Summarize

Rookie Jagger Robertson is the man to beat as Investchem Formula 1600 heads to Pretoria’s tight and twisty Zwartkops Raceway for the third round National Extreme Festival races on Saturday 18 May. Not quite a racing rookie, Robertson is a seasoned campaigner in his own right, and he now leads South Africa’s leading title chase after a dominant Kyalami home track showing last time out. But it is his first year in this series. 

So Robertson now heads to his home track as a firm favourite to stretch his advantage aboard his yellow Liqui Moly Mygale. But it’s not that simple. Zwartkops can be tricky. So Jagger will need to extend his run of pole positions to a rookie hat trick, get off the line in a hurry to be sure, and control the day from there. Trouble is there’s a whole pack of equally eager rivals snapping at his heels to stop him.

Young gun KC Ensor Smith is Robertson’s closest title rival. The multiple National karting champion will be particularly dangerous as he hunts down his much deserved maiden Investchem Formula 1600 win aboard his African Heating version, from just four points adrift. Then there’s third man, Cape Town lad Jason Coetzee, just a couple more points adrift and always a factor in his in his Mint Wrapworks entry.

Killarney opening race sensation, Durban driver Shrien Naidoo is out to make amends for a second round to forget at Kyalami last time out in his Production X Mygale. He also has Magnificent Paints & Hardware driver Nicholas van Weely, and Karabo Malemela’s KMFT Morita car to deal with. Alex Vos’ DV Building Supplies car and Investchem driver Siya Mankonkwana will be out to make up for tough starts to their seasons too.

NBR rookie Mikel Bezuidenhout has given a good account of himself so far this season and can be expected to surprise in Pretoria. As can comeback kid Ewan Holtzhausen’s Bee Tee car, Storm Lanfear from the Cape in his Mantellis entry, and Metal Used rookie, Renzo Ribeiro.

Half the size, twice the fun, Zwartkops always delivers great racing. Saturday’s Investchem Formula 1600 championship action should be no different. It’s the perfect stimulus for thrilling racing. Make it a date!