If in fact there is anything more exciting than a rowdy gang of 400kW all-wheel drive two-wheel turbocharged well-sprung supercars charging around a track, Bobby Nitro is not aware of it.
Even if there was, whatever it is would not be present at the Killarney International Raceway this weekend, while the SABAT World Rallycross of South Africa is. This is the 10th and final round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.
That’s correct, the seismic conclusion of probably the world’s most exciting and fastest-growing four-wheel sport goes down on the 60% tar and 40% gravel circuit at our track on 9 and 10 November.
With cars that accelerate to 100km/km in 1.9 seconds, competing in a series of quick-fire races, the weekend promises to be propvol action. Expect some rather inventive driving lines, especially on the gravel. Qualifying heats are on Saturday before knock-out rounds and finals on Sunday.
TIGHT RACE FOR CROWN: Three drivers are in close contention for the title. Picture: Supplied.
The local add-on to the event, the E36 Cup and two-litre front-wheel drive events, is set to round off the action in the later part of the afternoon. These two Cape Rallycross classes, the two-litre and the three-litre big sixes, is bound to entertain as it brings local heroes to the sport.
With the top three separated by eight points and with 30 points to be won this weekend, the battle for the World Rallycross crown will be intriguing. The battle for top spot is close, with Swede Timmy Hansen arriving in SA with a single point advantage over Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud. Driving his Hansen MJP Peugeot 208 to four race wins, Timmy has fought a year-long battle with Bakkerud, who won in Belgium and Canada with his Monster Energy Audi S1.
Hansen’s team-mate, younger brother Kevin, is also in with a real punt at the title in his Peugeot 208, with just points behind his brother. One other driver has a mathematical shot at the title, but Finnish GRX Taneco Hyundai i20 driver Niclas Grönholm, who won in Norway, would need a perfect weekend and Kevin Hansen not to score for that to happen.
INTEREST: The race will be broadcast to more than 160 countries. Picture: Supplied.
The second-tier RX2 championship, main curtain raiser for the weekend, will likewise see the international championship for identical 310 horsepower, 300Nm Ford-engined RX2 machines come to a head, as Swede Oliver Eriksson arrives with a 14-point championship advantage over Finn Jesse Kallio. With 30 points on the table, expect that title fight to go down to the wire too.
The championship will be broadcast to millions of viewers in more than 160 countries, but those lucky enough to witness this title fight go down first hand, will be treated to a full support program from aerobatic displays to expos, fan zones, food, drinks and memorabilia for sale and so much more.