Brian Joss –
Uncharted waters for National Production Car Championships
The Engen Xtreme Team head into uncharted territory on 29 August, with round six of the National Production Car Championship (NPCC) taking place at a new venue, Dezzi Raceway on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
With a new circuit posing a new set of challenges, the stage could be set for a dramatic change in the championship standings.
The 2.5km Dezzi Raceway is one of only two circuits in South Africa that offer a sea view to competitors. That view will, however, not be a priority as the competitors chase points in what will be the third-last round for the season.
“The circuit is going to be new for everyone,” says Engen Xtreme driver Michael Stephen (12), currently second on the points NPCC standings, eight points behind leader Hennie Groenewald. “By the time the first practise sessions are over though, the field will be pretty close. The key to success will be to adapt quickly and have a good setup for race day.”
For Stephen, round six will see him focused on consolidating his standing in the championship, whilst using the event as a springboard to mount a concerted charge for overall honours.
“We’ll be working on adapting to the track conditions as quickly as possible to ensure the best setup possible,” says Stephen. “I think that is going to be the secret ingredient to making the Dezzi Raceway round of the championship as successful as possible. If we can get the right combination before the other teams, it will mean more time working on racing lines and absolute pace, rather than trying to set the car up for the event.”
For Stephen’s talented young teammate, Simon Moss, the focus will be on translating his raw speed in qualifying into success on race day.
“My qualifying is going well,” says Moss. “Both in East London and at Zwartkops I posted the second-fastest qualifying time and got on to the front row of the starting grid. Now I’m working on my race results, I want to be able to finish races and do justice to my qualifying sessions.”
The racing at Dezzi Raceway will be sponsored by Engen, the title sponsor of the Terry Moss Racing Team and National VW Polo Cup Series.
While the Engen Extreme Festival heads to a circuit that is not known to the NPCC competitors, it will certainly not stop the Engen Xtreme Team from racing hard and they will certainly be right where the action is during the event.
