Motorsport fans can expect busy year

The 2015 motorsport calendar is packed with a variety of events, starting next month. The chairperson of the Windhoek Motor Club (WMC), Chris Liebenberg, told Nampa yesterday that a variety of exciting competitions are lined up for this year’s local motorsports calendar. “One of the new classes which will be introduced this year is the Formula V class, which resembles the Formula One championship cars, but only smaller. “This national competition will start on March 7 at the Tony Rust race track,” Liebenberg said. For the young at heart, ‘Drifting’ will be introduced as part of the local motorsport scene this year. Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally over-steers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels or all tyres, while maintaining control from the entry to the exit of a corner. Liebenberg said there has been phenomenal growth in motor racing locally, despite the fact that it is a very expensive sport. “Yes, definitely, there is a growth in motorsport. Especially the circuit races are growing,” he said, pointing out that five new Formula V class cars have entered the motor-racing arena this year. He was, however, quick to point out that it is not all rosy in the sport as events like the Oval Racing competition are not yet up to scratch and need serious attention from the WMC. Liebenberg said the club is working hard to make the whole sport grow and become more enjoyable for local fans. “The rally season is also on the way, and the dates for the two big ones - the Cymot Rally and the Total Tara Rally - have already been set,” he continued. According to a calendar of local motorsport events shown to Nampa, the Cymot Rally is set for October 9 and 10, while the Total Tara Rally is set for the week of November 19 to 21. The other motorsport events worth looking forward to are drag racing, drifting, Enduro, ovals and go-karting. Although most of the races are scheduled to take place in Windhoek, towns like Okahandja, Tsumeb, Swakopmund and Henties Bay will also have opportunities to host motorsport events this year. -Nampa WINDHOEK-FRANCOIS LOTTERING