Chemical Logistics Racing On Top All the Way
Chemical Logistics Racing came away from Killarney’s splendid Global Touring Car Championship opener holding all the aces after the team wowed an impressive, buzzing Cape Town crowd. Robert Wolk won the day with a first race win, pole position and two fastest laps in his Chemical Logistics Toyota Corolla, Julian van der Watt took the reverse-grid second race win in his RDSA WCT Ford Focus RS and Andrew Rackstraw bounced back from a first race retirement to stand on the second race podium on his GTC debut.
“That was almost a perfect way to start my title defence,” reigning GTC champion Robert Wolk explained. “My Chemical Logistics Corolla had great pace all weekend, which allowed me to top every practice session, put it on pole position and turn the fastest lap in both races. “The first race was a formality, but the second brought its regular challenges. I unfortunately found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time and became involved in a shunt that eliminated a couple of cars.
“Luckily the car was not damaged and I was able to fight back to second behind Julian, but I was penalised for my part in that incident, which we feel was a little unfair, so the result remains provisional. Whatever happens, we still took the overall win, so a huge word of thanks to Ian Schofield, my incredible team, and to Stuart Thompson and his crack WCT Engineering crew for a perfect car as always. “It’s not going to get any easier – we are in for a splendid season of GTC racing. “Bring it on!”
Julian van der Watt was equally ecstatic to bring his RDSA WCT Engineering Ford Focus home first in the reverse grid second race to the delight of his home crowd. ““The first race was a tough effort,” Julian explained. “We had some issues on Friday, so we knew this weekend would be a challenge being slightly down on power. “We did what we could and I made up four places bring it home in fifth.
“That meant we had we had a front row start in reverse grid race 2 and I had tremendous pressure from Daniel in the first half of the race and from Robbie Wolk later on. “I placed my Ford exactly where I needed to. to keep them behind. “A massive thank you to WCT engineering and Investchem for the huge effort this weekend. “Walking away with a win is exactly what we need and we will be pushing even more at the next round.”
It was a rollercoaster GTC debut for Investchem Formula 1600 champion Andrew Rackstraw, who had turbo issues in practice, but was back in business to qualify seventh. He then ran fifth only for his Investchem RDSA Audi to grind to a halt. “That was so disappointing!” Andrew confirmed. “But the second race certainly made up for it. “I kept out of trouble to finish fourth, which eventually became third for a debut podium, which was a dream come true! “Thanks so much to Ian, Claudio, my dad and the entire team — what a debut!”
“We had a very good weekend at Killarney,” WCT Engineering team manager Stuart Thompson wrapped it up. “Robbie was fastest of all every time the cars went out, he was on pole and won the first race and Julian took the other win and Andrew was on the podium on his debut. “We also saw that we have a lot more serious competition this year, so it’s not going to get any easier, but bring it on — what’s life without a challenge!”
“That’s the way to start the season guys!” Chemical Logistics team principal Ian Schofield concluded. “Our entire team did us proud this weekend — what a performance, we could not wish for more. “Well done one and all!”
Issued by Motorsport Media on behalf of Chemical Logistics GTC Racing
