About 53 000 spectators and 705 entries – the biggest yet in local motorsport – were at the first circuit, short oval, Sascar, drag and motocross race meeting at the Gosforth Park Raceway in Gauteng last weekend, according to the organisers.
Apart from the racing, the crowds who thronged the 100ha, multi-function complex enjoyed a vast range of family entertainment in perfect weather, including Thunder Ally, experiences on the skidpan, Ranger 4x4 circuit, PlayStation Music Stage, abseiling, slot-car racing, air displays, a 2 000 Ford Car display and parade, a huge Harley-Davidson display, a thundering Nationwide fly-past, craft market, dancing girls and break dancing.
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Patrick Blakeway of the House of Bonne Cuisine, which managed the catering, said:
"We went through 5.7 tons of ice, 30 000 cold drinks, 5 500 litres of draught beer, two tons of chips, 5 000 pies and more sausages than we sold at Loftus this weekend."
Spectators drank 5500 litres of draught beer - and ate 5000 pies. It didn't take long for a South African record to tumble on the raceway's 1100m drag strip. Six times world Pro Street Bike champion Rickey Gadson ran an 8.291 on his turbo Kawasaki to break the record of 8.33 held by Fransie Engelbrecht (19) in the top SBS bike class.
"I want to come back and break the world record. I am so close to it," Gadson said.
Engelbrecht, who rides a Suzuki, countered: "Rickey may have grabbed my record but it will be short-lived. Last month at Tarlton I clocked an 8.25 which was unfortunately not ratified as my second run was much slower, but I will get the record back for SA."
A highlight for many was "Mr Drag Racing" Mick van Rensburg and his jet car that ran a sub-nine with its 40-year-old engine. The launch smashed the headlights of the rescue car parked some way behind.
The drag action didn't let up with when Louis Lima established an SA record of 8.809 in his Nissan bakkie which flew of the line on only its back wheels for a good few seconds and reached 243.13km/h.
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