Investchem Formula Ford racer Dewald Brummer (4 – MAD Racing / Ango Trucks / Fuchs Oils) was the lead racer in East London on Saturday, in a weekend that was marked by consistent racing performances, virtually throughout the field.
Brummer topped the timesheets at round four of the Investchem Formula Ford championship from qualifying, through races one and two and also took overall first place for the day – as well as claiming the fastest laptime for the day.
While Brummer might have been at the front of the field for the entire race day, this does not mean it was an easy event – or any slower than expected. Behind Brummer, Julian van der Watt (42 – Investchem) continued his championship chase, staying close on Brummer’s heels and within a half-second of his results through both races.
Van der Watt did lead briefly during the first race, but after he dropped back to second a mix-up in the lapboards displayed left him thinking he had an additional lap to mount a challenge on Brummer and reclaim the lead.
In race two, it was Alex Gillespie (50 – Mbotyi River Lodge) who initially took the lead from third place, with an excellent start off the grid. Both Brummer and Van der Watt turned the tables in Potters though, taking first and second place.
Van der Watt kept the pressure on Brummer at all times, ensuring that he could not get away at any point, or score significantly more points. The pair swapped championship positions at the Port Elizabeth round when Brummer took the Investchem Formula Ford lead – but Van der Watt’s performance will ensure that gap remains a small one going into round five.
While still a small gap, Brummer has used the East London round to go from a two point lead to eight points – a very hand addition of six points to his total.
Behind Brummer and Van der Watt, Gillespie and Dean Venter (77 – MAD Racing/Fuchs Oils/Ango Trucks) were doing their part to ensure the chain remained unbroken. Qualifying in third and fourth place, the pair continued in this fashion throughout race day, to finish third and fourth overall as well.
In addition to the regulars, there were a few other faces amongst the Investchem Formula Ford entries at East London.
Saul Hack (88) has recently returned to South African and is looking to return to single-seater racing. He joined the field for round four and finished sixth overall for the day. Jonathan Nash (8 – Nash Motorsport / Investchem) made an appearance at round four, filling in for series regular Rick Morris who was unable to race this event.
Michael Jensen (98 – Fantastic Racing) and Mark Lauth (99 – Fantastic Racing) both competed in the Investchem Formula Ford category for this first time at the East London round. Both visitors from the Shelby racing series, they took the opportunity to experience competition in this ever-green open-wheel category, completing their race day in ninth and 11th place overall.
The Investchem Formula Ford competitors will appear at Zwartkops Raceway next, when the public holiday on August 9 provides the perfect opportunity for another race-day during the week.