Summarize

It’s a well-known fact that automotive components manufacturer Pabar sponsors the hugely entertaining Gauteng VW Challenge, but did you know that the company also runs a team in the series? Not only that, but Pabar Racing celebrated its brand new livery with a couple of standout performances in the Pabar VW Challenge races at Red Star Raceway on Saturday.

Pabar Racing even caused a stir when it arrived at Red Star on Friday. Both its cars stopped the pitlane traffic, resplendent in their fresh grey, white and yellow colours, before team boss Mike Barbaglia planted the team’s Class A car seventh on the grid. “I was motivated by our new look and qualifying went pretty well,” Mike, a veteran of 1980s Stannic Group N racing reported. 

“My first race went pretty well and I diced hard with Dewald Theron, who had out-qualified me, but I managed to hold him off for sixth. The second race went even better and a little attrition up front helped me to fifth in that heat, for sixth overall on the day. I’m getting more comfortable in the car every race; we have found a bit of pace and we will keep on chasing up the grid. Thanks to the team for a great car and, to the Pabar VW Challenge for yet another brilliant weekend!”

It was a rollercoaster weekend for Charl Anderson in Pabar Racing’s Class C entry. Having qualified sixth, Charl was chasing for fourth in race 1 when he tried a bit too hard to consolidate his progress. “I took the turn before the main straight in fourth gear at about 20 km/h faster than normal to try increase the gap between me and Jan Spamers. I couldn't hold the car at that speed and picking mielies became a reality! I ended up at the back of the pack for my efforts, but the second heat went better and I brought it home sixth. Thanks to the team for a great car as always!”

Mike, Charl and the rest of the Pabar VW Challenge head to the Free State and Phakisa Freeway in Welkom next for round 3 on Saturday 27 May.