What Global Touring Cars Round 5 Preview
Where East London Grand Prix Circuit
When Saturday 22 July 2023
Community South Africa National
Robert Wolk & Chemical Logistics Racing want East London wins
Chemical Logistics Racing heads into the second half of the Global Touring Car season with it all to do, with double reigning champion Robert Wolk fully focussed on taking command of the 2023 title chase. Wolk finally won a round last time out following a tough start to his season, but his dogged determination and consistency have still kept him right in the hunt.
In spite of only winning that one reverse race heat so far this season, Robert and his Chemical Logistics Corolla GTC arrive at the Border races just 13 points behind championship rival Saood Variawa. His consistent podium finishes in the face of adversity have kept Wolk in the championship frame, and he’s set, poised and ready for a full attack through the second half of the season.
Andrew Rackstraw has suffered a challenging season so far in his LTR Sparco VW Golf GTR. He has however shown great form when his car has allowed him to race flat out and the team hopes to have now worked around the challenges that machinery has thrown at it. Andrew is determined to add more successes to the silver lining his maiden GTC win at home in Cape Town earlier in the year provided to this dark cloud of a season so far.
All four of Chemical Logistics Racing’s GTC drivers are former Investchem Formula 1600 champions, not least of them being reigning title holder Josh Le Roux and his Master Stairs Investchem Audi S3 GTC. Josh is also already a GTC winner, thanks to his sensational race victory at a shambolic Kyalami on debut in February. He is also looking for more success now that he’s come to grips with his winged, slick shod tin-top GTC racer.
Julian van der Watt made a most impressive return to the fray last time out, as he continues to recuperate from injuries sustained in a significant accident while practicing for that Kyalami season opener. The team is also getting to know Julian’s all-new BMW M 128i ti GTC and that combination certainly brings a sensational dark horse to the Global Touring Car party.
“Superfast East London traditionally thrills with unexpected challenges and great racing,” WCT Engineering team boss Stuart Thompson explains. “Rob has shown great maturity and consistency this season and now he’s ready to build on that first win of the season. “Andrew is just looking for a little better luck, and Josh is growing into GTC in leaps and bounds. We also look forward to making progress with Julian and our new BMW in its second outing.”
“Chemical Logistics Racing is looking forward to a great weekend of Global Touring Car racing at the iconic East London Grand Prix Circuit’s Extreme Festival,” team boss Ian Schofield concluded: “Rob has it all to do, our young lions Andrew and Josh are always a factor, and it’s great to have Julian back behind the wheel of our first new BMW. Give them hell guys!”
Issued on behalf of Chemical Logistics GTC
Photography by: Andre Laubscher
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