Extreme Festival Makes Historic Stop at Dezzi Raceway:
Dunlop and Falken Tyres bring action packed day of national racing to KZN
On Saturday 2 March 2019, Dunlop and Falken Tyres present the Extreme Festival at the Dezzi Raceway in KwaZulu-Natal. Driven by Sumitomo Rubber South Africa – the holding company behind co-hosts Dunlop and Falken Tyres – it is a festival packed with firsts and bristling with action.
Six races will take place on the day. The Falken Polo Cup (modified VW Polos circuit racing); the Global Touring Car series (GTC – 2.0-litre turbo-powered cars circuit racing), and the GTC 2; SA Superbikes and the Supersport 600; as well as the Investchem 1600 (premier single-seater racing).
“This is the first time that the national GTC series will take place at the south coast circuit,” said Riaz Haffejee, Chief Executive Officer of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA). “It is also the first time in many years that a national motor racing series can be seen in KZN. We are incredibly excited to bring this calibre and scope of racing back to the province!”
The event features a string of firsts; it is both the first stop in the 2019 national tour for all disciplines and the first time that a national bike series will compete alongside a national car series, on the same day in KZN. The track itself is a new incarnation. Changes have been made to the northern loop. “We’ve essentially made the track wider and smoother for improved side-by-side racing” comments track owner Desmond Gutzeit.
“Racing at Dezzi will be a first time experience for all GTC series drivers,” said Tony Taylor, Extreme Festival organiser. “Not one has raced GTC on this circuit, especially not with these new track changes. The playing field between debut and established drivers will be levelled, making for a hugely competitive day of racing.”
The Falken Polo Cup is one of the most anticipated events on the motor racing calendar. Cars are custom-made by VW for racing with every part identical, right down to the fuel used. By racing using the exact same car as a rival, it evens the playing field and brings to the fore the individual skill of the driver. It’s in this arena that new talent is spotted, and where new names rise. “It is one of the most competitive races in the country because of this intense focus on the driver’s skill. It’s very exciting to watch!” comments Haffejee. This year’s Falken Polo Cup contenders include reigning champion Jeffry Kruger, and local south coast competitor Clinton Bezuidenhout. It’s a race with high stakes and visitors can expect some daredevil-style racing.
Visitors will also get a unique opportunity to see man and machine up close and personal in an open pit area. “This kind of event fires the imaginations of every car driver” points out Yvette Govender, Marketing and Business Development Director of Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA). “Enthusiasts will be able to inspect the car set up and chat to the drivers. Polo drivers in particular will appreciate the experience, as New Polo Trendline and New Polo Comfortline variants are fitted with Falken Tyres*. And while both car and tyres are modified for racing, this combination of brands is what consumers use daily. Visitors will be seeing near copies of their own vehicles tearing up the track!”
The Extreme Festival presented by Dunlop and Falken Tyres takes place at Dezzi Racetrack, Port Shepstone, on Saturday 2 March 2019. Under 12’s get in free. R80 at the door for adults. Doors open at 8am and close 5pm.
For more information visit extremefestival.co.za.
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