “We have had a brilliant year and thanks to Lee and the team, we have made a great step forward,” Wayne admitted. “I am hoping for another record result this weekend — bring it on!” 

Lee Thompson’s fourth VW Challenge Class A charger, former SA karting champion Delon Thompson can’t wait to get back into his blue Polo at Zwartkops on Saturday. “We have found some great pace, but we have also had a few problems,” Benoni driver Delon confessed. “So I’m hoping to have a clean run at Zwartkops to show my true potential — I can’t wait for Zwartkops and huge thanks to Lee and the guys.”

Last but not least. Shaun Crous goes to Zwartkops looking to consolidate his second place in Class C of the VW Challenge with his Ancro Construction Polo Vivo. “This is the last race of the season and it's all the glory to God that he has made it possible for us to race this season,” Shaun explained. “I want to end off the season with a good race so I am sure that it is going to be a great day at Zwartkops.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Lee Thompson Racing

What:Extreme Festival Preview
Where:Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria
When:Saturday 25 November 2017
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For further information please contact thompsonlee01@gmail.com

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