Final Showdown for Power Series

The final round of the 2018 Wingfield Motors Power Series at Killarney International Raceway on 20 October, themed as the Pink Power Series Round 8 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, promises explosive action in all the racing classes.

There will be races for the Burly Pro GTi Challenge, Mikes Place Clubmans, Makita Supercars, Pirelli Sports & GT, and Shatterfix Fine Cars and Classic Cars. Although some of the class championships have already been decided, that doesn’t mean the action will be any less intense. Experience has shown that when all that’s at stake is pride and there’s no need for championship strategy, everybody puts foot and tactics fly out of the window.

The championship situation in the RST Suzuki South Superbikes, 600s, RST Trac Mac Classics, Clubmans and Powersport motorcycles is slightly different, but the result is likely to be much the same. Most of the championships have already been decided, but there are still intense personal rivalries in play – not least in the premier Superbike class, where the ongoing duel between defending champion Brandon Haupt and international rider David McFadden is likely to play out right at the sharp end of the field.

In the absence of multiple 600 Challenge champion Hayden Jonas, who is preparing for an assault on the litre-class category in 2019, this class is wide open (but keep an eye on international rider Jared Schultz and crasher of note Brandon Staffen) as is the Supermasters category for riders over the age of 35, where former champions Malcolm Rapson and Rob Cragg will dispute the honours.

Use Killarney’s free shuttle service to visit the pits between races (the paddock is open to spectators all day) and get a closer look at the machinery and the people who make motorsport happen – and also to refuel at the Trackside Pub and Grill, the Tuck Shop or the New Pits Lounge, all of which will be serving food and drinks.

The shaded terrace of the Lounge, in particular, offers a spectacular view of the Porsche Straight, the old pits and the start-finish line, while the upstairs balcony of the Clubhouse overlooks the fastest corner on the circuit, the 160km/h Jaguar Sweep – just watching the thundering V8 Masters go through there, bucking and twitching on the very limit of adhesion, is enough to give you goosebumps.

Also at the Clubhouse, in support of breast cancer awareness, there will be information and advice on early detection from the Cancer Association of South Africa available to all ladies – and the gentlemen are encouraged to wear their pink ribbons with pride as well!

The lawn in front of the Clubhouse will take on a festive, with memorabilia vendors and Kiddies’ Korner for petrolheads-in-training, with entertainment and trained minders to take care of them.

The gates open at 7.30am and racing starts at 9.30am. Book at Computicket or pay at the gate; entry is R80 for adults, R20 for scholars under 16 and free for kids under 12.