7 February – Redstar | Clubmans – 24th Passion for Speed /
1 March – Zwartkps | 111 – Regional Extreme Festival
Finally, after a long break, we were on the road again heading out to Delmas for the start of the season, with the race car looking spic and span after a good Shield Wash and Wax.
The Clubman Drivers Group 2025 :
Everyone was friendly and polite with each other for the photograph before heading out to do battle for the season – it’s amazing to see how the knives come out after the first corner.
The start of the racing season is always an exciting day, as it’s difficult to predict how the drivers in various classes have modified their cars during the off-season. The Shield Golf team dedicated considerable time to thoroughly inspecting their car to ensure that the motor, all nuts, bolts, and necessary repairs were completed. One key area of focus was the brake discs and fluids, as they can become extremely hot and prone to cracking. Therefore, checking and replacing them as needed is essential besides other components like steering racks, control arm bushes, and shock absorbers.
As we all know, preparation is a crucial element of any team’s success.
I’m pleased to report that the Shield team had a strong start at both Redstar and Zwartkops, finishing joint 3rd overall in the Clubmans class and 2nd overall in the 111 series at Zwartkops last weekend.
Redstar was an emotional day for me, as my good friend Adrian Dalton returned to racing after a tragic accident that resulted in him losing the use of his right foot. Not one to let adversity get him down, he is back in the race car just nine months later, competing as if he never took a break. It’s unbelievable, my friend, and a true testament to his grit and determination.
Getting back into the race cars after a break always takes a bit of time for me to settle in as in some cases like Redstar they had introduced a Go Kart track as part of the circuit and Zwartkops had been resurfaced which has an impact on breaking markers and the feel and handling of the car. One thing about racing is that these changes are all common for the drivers so it’s how quick you can adapt or adjust the car to get on pace.
Zwartkops is always jam-packed with spectators and supporters at the opening of the season , which makes the day so more exciting for all as it’s a hive of activity in the pits. Dressed up in its cover, the Shield Golf grabs the attention of several spectators, all eager to know if the Golf has a Turbo. What is so exciting to see is the amazement when they come to realise that it’s a normally aspirated 8 Valve motor – they simply just shake their heads and smile.
As we enter the second round of the season, I hope we can maintain our momentum and regularly finish on the podium. Consistency and earning points at each event are what ultimately lead to winning the championship.
I look forward to seeing you at my next event on the 5th of April at Zwartkops and the big one at Kyalami for 111 on the 11th of April .
A big shout out and thank you to the Shield Team for all the support.
