What Global Touring Cars Round 4 Report
Where Aldo Scribante, Gqeberha EP
When Saturday 17 June 2023
Community South Africa National
A win, a fine comeback, and a great debut for CLR
Chemical Logistics Racing’s Global Touring Car team enjoyed a competitive outing at Aldo Scribante’s midseason fourth round races. Robert Wolk took a race win and a second place in the two races aboard his Toyota Corolla GTC, while Julian van der Watt made an impressive return aboard the team’s brand new BMW 128ti GTC. It was however a far more adventurous outing for teammates Josh Le Roux and Andrew Rackstraw.
Both Wolk and van der Watt were on point throughout the weekend, either on top or near the top of the practice time sheets. Robert then put the Corolla second and Julian the BMW third on the grid in a red flagged qualifying session. Rackstraw’s Sparco RDSA LTR Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI GTC and Le Roux’s Vitro Frameless Glass Master Stairs Audi S3 GTC suffered troubled Friday practices, but both bounced back to qualify fifth and sixth.
While it was extremely close, there were no position changes throughout the first heat. Robbie Wolk chased hard for the lead but was unable to get close enough to mount a challenge as he settled for second in the end. Julian remained in close in pursuit to deliver a fine debut for the Chemical Logistics BMW. Andrew Rackstraw came home a fighting fifth, but Josh Le Roux was rammed as the car behind attempted to make a pass around mid-distance, That compromised his races, but Josh still steamed home sixth.
Which meant Le Roux and Rackstraw shared the front row of the second, reverse grid race and proceeded to lead the way. Until they came together at the end of the opening lap. Which was great news for Robert Wolk, who had already made up a couple of places to third as he stormed into a lead he would not lose. It was defending double champion Robert’s chance to be under pressure throughout, and he was happy to take the win. Julian van der Watt came home fourth to wrap up a productive comeback weekend in his new Beemer.
“That’s the result we’ve been chasing.” WCT Engineering team manager Stuart Thompson conceded. “We endured a tough start to the season and there’s nothing like a win to get that focus back. Well done Robbie. Julian’s comeback was brilliant and our brand new BMW 128ti GTC was both faultless and fast all weekend. It’s a pity Andrew and Josh got together after a difficult Friday and a decent first race, but that’s racing. Now we focus on East London.”
“Good on you Robbie for the win, but it really was great to see Julian back in action and the first of our new BMWs in full flight,” team boss Ian Schofield concluded: “Sorry for Josh and Andrew, but well done team. Now the chase is on. See you in a month at the East London Grand Prix Circuit!”
Issued on behalf of Chemical Logistics GTC
Photography by: Andre Laubscher
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