2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - TRACK WALK.

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa gets underway tomorrow at the Killarney International Raceway, with 18 of the best World Rallycross international drivers and 16 RX2 series drivers. 

Let's take a walk around the 1.067 KM circuit, which consists of 60% asphalt and 40% dirt. 

The staging area.

Ready... Line up on the grid gents!

The World Rallycross of South Africa GRID.

POLE POSITION... watch those lights and its GO GO GO! 

Its a long run down to Turn 1. 

We have now approached Turn 1.

Kerb your enthusiasm gents..... 

Kevin Hansen carried quite some speed into Turn 1 and slid into the lead at the exit of Turn 2 in 2017.

Turn 2... Drivers will head onto asphalt. 

Sharp kerbs... Could they lead to punctures? 

From Turn 2... Its an immediate onto the dirt section and into Turn 3.

Heading to the jump.

A rear view of the jump.

From the jump, you are straight onto the merge between dirt and asphalt.

Its still a long way to go before you reach the tight turn 4/5

You have arrived Turn 4/5

Looking back at Turn 4.

You choose... The joker or standard lap

Its rather tight taking the joker lap.

The joker lap on the outside and a dirt standard lap.

The standard lap on dirt with the sharp kerbs. 

A bit twisty on the joker lap

The joker and standard lap merge... Where in 2017 Solberg and Ekstrom had a prang.

A look back at the standard and joker lap merge. 

Its a distance to Turn 7 and 8. 

Fairly tight.. isn't it? 

A look back at Turns 7 and 8.

Its a dash to the line... 

Little bumps if you run wide.

AND....... across the line.

World RX Supercars and stars took to the V&A Waterfront for an exclusive parade.

The V&A Waterfront Parade.
PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

South African motorsport fans got to up close and personal with some of the world's best drivers and their RX Supercars at the V&A Waterfront today, ahead of the Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa at Killarney International Raceway on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November 2018.

After a brief park-off, the convoy of World Rallycross Supercars took off from behind the Table Bay Hotel, through the streets of the Waterfront to the Amphitheatre, where they parked their Supercars next to the Big Wheel.

The fans and enthusiasts present where treated to the World's best drivers being interviewed by one of World RX of South Africa Ambassadors - Marius Roberts. 

It was a day not to forget for many fans, who were rubbing shoulders with the likes of Timmy Hansen, Guerlain Chicherit, Kevin Eriksson and Petter Solberg to name a few.

Let's hear from a few of the drivers that were present....

Ashleigh Haigh-Smith [South African driver competing in the RX2 Series]: "With the Supercars you got the big turbos, power and pure grunt. Whenever you move from one series to a feeder series to one make series, the chassis' are the same. Its all prepared by OMSE. Its all by driver ability and that makes it really nice, and fair and square. You could see this whole year that the series has been competitive. So, its all about skill and doing the preparation before the event and going into it committed."

"Last year it was. We did a test prior to the event in a Supercar, up in Sweden. It it was easy.. Do this and it starts. Kevin was the guy who was instructing me and I was shaking in the car, it was the first time that I was nervous. And, then you go into the first corner and you can see nothing. The guys, they nudge and they push, but there is always millimeters between each other."

"What makes the difference between Rallycross and Track racing is you are moving, there are obstacles and you are being nudged and that is really cool."

Guerlain Chicherit: "Yeah! It was a really amazing year. To be honest, it was a bit tough because it was my first full season. I have to learn so much. The car was brand new, so sometimes it was good and sometimes not so good. We learnt alot and super excited. Already looking for next year. We are already starting next year and testing next week already." 

"To be honest, to manage a race weekend is fine and I can just focus on my driving. I have a really, really amazing team around me and they just do everything I need, so I just focus on my driving. Outside the car and the race... to prepare and organise everything. Partners and everything, that is a big job. When the races arrive then its just to focus on my driving and I really love it. The plain is to be really efficient and to fight, as much as possible and to be in the final as much as possible."

"The track was really, really amazing. Good memory from last year and as you said I was driving with RX Lites, so it was less power, but it was good for me because I really needed it to learn the track and to be able to be confident this year. It was important for me last year, but this year we will arrive a bit faster into the first corner that is it." 

Kevin Eriksson: "I was in a private project last year, but this year I am back and I really like this Ford Fiesta March 8. We had high expectations and felt good before the year, but especially with VW, Peugeot and Audi they were a bit ahead of everyone. My teammate (Robin Larsson) was not here before, so I need to help him and get him up to speed."

"When I was younger, it was alot of football and stuff, but my father did not want to push me into motorsport. If you don't want yourself, it will not turn out good for you! But then when I turned 13-14 years old, I had this low level, very low level budget cars... Kind of like rallycross with a lot more heats. I started with that and kinda of got stuck in the motorsport and it was like a drug, and from there I just continued and continued, and took it step-by-step and finally here in the pinnacle of rallycross. Its good to be here! Ofcourse, you get that pressure to kinda of like to be better [that Father] but rallycross is quite funny, because we are alot of sons of former drivers. Me, the Hansen brothers and Kristoffersson. We all have that raced each other. So, its kinda of the second generation now and we are continuing the trend. 

It is a different spectacle now ... Its more series and back then you turn up on the Thursday and have fun on the weekend. Now, its series. I kinda of miss the old days, but like the new days."

PHOTO CREDIT: Junaid Samodien

Kevin Hansen: "Its quite okay.. I had a big crash as you said last time out and it took a few weeks to recover completely, but now I feel pretty good again. So, now maybe not hundred percent but it doesn't really matter."

"A lot of things happen at turn one, which is really cool on this track and unique. You have Buxtehude where it happens alot and here as well. So, I really look forward to get out on Saturday and Sunday." 

Timmy Hansen: "I am actually very proud of performances that we have done. As you said, a few too many penalties to be in that big fight for second place, which I would have loved to be in that fight. I am a bit further back in the championship. Haven't won a race yet this year. and I came quite close here last year, so I am so excited to come to Cape Town again. I love this town and I will try to give it one last shot with this team and to win for them." 

"Kevin proved it last year... to throw your car in from the outside and come out in the lead. So, it depends on who makes the best start and the you need to carry good speed and then it opens up the inside, strategic game and see where everyone is going." 

Andreas Bakkerud: "[Asked about team orders] Are you sure? I am just joking. Myself and Mattias have had a really cool year together and we have fought hard and fair in every race weekend, so we have been very close to each other this year. Its been a lot of fun, and to wrap up here, in Cape Town with the good crowd we had last year... Hopefully, its going to turn up more this year and then we can make it a good show." 

"First of all, the track is very cool with the layout and the curves, and the little jump and Table Mountain in the background is just awesome. The good thing about here in Cape Town is the wind, so it blows away fast (dust)."

Mattias Ekstrom: "At the end of the day everybody wants to have a good end of the year and some guys have a challenge to fight for championships position, which is great but the other guys also want to end the season high. So, I don't really fully expect to fight Andreas and I do hope that the other guys are hungry as well, so that we can have a great race cause in the end coming from Europe now, its snow and minus degrees and feeling the season is over."

"I think in general the reason why we love rallycross is because of the classical tracks is what caught our attention at one stage, but you also have to see that some of the tracks that were brand new, which is good for the environment around. Maybe not the better and more enjoyable layout of track, but like Barcelona, which is one of my favorites. Then there are a few which are a bit artificial but every track has its own characteristics, good or bad if you like. I did the race in America with Travis Pastrana and that track was insane, but in rallycross as a sport not only the world championship, but there are a lot of great tracks around the world, but its coming down to where all the promoters want to see us race." 

Petter Solberg: "I like this nice weather and its enjoyable. I also have a problem here, there is a shopping centre... You know the credit card gets warm. We have had another fantastic season and Johan had done an incredible job. I am very glad that his in my team and I think in general, we take the teams championship again and it means alot to me and the relationship that we have with Volkswagen. Two years in a row is always difficult and the same time Oliver [Solberg] won the RallyX championship and second in the Rally championship in Latvia. So, for the whole team and the family we have had a fantastic season. When you have passion and dreams, and goals, it is possible and both this combination with getting all the people and the mechanics and everybody with the same dream, they will push the hell out of you."

"That is Mattias, I am talking about. Last year, he won second place going off the road and I was mad. It ended that way last year and then he hit me straight into the wall in Spain, that was shit and so bad you know. But I think coming from DTM you need to be a little bit tough."

"Seven points off? I changed the engine the last race. It was fifteen points off... Me and Loeb, we stick together. The old drivers... young handsome and ....." 

[Stint in a rally car] "That was pretty good! Six years and I had one test day before the race and a new co-driver. The good thing with the co-driver, she was 55 kilos and that helps, you know. I wanted my old co-driver but he was much double weight, so it was really difficult. Coming back to rallying.. It was great feeling. I came there to enjoy it and because of a bit of a sickness I had this year and I was not looking good for the rallycross or the rally. So, I felt like I got better and okay, let's just do it! Coming into third place there was just fantastic because it was the biggest start field in the R5 field and the thing is Sebastien Loeb told me before the race: "Petter, okay... We will have a hell of a party if you win the R5 class and I win the WRC class." And, he came to me after the race and he said: "Petter, I kept my word what about yours?"

"You know.. I want to feel my arse sliding and moving... I think its a great feeling and you have to have fun, and if you can do a bit more faster sideways then its more enjoyable. If you want to go straight, then you go into circuit racing." 

If you do not have your tickets. Get them now at https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/e70af636-c059-8ee2-c734-5a07fef5649b

PREVIEW: The RX2 Series Champion will be crowned in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

The RX2 Series champion will be crowned this weekend in the "Mother City" Cape Town.

Olsbergs MSE team-mates Oliver Eriksson and Guillaume De Ridder prepare to duel it out for title glory. Eriksson holds a 14-point advantage following the six rounds – of which he has won three and De Ridder two – and it is the Swede that will arrive in Cape Town with the momentum on his side.

Henrik Krogstad, Vasiliy Gryazin, Ben-Philip Gundersen and Sondre Evjen will do battle for third place in the drivers' standings, while local fans will be able to cheer on Ashley Haigh-Smith, who returns to the scene of his rallycross debut 12 months ago in place of Simon Syversen with Finnish outfit SET Promotion.

PREVIEW: 18 fight for glory under the shadow of Table Mountain.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

The 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship draws to a close in Cape Town this weekend at the Killarney International Raceway.

Following a successful inaugural rallycross event on the African continent last year, all 18 entrants are eager to head into the winter ‘off season’ with momentum on their side by claiming victory in South Africa. 

The key talking point is the fight for the medal places in the World Championship standings, with four drivers disputing second and third overall. Mattias Ekstrom currently holds second place, closely pursued by his teammate Andreas Bakkerud, PSRX Volkswagen Sweden's Petter Solberg and Team Peugeot Total’s Sebastien Loeb. Solberg will take a 15-point penalty for an engine change this weekend, while Loeb is 16 points behind the EKS Audi Sport drivers.

Ekstrom and Bakkerud travel to South Africa with confidence having claimed a double podium last time out at the Estering and five top three finishes between them from the most recent four rounds. 

Two-time World Champion Petter Solberg is desperate to avoid what would be the first winless season of his World RX career; after recovering from a lung disease, the Norwegian has looked increasingly strong, and nearly claimed victory in America. 

Loeb has nothing to lose and can effectively go for broke..

In order to reach the top step of the podium in Cape Town, they all need to get the better of World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson who has claimed ten wins this season, and he is determined to replicate his 2017 Cape Town triumph.

The Swede might return to the ‘Mother City’ as the man with the target on his back, but in World RX, nothing can ever be taken for granted. One of Kristoffersson’s rivals this weekend is likely to be Team Peugeot Total’s Timmy Hansen, his closest competitor at Killarney last season, topping two of the four qualifying rounds and ultimately claiming second in the final, a whisker shy of victory.

Hansen currently in sixth in the points table and after a brace of engine change penalties in Latvia and America, the Swede will be fired-up to finish the season in style.

"I’m obviously really hungry to get a win with the 208 WRX Evo; we’ve been in the final and very close on so many occasions, but just missing that small final ingredient, or bit of luck, to get there," said Timmy Hansen. "It's always important to end the season with a strong result.”

GRX Taneco’s Niclas Gronholm has enjoyed an excellent campaign behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20, as has Kevin Hansen in his Team Peugeot Total 208. Both men have progressed through to the final in two of the last three events.

Team STARD’s Janis Baumanis has been a consistent contender in 2018 and set the pace in Q2 in Cape Town last year. Twelve months on, the Latvian is sure to be fighting for a semi-final place with the second Hyundai of Timur Timerzyanov, Olsbergs MSE duo Kevin Eriksson and Robin Larsson and GC Kompetition’s Guerlain Chicherit and Anton Marklund. 

Seeking to continue his upturn in form over the second half of the year, Gregoire Demoustier returns to Killarney in his Sebastien Loeb Racing Peugeot 208.

The entry list is completed by Timo Scheider and Rene Muennich for ALL-INKL.COM Muennich Motorsport and Oliver Bennett in his BMW MINI SX1.

“I can think of nowhere better to conclude another fantastic campaign of first-class rallycross competition than Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities," said World RX Managing Director for IMG, Paul Bellamy. "Last year, the organisers really rolled out the red carpet for rallycross’ debut on the African continent and the thousands of fans who attended made us feel extremely welcome.”

2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - ENTRY LIST

GRX Taneco set their sights on the finals in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

GRX Taneco have set their sights on qualifying both cars for the final at the 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa this weekend.

The team can look back on the 2018 season with great satisfaction, claiming eleven semi-final positions and four places in the final in eleven races. 

After a fine performance last time out in Germany, the team hopes to go one step further in the finals in Cape Town. 

World RX of South Africa is raced at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, overlooked by the spectacular Table Mountain. The 60% asphalt/40% dirt track was well received by all the drivers competing in the inaugural edition last year, despite some tricky, dusty dirt portions. The lap record was set by Johan Kristoffersson who covered the 1,067 metres in 40.393 seconds. 

Fourth overall in Spain, Latvia and Germany, Niclas Grönholm has shown that the Hyundai i20 Supercar can compete with the factory teams. In the break between the German round of the championship and the season finale in Cape Town, Niclas has been preparing himself for the 2019 season. 


"We have had a long break since Germany and I have had time to get myself ready physically and mentally, and to think about 2019!," said Grönholm. "So I have been quite busy."

The Finn is looking forward to the season finale in South Africa, but has one target in mind. "The aim is to get through to the final and secure my seventh place in the overall standings," says Grönholm. "Last year, the track was really tricky with the dust causing quite a few problems in the dirt section."

Last year’s race in South Africa saw Timur Timerzyanov place thirteenth while Niclas Grönholm finished fifteenth. 

Timur is raring to go racing at the Killarney International Raceway. "We’re going to South Africa for only the second year running, so the circuit is quite new for everyone," said .Timerzyanov. 

The Russian hopes that the organizers of the World RX of South Africa have come up with a solution for the brake up in the surface conditions. 

"In 2017, the track was interesting but quickly broke up and the conditions were really tough. I hope the organisers have managed to come up with a solution so that the surface remains stable and the conditions are the same for everyone," says Timerzyanov. 

"The team is ready for one last surge, to finish off with a good performance and pick up as many points as possible."

Timmy and Kevin Hansen are aiming for strong results in Cape Town.

Kevin Hansen leading his older brother Timmy Hansen.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Team Peugeot Total drivers and brothers Timmy and Kevin Hansen are aiming to secure strong results at the season finale at the Killarney International Raceway this weekend. 

Sebastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen are currently 5th and 6th in the drivers' standings. They both still have the chance to improve their results this weekend. The team’s Junior driver, Kevin Hansen, is fully recovered from his accident at the Estering and is determined to improve on his current 8th position in the standings, having previously shown that he has the speed.

Timmy Hansen was the second best driver at the inaugural World Rallycross championship round in Cape Town last year, securing two wins in the qualifying heats and going on to secure a second place finish behind race winner Johan Kristoffersson.

“South Africa is a lot of fun and I enjoyed racing on the track last year – I finished 2nd–  so I’m looking forward to going back," said Timmy Hansen. "It’s a modern-style circuit with quite a lot of grip on the gravel, where you can find a nice rhythm and let the car flow." 

Timmy has been showing strong pace in his Peugeot 208 WRX EVO this season, but has not had the luck. The Swede was hit with two engine penalties in Latvia and America dropping him out of contention for second place in the drivers' standings.

Hansen is hungrier then ever to claim a win for Team Peugeot Total at the teams last event in the championship.

"I’m obviously really hungry to get a win with the 208 WRX Evo: we’ve been in the final and very close on so many occasions, but just missing that small final ingredient, or bit of luck, to get there," the Swede said. 

Team Peugeot Total took to the track in Portugal with Sebastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen working on improving the car ahead of the season finale. 

The Hansen Family: Kenneth (left), Kevin, Timmy and Susann Hansen (right)
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

"I was glad to participate in 2 more test sessions with Team Peugeot Total in Portugal, so I’m just looking for a strong weekend in South Africa, with no mishaps," said Timmy Hansen. "It's always important to end the season with a strong result, as that fills you with confidence going forward...”

Timmy's younger brother Kevin Hansen suffered a nasty crash in the World Rallycross Championship round in Buxtehude, Germany and is fully recovered and raring to go racing, despite it being an emotional weekend as Team Peugeot Total bow out of the sport.

“For a number of reasons I think South Africa will be a very emotional event for everyone in our team and we’ll be giving it absolutely everything we have: there’s no point holding back," said Kevin Hansen.

Kevin progressed to the final's last year in Cape Town, but never made it to Turn 1 due to mechanical issues with his car. 

"I like the track a lot because there’s a nice rhythm to it, with quite a high average speed, and there are plenty of spectators that give the place a very nice atmosphere," the young Swede said

Hansen is aiming to carry his speed from Germany into the season finale in South Africa, and he has set his sights on a podium finish.

"From my point of view, I’m just going to go absolutely flat-out from the start: we know we have a car that is fast and reliable. In Buxtehude I was absolutely on course for a podium, so I want to try and get that back in South Africa," says Hansen.

"I’ve learned so much from being in a professional factory team like Peugeot, so now my goal is to put that to good use.”

Ekström and Bakkerud to fight for runner-up spot in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media/Audi Sport

EKS Audi Sport drivers, Mattias Ekström and Andreas Bakkerud, are going to battle for second place in the drivers' standings at the season finale in Cape Town. 

The drivers’ title has already been wrapped up by PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver Johan Kristoffersson. The two EKS Audi Sport drivers have the best chance of clinching the remaining podium places this weekend in Cape Town. Just four points separate the teammates before the big showdown at the Killarney International Raceway. Petter Solberg (PSRX Volkswagen Sweden) and Sébastien Loeb (Team Peugeot Total) are in fourth and fifth positions in the drivers' standing with a very slim chance of fighting for second in Cape Town.

“For EKS Audi Sport, after finishing runner-up in the teams’ classification, it would be great to also claim second and third in the drivers’ world championship,” says Mattias Ekström. “The South African premiere last year was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the enthusiastic fans and the thrilling battle to finish the championship runner-up.”

Ekström got off to a slow start at the inaugural World RX of South Africa last year, with an 8th and 10th place finish on the opening day of racing. On day two, the Swede came out fighting and secured a second and 8th place finish in the two qualifying heats. He progressed to the semi-finals, and went on to secure second in the 2017 World RX championship. 

“Mattias and I were close together in the standings the whole year,” says Andreas Bakkerud. “Mattias is the best Scandinavian driver of all time in my book. I’m very proud to be on his heels so closely up until the last race. Now I’m getting a fair chance to maybe even defeat my team boss. That says everything about the team spirit at EKS Audi Sport and Mattias. I’m sure he’ll enjoy our duel as much as I will and give his all to finish in front.”

Ekström won his maiden World RX Championship in a Audi S1 EKS RX quattro in 2016 and secured second place in the world championship last year in Cape Town. 

In Bakkerud’s career, a runner-up finish in the World RX would mark his greatest success to date. The Norwegian in third overall celebrated his best World RX season to date in 2016.

Both EKS Audi Sport drivers are ranked among the most successful drivers in the World Rallycross Championship. Ekström’s record reflects ten victories, 21 podium finishes and 38 final participation's. Andreas has won six World RX rounds, clinched 24 podium finishes and participated in 41 finals. In the 2018 season, the two Audi drivers have claimed nine podiums to date for Audi.

Sébastien Loeb: "I’m going for the win"

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Nine-time FIA World Champion Sébastien Loeb has set a realistic objective of winning the 2018 World Rallycross of South Africa in Team Peugeot Total's final race in the sport.

Sébastien Loeb claimed victory in Mettet, Belgium and put a stop to Johan Kristoffersson's record breaking run of victories and dominance in 2018.

With the aiming of achieving success at the season finale, Team Peugeot Total drivers Sébastien Loeb and Timmy Hansen have been testing in Portugal. 

The Frenchman's first time out on South African soil in 2017 was not an easy one. He ending the qualifying heats in tenth overall, but progressed to the semi-final in where finished fourth after with a puncture and was unable to progress to the finals. His team-mates Timmy Hansen and Kevin Hansen progressed to the finals for the Peugeot squad. 

After a difficult season finale in 2017, Loeb does not really remember the Killarney International Raceway - Rallycross circuit, but will be studying a few videos to remind himself of the circuit. 

“To be honest I don’t remember so much about the actual circuit in South Africa, so I’ll be studying a few videos again to remind myself before we go there; however, I know that it was a very nice place to finish the championship!," said Loeb.

The Peugeot 208 RX Evo Supercars have shown great speed this season, but the team were unable to convert the speed to more victories. Sébastien will head to Cape Town with the approach of winning. 

"I’ll go into this round with the same approach that I’ve always had: I’m going for the win, and I know that’s definitely a realistic objective," says Loeb. "However, we’ve seen before that to win you need to have a completely clean weekend from the start, and especially to make sure that you have a good launch off the line and not get stuck in traffic."

Team Peugeot Total will leave the World Rallycross Championship at the end of the 2018 championship, and the engineers, mechanics and drivers are aiming to finishing the championship on a high.

"Despite Peugeot’s decision to withdraw from the championship, as a team we have been working hard together to make sure that we have everything in place for a strong final weekend," the Frenchman says.

"I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of an RX car!”

Super Swede Kristoffersson targets victory in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: PSRX Volkswagen Sweden

Two-time FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson sets his sights on a record 11th win of the 2018 season. 

Last year Kristoffersson targeted a 11th podium from 12 events and he achieved the target by clinching a win at the season finale in Cape Town. 

After securing the teams' championship in Buxtehude last time out, Kristoffersson feels less pressure heading into the season finale, but aims to help his team-mate secure second in the championship.

“In some ways it’s actually easier. Last time when we went to Germany Petter and I were thinking to the teams’ championship and we sorted that out there," said Kristoffersson. "Now I will do what I can to help Petter to get the second place, but, really, this is pure racing, pure competition this time."

The Swede heads to Cape Town with a remarkable record of 10 wins this season, and could make it a record breaking 11 wins in a season. 

Sebastien Loeb is the only other driver to have won a race this season (in Belgium).

The fight for second in the FIA World Rallycross Champiopnship heads to Cape Town, South Africa, while Johan aims to have the best race that he can and enjoy the weekend. 

“There’s no overall championship to fight for, we just have to make the best race we can and really enjoy ourselves," the Swede said. "The pressure is definitely not off, it’s never off when you are lined up against five other supercars and you’re all heading for the same piece of racetrack at turn one!"

The unstoppable Swede, Johan Kristoffersson claimed victory at the inaugural World Rallycross of South Africa, and also set the fastest lap - 40.393s. Can he claim victory for the second year in a row? He certainly wants to end this season on a high...

“And, don’t forget, you’re never better than your last result, so the best way to go into the winter and the off-season is on the back of a win and that’s what I’d like to do in Cape Town,” said Kristoffersson.

Solberg to take engine penalty for World RX season finale.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Two-time World RX Champion Petter Solberg's chance of claiming second in the 2018 FIA World Rallycross championship has faced a major set back after his team was forced to change the engine in his Volkswagen Polo R Supercar following the last round in Buxtehude. 

The engine change comes with a 15-point penalty making his chance of claiming second a very tough task.  

“It won’t be easy at all. Basically if any of the other three drivers (Sébastien Loeb, Andreas Bakkerud or Mattias Ekstrom) makes it to the final then I can’t do anything," said Solberg. "I’m not thinking about any of that, I’m just thinking to my own race – I will do everything I can do and then see what happens on Sunday afternoon."

The Norwegian has not had it easy this season coming close to withdrawing from the championship after being diagnosed with lung disease "Sarkoidose" in 2017. He revealed  that he has had very low energy and at times vision issues. However, following successful treatment throughout the year, Solberg felt much more energized and healthier, and at the American round of the championship, he came within two laps of victory at the first ever World RX of USA, but made a mistake on lap five of the final and finished second behind his teammate.

“This has been a tough season for me, in and out of the car. In the middle of the year, just to be thinking of fighting for the silver medal was a bit like a dream for me. I’m happy to be competing," says the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver.   

"And now we can come to one of the best tracks of the year in a fantastic place with a big crowd and a great atmosphere."

If Solberg can finish second in the World RX Drivers’ Championship it will be a Hat Trick for the PSRX Volkswagen Sweden team, which has also already won the World RX Teams’ Championship.

World RX Supercars to parade through the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

It’s understandable if you can’t wait for the Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa to hit the Killarney Raceway in Cape Town on the 24th and 25th of November. The lineup is on another level, with motoring legends set to battle it out with past and present World Champions, and the weekend packed with enough activities to make the most ardent adrenalin junkie totally exhausted. Tickets are getting scarcer and scarcer so, unless you want yourself and the whole family to miss out on some truly unbelievable motoring action, make sure you grab a few, if you haven’t already.

And if you really can’t wait for the weekend, then you can start getting your kicks on the Thursday before, when the World Rallycross Parade blazes through the streets of normally sleepy Cape Town on the 22nd of November. A convoy of RX Supercars – that we all know can accelerate faster than their Formula 1 counterparts – will proceed from the back of Table Bay Hotel to the Amphitheatre, next to the Big Wheel, in the V&A Waterfront. It all gets going at 11:00, and it’s going to be a sight to behold: metal glistening in the warm summer sun, engines roaring through the streets, rubber burning, tyres screeching.

But it doesn’t end there. At the Waterfront there’ll be a meet and greet with the drivers, a chance for you to get up close and personal with these motoring masters. Petter Solberg will be there, as well as French legend Sebastien Loeb, Mattias Ekstrom, Kevin and Timmy Hansen, Andreas Bakkerud, our very own Ashley Haigh-Smith to mention a few. So if you’ve always wanted a super-quick signature scrawled on some intimate part of your body, be sure to bring a permanent marker.

“The parade will contain all the energy, excitement and power that’s going to set the track alight on Saturday and Sunday and, against the majestic natural backdrop that is Cape Town, it is not to be missed," said Claire Cobbledick, General Manger of Gumtree. "We urge all fans to be there.”

So there you have it. Why wait for the weekend when the weekend is raring to get going a few days early? It’s all part of the magic that is World Rallycross…and it refuses to stop!

Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa
Killarney International Raceway

Saturday, 24th November 2018 – Sunday 25th November 2018

Tickets: R220 – R750. Kids under 12 are free

Hospitality tickets from R2500

Tickets: www.ticketpros.co.za

For more information go to www.fiaworldrallycross.com

#WorldRXSA

Facebook: WorldRXSA

South African Ashley Haigh-Smith joins the RX2 fray for season finale

Ashley Haigh-Smith
PHOTO CREDIT: RX2 Series Media

The RX2 International Series has today unveiled a 16-strong entry list for its 2018 season finale in Cape Town next weekend (24/25 November), with the addition of South Africa's very own talent Ashley Haigh-Smith.

Although best known for his rallying exploits, having competed in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship – the only South African driver to have done so – and made history as the youngest-ever South African S1600 Champion, Haigh-Smith does have some rallycross experience under his belt. He made his debut in the discipline in last season’s inaugural World RX of South Africa at Killarney International Raceway with Olsbergs MSE.

Twelve months on, the 26-year-old – a Capetonian born-and-bred – is set to return to the fray, but this time in RX2, World RX’s official feeder series. Having caught the rallycross bug, he has struck a deal with Finnish outfit SET Promotion to take the place of Simon Syversen, who has stepped aside to focus his preparations on 2019.

“I can’t wait to get back out on-track for the RX2 season finale in Cape Town,” said Haigh-Smith. “Last year’s event was epic, and it was a real honour to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to representing South African motorsport and going head-to-head with the current cream of the RX2 crop – there are some extremely talented drivers in the field so it will certainly be a tough challenge, but I love a challenge!"

“I need to thank Andreas Eriksson from Olsbergs MSE for the support he has shown me and especially Ian Davies for putting me in contact with Jussi Pinomäki from SET Promotion, who I am looking forward to working with next weekend. I’m passionate about proving that South African drivers can truly excel on the international stage, so hopefully I can go out there and really give the home fans something to cheer about!”

“It’s fantastic to have Ashley joining SET for the final round of RX2 in South Africa,” said SET Promotion Team Principal, Pinomäki. “The opportunity for him to drive with us came about because Simon has decided to skip the event as he focusses on his programme for 2019.  

“The fact that Ashley has already raced at Killarney in World RX will help him to get up-to-speed more quickly than if everything was new to him. Our two regular RX2 drivers Sami-Matti Trogen and Jami Kalliomäki will go to Cape Town having shown good pace this season, and we will use that experience to help Ashley at his home event. If last year is anything to go by, he will receive huge support from the fans.”

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa driver line-up confirmed.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA World Rallycross Media

Its official: The Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa, on the 24th and 25th of November at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, is the only place to be if you’re a speed freak and confirmed is the final list of drivers who will be battling it out on the tarmac, a lineup that includes past and present legends. So seriously, if you don’t have tickets, then get them soon…they’re selling almost as fast as the Supercar and RX2 vehicles that will be roaring all weekend. Make sure you get for the whole family. Kids under 12 are free, and there’s loads of off-track entertainment, like the majestic Silver Falcons Air Show and the Monster Energy Rig. It seriously doesn’t get any better than this, or bigger, or faster. 

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/e70af636-c059-8ee2-c734-5a07fef5649b

And so, without further ado, meet the stars that will be coming out to play in Cape Town.

The current FIA World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson, who drives a factory-developed Volkswagen Polo Supercar for PSRX Volkswagen Sweden, leads the pack. The Swede currently tops the 2018 Championship standings, intent on defending his 2017 title. Compatriots Robin Larsson of Olsbergs MSE, Mattias Ekström of EKS Audi Sport, Timmy Hansen of Team Peugeot Total and his brother Kevin of Team Peugeot Total are also in the mix, ensuring that Sweden maintain a strong presence on the Cape track.

Sebastien Loeb of Team Peugeot Total is the world’s most successful rally driver, claiming nine World Rally Championships. The Frenchman will be looking to add to the six podiums he took in 2017, but he’ll have stiff competition at Killarney from Latvian champion Janis Baumanis of Team Stard and the highly experienced Russian Timur Timerzyanov of the GRX Taneco Team. All three are currently neck-and-neck in this year’s top ten.

Kristoffersson’s team-mate, Norwegian Petter Solberg [double World RX champion] will also be here, as will fellow countryman Andreas Bakkerud of EKS Audi Sport and the rising young Finn Niclas Grönholm of GRX Taneco Team. Making up the rest of the pack are GC Kompetition drivers Guerlain Chicherit and Anton Marklund, ALL-INKL.COM Munnich 77 drivers Timo Schedier and Rene Munnich, Gregoire Demoustier of Sebastien Loeb Racing, Oliver Bennett of Oliver Bennett and Kevin Eriksson of Olsbergs MSE.

That’s quite a list…and it’s going to be quite a weekend. Wait, make that a long weekend! Because on Thursday the 22nd of November the World Rallycross Parade makes its way from the back of the Table Bay Hotel to the Amphitheatre at the V&A Waterfront where drivers, including Kristoffersson, Loeb and Solberg, will be signing autographs at a special meet and greet. It’s the perfect way to get in the mood for a perfect weekend of non-stop, all-out, full-throttle action. Make sure you and the family are there!

The 2018 Gumtree World Rallycross of South Africa - ENTRY LIST
LIST provided by FIA World Rallycross Media.