Cape Town - When 14-year-old Giordano Lupini faces the starter for the first GTi Challenge race during the seventh round of the Wingfield Motors sponsored Power Series at Killarney on 5 September, he will become the Western Cape’s youngest ever main-circuit competitor on four wheels.
Yes, the Van der Linde brothers - for whom great things are being predicted - were also about that age when they started. But that was up north in Mine Dump Country. Giordano’s achievement will be a first for the Cape.
Although he has had a measure of experience on the kart track - and is still involved there - it won’t be easy. The GTi Challenge is a contact sport.
The cars are divided into three mechanically equal classes and it is then up to the driver to produce the results. Lupini’s opposition in a crowded Class C will include tough characters such as gritty reigning champion Paul Simon, Ebrahim Levy - the man who would be king - and the fast improving Dewald Lubbe. They are certainly not going to make an allowance for age, or show him any mercy.
VINTAGE STOCK
But this new kid on the block comes from classic vintage stock. His great grandfather Gigi competed in the magnificent Mille Miglia in 1929. One of the world’s greatest and most unique road races, Mille Miglia competitors only needed to complete one circuit. However, the lap distance was 1600km!
The charismatic Gigi eventually immigrated to South Africa where he launched the terrazzo industry.
He soon became known for visiting building sites and attending race meetings in his distinctive yellow Ferrari America, one of the first Maranello products to arrive in this country.
He also launched the Scuderia Lupini that was to evolve into a legendary racing stable.
Next week’s meeting will also championship events for the big one-make V8 Masters, Formula Supercars, Classic Cars, Fine Cars and Clubmans.
The Mike Hopkins races will embrace the Superbikes, Clubman, Powersport andClassic motorcycles.