Summarize

Chemical Logistics Racing finds itself in a unique position as team drivers Robert Wolk and Julian van der Watt enter the second half of the season as title rivals for the 2024 South African Touring Cars championship. The duo head to the East London Grand Prix Circuit Extreme Festival races separated by all of seven points at the top of the championship log on Saturday 27 July. 

“Leading the way with two of our drivers fighting it out for championship honours is something we’re not quite used to,” Chemical Logistics WCT Engineering team manager Stuart Thompson grinned. “Until now we have always been fighting against a rival team for the title, but this year it’s in-house, so it’s a different challenge, as we now need to manage in-team expectations and try keep things calm in the pits! I have to say that in spite of that, we’re quite enjoying it and I for one am looking forward to how East London plays out!”

“I may be leading the chase, but I certainly have not had things all my own way over the past few rounds,” Chemical Logistics WTC Engineering BMW 128ti TC driver Robert Wolk explains. “So the plan is to deliver a good, clean weekend at the Grand Prix Circuit.”  Double Touring Cars champion Robert is also cognisant about keeping it clean in-house as the team leads the way to East London. “It is important for the team that we keep it clean between us and focus on the job at hand, which is to stay in control of the championship through to the end of the season, let’s do this guys!”

Julian van der Watt has slowly but surely improved his championship lot aboard his Investchem Volkswagen Golf GTI TC, to now sit within title striking distance of teammate and championship leader Wolk “I have had a great run over the past few rounds and now I find myself in championship contention,” Julian admits. “We are now just a handful of points behind in the chase, so the rest of the season promises to be greatly exciting, starting this weekend in East London. Bring it on!”

Despite missing a round to attend a family matter abroad, South African Touring Cars rookie Andrew Schofield has quietly piled up championship points in his FlySafair Chemical Logistics BMW 128ti TC. “I have been on a significant learning curve since stepping up to the South African Touring Cars this season, but I’m progressing well with this great team around me and a brilliant car under me. I’m really looking forward to the second half now that I have a good few races under my belt.”

“For once we have two of our own Chemical Logistics WCT drivers fighting it out for the championship in two different cars, so it’s  a most intriguing situation,” team boss Ian Schofield concludes. “This is something we certainly can get used to, but we also need to manage our drivers’ expectations, so keep it clean guys and let’s keep this splendid momentum rolling.”

Follow Chemical Logistics Racing's East London adventures live at https://extremefestival.co.za/live/ on Saturday 27 July.