Main circuit racing returns to Donnybrook next weekend as preparations for the 2014 edition of the Hamish Grand Prix gather momentum.
By Munyaradzi Madzokere
Staged under the patronage of Sables Motor Club, the event — which is never short of thrills and spills — is penciled for November 2 and the organisers are looking to attracting a bumper crowd this time around.
Speaking to Standardsport, Zimbabwe Motorsport Federation spokesperson, Temba Mazvimbakupa reiterated that the main circuit has massive potential to grow and Sables Motor Club has stepped up efforts to popularise the motorsport genre.
“Main circuit is a very exciting motorsport genre which is on its way up with massive potential to grow, but there is need to increase the spectator base as well as the competitor base which Sables Motor Club is working flat out to improve.
“Following the success of drag racing this year, Sables has sought the assistance of the DragPro Club in trying to encourage the drag racing fratenity, drivers and spectators, to come and have a test of what main circuit racing is all about and the Hamish Cameron Grand Prix is a perfect opportunity for them to come,” he said.
Telecel sponsored drag racing has easily been the most popular motorsport genus attracting crowds in access of 3 000 and close to 100 competitors per event this year.
“The good thing about main circuit is that it avails the opportunity for drivers to get sponsorship because most sponsors are now willing to sponsor and assist individuals, but one has to be racing first,” Mazvimbakupa added.
Motorbiker racer, Leslie Carlson is the latest main cicuit competitor to capture sponsorship as a local company, Transerve decided to help him pursue his dream.
Traditionally, main circuit presents competitions for cars and motorbikes as rivals in respective categories battle it out for top honours.
Harare driver Brett Cameron in his Super 7 sports car will be looking to replicate the form he showed in the Hamish Cameron Grand Prix last year, while Gary Kirk and John Cameron will be out to also stamp their authority.
Other drivers to watch out for in the sports cars category include Rich Robinson, Cole Bond and Barney Rodgers among others.
In the Saloons category, Christian Berkau — a former main circuit champion — is the man to watch, alongside Mike Exton, Brett Olsen and Craig Green.
The Superbike competition is always a spectacle pitting veterans in the mould of multiple champion Shaun Whyte, DeWalt racing’s Phil Archenoul, Bulawayo rider Ian Gutherless, as well as vastly improving newcomer and current drag racing champion Carlsson. The entrance fee for the grand prix in US$5 and there will be full bar and catering.
