As the first cars hit the track, the air filled with plumes of white smoke and the smell of burning rubber. The atmosphere went from complete silence to absolute mayhem in a matter of minutes. This was the start of what turned out to be a fantastic event and epic battle.
No YouTube video can mimic the adrenaline rush, the speed, the smells and sounds of this extreme motoring tournament. George Myburgh smacking his car sideways into a barrier literally had people driving out of the way. Seeing him bring his mangled car back on the track within five minutes had the crowd in disbelief.
Eric van Esseyn and Paolo Gouveia put up a toe-clenching battle, with some of the closest drifting of the day - so close that the first round had Eric carrying off pieces of bumper and the second left marshals sweeping up glass from a shattered rear light. These two threw in all they had in the fight for first place and had the crowd out of their seats cheering them on. The excitement and anticipation ended in the podium with first place being stolen by Eric, and Paolo coming a close second.
Mad Mike was a real crowd pleaser and highlight of the event, he came blaring in with his ear-splitting, flame throwing RX8. They call him mad for a reason, he pushed the car and track to the absolute limit. He missed the barriers and obstacles by millimetres, which in itself was miraculous, considering his tyres threw up so much smoke you could not see the car from the far end of the track. Post performance he was seen graciously interacting with fans, taking photos and signing autographs like a genuine show man.
The event provided great facilities. There was lots to do and plenty to ogle over. A quick walk around was a great way to spot some hidden supercars lurking in the parking and pits. The Rotary Club also had a great display with some of the best looking RX7s on the road.
What better way to spend a Saturday, than to go out with the family, grab a boerie and beer, sit back and watch a bunch of hooligans shred tyres.
