Last weekend saw a bunch of Cape Town racers head up to Port Elizabeth for the MSA drags hosted at the Aldo Scribante Racetrack.
For many of us, we see these racers run blitsvinnig up the quarter-mile, and think that’s all there is to it. It’s certainly not, getting the cars prepared and to the track and set up for that 10-second moment of glory is 90% of the game.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Hermann Mostert, who as of last Saturday holds the quarter-mile record both for the PE track and Killarney. In his ’93 box Corolla, outfitted with a 2jz powerplant, he blasted to a personal and track best of 8.687 seconds at PE, hitting 262km/h over the line.
At Killarney last month, he roared to a new track record of 8.78212 seconds at the Test and Tune on Heritage Day. Hermann is one of those guys who rises to a challenge offered.
Hermann, from Oudtshoorn, says: “I’ve been racing in MSA for over two decades, and previously was known for my Nissan 1400 bakkie. This Corolla I originally built as a streetcar. Then when I ran into some challenges one day at Killarney I decided to come back after turning the boxie into a drag car.”
Now Hermann has seized the 400m track record from the Suspect Lumina, for ultimate bragging rights.
Bobby contacted Killarney to verify and it needs to be noted that this is not an official record, because firstly he didn’t do it twice on the same day, secondly no fuel samples were taken for testing and thirdly the car’s engine wasn’t stripped after the second run to verify compliance to class rules, all of which are NHRA requirements for an official record.
Nevertheless, it is faster than anything either Suspect or Ralph Kumbier’s Camaro have posted.
And Hermann does, however, add that the Nissan now has a 2jz and will be returning, up a performance level or so.
Bobby Nitro also spoke to Devlin Africa, who towed his Golf Mk1 overnight to PE behind his friend’s Quantum. He says: “What a memorable experience. Such a lekker vibe driving up with my friends, we all love racing and the gees was awesome. It was such a relief to pull up at the gates on time, just to have made it there.”
Asked about what advice he would give to aspirant racer, Devlin says: “As long as it’s your passion, go for it. I don’t live a fancy life, and as long as I pay the bond and the school fees first, my wife is happy that I pursue drags.”
What is so cool about Devlin’s Mk1, with its two-litre 16-valve ABF motor, is that it is street legal, demonstrating that you can get near the 12-second mark without having to cut up the car for weight.
Elrick Williams was part of the pit crew. He says: “We were the first competitors at the gate. All Covid-19 checks and screening was done and we were allowed entry into the race circuit.
“We were directed to open garages for us to set up which was a pleasant surprise to us as we don’t have this privilege at Killarney. We were already in love with this place. Racing officially started at 9.30am and Devlin was first to the line to get in a run.
“The car was on point, not missing a beat and made a personal best time of 12.75 seconds over the 400m. The PE locals treated us like gold. The people were so friendly and helpful and showed lots of interest in our race car.”
Elrick adds: “A few things stood out for me. One was the 16-year-old, Steven Lottering, who was racing one of the bikes belonging to Reece Buddy Robertson, a BMW 1000RR, doing consistent nine-second passes.
"Steven was so well mannered when I spoke to him and Reece spent some time chatting to us on lunch break. Reece was doing consistent 8.8 sec passes and ended on a best time of 8.879".
The black Nissan GTR from the Williams brothers was equally impressive and did a best of 9.363 seconds on the day.
Devlin extends his thanks to all whoo made the trip possible, saying: “A big thanks to everyone, most important, my engine builder and close friend, Anton Hardenberg from E2 Performance, this would not be possible without you.
"Also thanks to Aden's Transport, my pit crew, Lashes by Lu, DC Manufacturing, Headworx Performance and all family and friends for your support and for making this wonderful and humbling experience possible."
RECORD: Hermann Mostert secured a personal best of 8.687 seconds at Aldo Scribante Raceway in PE
Pictures by Kcirle Photography
BOSS: Hermann Mostert
STREET LEGAL: Devlin Africa posted a time of 12.75 seconds in his Golf MK1
BEAST: Williams brothers managed 9.3 seconds in the black Nissan GTR
PREP: Devlin Africa and crew towed his Golf from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
NIPPY IN PINK: Nissan 1400 warming up the tyres at the PE racetrack
TWO-WHEEL FUN: Young Steven Lottering took on Reece Buddy Robertson