The largest field of the season makes its way to Zwartkops Raceway for the fifth round of the 2017 Investchem Formula Ford Kent championship on Saturday, 16 September.
Championship leader Dean Venter (Desco SA / Manitou Swift) had a tough outing last time out at Dezzi Raceway but still managed to bag enough points to extend his lead at the top of the championship log. Venter got his 2017 championship challenge off to a great start at the opening event of the season at Zwartkops and will be looking for more of the same.
Jeff Gable (Jacquet Racing Van Diemen) had his best result of the season at Dezzi Raceway and has moved into second place in the championship standings, just three points ahead of stablemate David Jermy (Lime Chilli Consulting Van Diemen) and defending champion Andrew Horne (Xena Chemicals / Budd Power Van Diemen), who missed the last round.
While the top four have shared all the season’s race wins between them, there are a number of other drivers who are capable of challenging for podium positions. Jonathan Nash (Turnfab Engineering Swift) has consistently scored points while former champion Graham Hepburn (Suburban Body Shop Van Diemen) is always a serious threat whenever he is on track. Allen Meyer (Van Diemen) is another who can upset the normal running order.
Former champion Ian Schofield (Investchem Reynard) and newly crowned Formula 1600 national champion Julian van der Watt (Investchem / Race Driver SA Mygale) are also on the entry list and the pair should be up there with the usual contenders.
As usual the cars will be out on track for a number of practice sessions on Friday before the serious action gets underway at 07h40 on Saturday morning when the drivers start their 15-minute qualifying session. The races, both 10-lap affairs, are scheduled for 10h45 and 15h15.