Engen Xtreme driver Kosie Weyers makes a clean sweep in East London

Thursday, 13 August 2009

Kosie Weyers lead his blue and yellow Engen Xtreme Polo to a convincing win at the weekend in East London. The driver, who admittedly has not had much success since bursting on scene at the Engen National Race day in March, has since returned to his winning ways.

On what is considered South Africa's fastest and longest track, Kosie from the start of Heat 1 stormed to a convincing lead, with Matthew Hodges in tow and teammate Miguel Pasqualli in third, challenging for second. Kosie in what can be considered a more superior performance on the day threw his Polo into the bends with ease, leaving his rivals behind.

Pasqualli and Hodges in a dice for second place had an unfortunate coming together on the fast and tight right hand Cocabana turn, with Miguel trying to sneak past Hodges on the inside, resulting in both running wide and into the rough. With Kosie streaks ahead and taking the chequered flag, Miguel picked up a puncture after the incident, but bravely fought to the end, hanging onto 3rd.

Before the start of Heat 2, the top three drivers cars were seconded into parc firme where a fuel control was imposed, requiring each of the cars fuel to be drained and then topped up with 20 litres of fuel supplied by the race marshal's, so as to ensure that no illegal fuels or additives are included to enhance performance.

In Heat 2, it was much of the same action with Kosie launching himself into the front of the pack and quickly establishing a convincing two car lead over his nearest rival. As in Heat 1, Miguel Pasqualli and Matthew Hodges were involved in a heated battle for second place. This action was however overshadowed by the young Xtreme driver, with Kosie guiding his car around the course, ensuring that no mistake was made. Miguel, who was on the verge of overtaking Hodges down the long home straight, in a twist of fate, suffered gearbox failure. This meant that he was changing from 4th gear straight into 6th, and thus losing out on that crucial 5th gear power band. Miguel managed to hang onto 3rd place; with teammate Kosie Weyers winning in what was reminiscent of his debut in PE, stamping his authority on the challenge for the top.

Overall, Kosie finished in top spot on the day with Miguel in fourth place after he was stripped of his third overall position after a late hearing, where he was penalised for his involvement in the incident between himself and Hodges in Heat 1.

After the race Kosie commented, "Die kar was vandag blitsvinning en het baie goed gevoel om die draaie en straights. Ek dink ons gaan die setup dieselfde hou vir die volgende race by Kyalami." This resurgent optimism the Cape local will undoubtedly carry with him and boost his confidence as the whole teams prepares for the next race meet on 27 June at Kyalami.