- Just two rounds remain in the 9-round 2017 Sasol GTC Series
- Penultimate round to be contested on iconic Kyalami Grand Prix circuit
- Volkswagen’s Daniel Rowe and Mathew Hodges keen to convert good pace into more podium results
- Volkswagen Golf GTi’s hoping to continue with dominant form in GTC2
- Keagan Masters edging even closer to the coveted GTC2 title
The famed Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will play host to the first full season of South Africa’s premier circuit racing series, the Sasol GTC for the second time in 2017, after also providing the battleground for Round 2 earlier in April. South African automotive giant Volkswagen will once again field two Jettas in the GTC class as well as a string of Golf GTi’s in the GTC2 category.
“Kyalami is a driver’s circuit,” commented Mr. Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport. “It’s a very good test of a driver’s driving skill and race craft, and we’re looking forward to seeing what our drivers will do this time out.” During the last race at Kyalami way back in April, the two Volkswagen Jettas provided the entertainment on the day with Mathew Hodges and Daniel Rowe putting up a great fight and thrilling the crowds in the process. “It’s a bit stressful seeing both your cars going for the same piece of tarmac, but we don’t have any team orders and close racing is exactly what people want to see,” continued Mike Rowe who hopes that the next outing at the iconic track will bring good results for the team.
Besides putting up a great show the last time out, Mathew Hodges also recorded a fine second place finish at Kyalami and the man from the East Rand is determined to repeat his performance. “I really enjoy driving at Kyalami. It is always a real challenge and it demands both respect and driving skill,” said Mathew Hodges. The last time I raced at Kyalami I finished on the podium and it will be my aim to reward the team with hopefully another good result. Teammate Daniel Rowe is also fond of the famous racing circuit: “I have won many races here in the past and like Mathew, I also enjoy racing at Kyalami. I would like nothing more than to add a Sasol GTC victory to the list.” Both Hodges and Rowe have two more rounds to try and end their seasons on a high. Kyalami will host the penultimate round of the 2017 championship with the season coming to a close at Zwartkops on 25 November.
Kyalami was an even happier hunting ground for Volkswagen Motorsport’s young guns during the last outing when both Keagan Masters and Mandla Mdakane managed to share the spoils with each claiming a victory on the day. Masters has gone on to build a healthy championship lead which he could turn into a maiden title at Kyalami. “We’ve had a really good season so far,” said Masters. “We’ve managed to be both fast and consistent, and it is that combination that allowed us to be in a position to fight for the championship.”
Masters have been the class of the field with 6 victories so far this year. If you add to this tally the one by teammate Mdakane, as well as two more wins by privateers Trevor Bland and Charl Smalberger, and it’s clear that the Golf GTI was the car to beat this season. “We are very pleased with what our drivers have achieved and we will do whatever it takes to help Keagan win the title,” concluded Mike Rowe.
Action at Kyalami will kick off with qualifying at 16:40 on Friday 3 November. The first of the Saturday’s two races is planned for 12:40, with the second scheduled to start at 15:15.
Volkswagen Motorsport acknowledges all of its sponsors and partners:
Engen, Ferodo, Champion, Dunlop, MyGlass, Schaeffler, C Track
Volkswagen Motorsport aiming to finish Strong in Sasol GTC Series! https://t.co/LF0Xd2e3Qo @VolkswagenSA @CtrackSA @SasolSA #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/S7V18QDzaG
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 24, 2017
