2024 has been an absolute whirlwind, and it is hard to believe that we are at the back end of the year already, with only a few more days before we enter Black Friday and the Festive Season.
Firstly, I would like to thank Shield for the continued support over the years and for making racing the Shield Golfs a reality in both timed-based Ferro Enegria 111 and Clubmans series. 2024 has been a mixed bag of success for the Shield team as in the early stages of the season the engine upgrade saw me comfortably running upfront of Class B in 111 and keeping the Honda’s in Clubman’s Class C on their toes. Unfortunately, with the extra power and shaving off a few kilograms with new lightweight fiberglass panels fitted to the car, I managed to break through the 1.15.00 threshold at Redstar Raceway and 1.13.00 at Zwartkops on two separate occasions which bumped me out of Class B into A combined with a points penalty when shifting up a class.
Motor racing is a team sport and therefore I am extremely privileged and blessed to have an amazing group of people supporting me and making this all come together on the weekend. I want to thank not only Shield, but also my pit crew Mel, Maureen, Steele, and Moosa who had to deal with all the race day pressure, and Sarel and his team from 8 Valve Performance who ensured the car’s motor was running optimally.
Zwartkops hosted the last 2 races of the year and the Shield Golf with a never-give-up attitude was not going to make it easy for the field by putting up a fight and managing to come in 4th overall in both events punching above its weight, which pleases the crowd as they just love to see the Shield Golf giving the Turbo boys a tough time.
- Final standings 2024 111 – Class A: 5th Overall
- Final Standing 2024 – Clubmans Class C: 3rd Overall
Getting the Golfs running like Usain Bolt… and the crowd just can’t believe it.
Redstar Raceway can be unbelievably hot on the day. Thankfully for the Shield Gazebo, we managed to keep the car much cooler before the race and the funky Shield Onesi to cover the car up for the evening.
Helping hand from the youngest member of the team
Shield Golf leading the Pack at Zwartkops for a lap or two – what a feeling!
Mel, meeting Keegan Masters at Redstar – World Porsche Series Champion 2024, and kids just love the Shield Golfs (building SA talent of the future).
I look forward to the 2025 season with Shield and will be doing some testing in the next week or two to see if we can try to get the car competitive in A with a few minor tweaks or I’ll have to rework the car setup during the holidays to run back in Class B .
Closing out on 2024 I would like to wish everyone a blessed festive season, especially for those who travel down to the coast to be safe on the roads and have an awesome relaxing break as you prepare to tackle 2025.
