This weekend Killarney International raceway will be the staging ground for many prestigious race events and high-octane championship races.
The thrilling lineup for the day includes the GAZOO Racing Cup opening race, the opening race for the Global Touring Car Championship, vintage Formula 1660 and Formula Ford Kent races, and the exhilarating G&H Transport Extreme SuperCars. The CompCare Polo Cup will kick off its 2022 season at the legendary Western Cape racetrack. The Sun Bet ZX10 Masters Cup will also take place this weekend at Killarney.
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The earliest events of the day will consist of practice laps and warm-ups which will take place from 08h00 to 10h20 which will be followed by a welcome ceremony presented by the City of Cape Town. The final event of the day will end at 17h30. The GR Yaris championship’s inaugural race will take place this weekend. Six-track homologated GR Yaris vehicles will be piloted by some of South Africa’s most notable motoring journalists.
Left to right: Motoring Journalists Lerato Matebese, Sean Nurse, Mark Jones, Thomas Falkiner, Ashley Oldfield and Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger
Alongside these seasoned writers will be racing expert and three-time South African racing champion, Deon Joubert, who will fill in for Sean Nurse as a result of him being unable to attend the first race of the championship. Joubert has a lengthy history behind the wheel from karting, Formula Ford, modified saloons, even F1 Powerboats. The 1990’s racing legend rocketed to fame during his touring car years driving for BMW and Opel. He also has a long history with Killarney International Raceway, his father having been involved in the construction of the iconic track.
Joubert enjoyed quite the career driving for BMW in the heyday of the South African Touring Car Championship.
During an interview with CAR magazine, Joubert stated that he aims to secure the win for the opening race but is wary of the other drivers and their skills. When asked about who he thought would pose a challenge for him during the race, Joubert mentioned that Thomas Falkiner and Ashley Oldfield were the drivers that he’d have his eyes on.
The seasoned racer has had the privilege of being behind the wheel of a GR Yaris before at the 2022 CAR Performance Shootout in Port Elizabeth. Joubert stated that getting a feel for the modified vehicle could hinder his performance. Going into the race, he mentioned that he would be mindful of the other drivers because “anything can happen.”
Words: Ryan de Villiers
Keyword: Killarney International Raceway abuzz with activity this weekend