The Engen Audi Team head into Round Four of the
Sasol GTC Africa Championship in East London on 16 June leading both the driver
and constructors’ points standings.
The first three rounds have been good to the Port
Elizabeth-based team - with three overall victories, three heat wins, two front
row lock downs and two new lap records.
Team Principal, Terry Moss is however cautious
heading into the racing at the East London Grand Prix circuit this weekend.
“We have noticed that our main competition has a
top-end advantage, and with East London being the fastest track on the
calendar, this could be the toughest race for our team this year,” he warns.
“But I do feel that we can still make gains in the more technical parts of the
track, where our Audi A3’s tend to have the upper hand.”
Team engineer, Michael Stephen and his crew have
done their utmost to prepare the Audi’s, completing their usual strip-down and
rebuild of the cars, to ensure they are both in optimum condition come Saturday.
“Our main focus is on the handling and traction in
the infield and slow section. We’ve used this time to our fullest advantage in
order to ensure maximum preparation for Round Four.”
Engen Audi driver, Simon Moss aims to maintain his
grip on the championship lead, which he has held since Round Two.
“It’s been going really well for me so far, and
the season has provided us with some great racing,” says Moss.
“I grabbed pole position last year at the East
London Grand Prix track, and I’m aiming to do the same this time around.”
Stephen, who when he is not tuning the Engen
Audi’s also races the cars, is the two-time Sasol GTC Africa defending champion.
He is also a driver on the rise.
Currently third in the driver’s standings after a
slow start to the season, Stephen has his sights set on closing the three point
gap on second place.
“I think, based on our previous races, that Simon
and I have executed perfect teamwork, and we should be able to accomplish our
goal for a 1 – 2 in the standings,” says Stephen.
“We’re treating the 2018 season on a race-by-race
basis while also focusing on the title,” he adds.
This coastal track holds special memories for the
team. Team Principal, Terry Moss originally hails from East London, where he
spent most of his schooling, rugby, and racing youth.
“Back in 2016, we clinched the inaugural GTC
Africa championship in East London, and last year we did a clean sweep at the
track,” remembers Moss fondly.
“We always have a strong fan base following us to
our second home - the East London Grand Prix Circuit - and hopefully it can
only push us to the maximum.”
Friday, 15 June will see a full day of practice
followed by qualifying and the two races on Saturday, 16 June.