California Crunch

Reporter: Marc van Niekerk
The GP 1979 boys flew off to some hot sunny weather, golden beaches and even hotter company for the 4th race of the series. Practice time was put on hold until the very last opportunity for most. Everyone was in for a rude awakening when confronted with the track conditions on race day. Low grip street course surrounded by car killing walls made all wish they had spent less time on the beach for this 40 lap race.

Qualifying saw Marc vN take pole, with Andre second and comfortable series leader Dewald, in 3rd.

At the start Andre and Dewald got away fast leaving the rest of the field to squabble and try to settle down for a long afternoon. The attrition rate was high as expected and by lap 10, Long Beach had claimed half the field with only 7 drivers still circulating. Up front Andre had been under pressure from Dewald and Marc was slowly making his way up to Dewald's rear wing after getting by Leon.A small slip-up saw Andre in a Ligier - who had settled into a consistent pace - slowly escaping the grasp of Dewald who suddenly had to contend with Marc. The battle for 2nd place between the Ferrari and the Lotus became a battle of wills - both drivers pushing hard, yet mindful of the fact that the smallest lapse of concentration or miscalculation on a difficult track would end their race. As the lap counter slowly ticked down to zero, Andre drove the perfect race - fast and consistent. He ended up being the well deserved winner by 8 seconds - leading all 40 laps.

Dewald never wilted under the pressure and finished 2nd with Marc taking the last podium spot. Newcomer Leon had a quiet race for most of the afternoon and took 4th place, showing that he has what it takes by managing to finish yet another race. Ken finished in a credible 5th place after suffering an accident late in the race.

The next race in Dijon marks the halfway spot for the season. Do not miss this one!