Here innie Kaap, more and more, we’re making our way to the global stage.
Last week we had the story of Juan Stemmet and his invitation to participate in the FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup, and this week here’s the tale of our trusty Honda fans and the record hook-up they staged recently.
Getting loads of cars together under one marque is a thing to do; in fact, it gets into the Guiness World Record book. For Hondas, the record stands at 569 cars.
Then comes Garth Hendrickse, 35, of Brackenfell. He set his sights on getting into that record book, and called on Honda fans from across the Cape to join.
PARK OFF: Car lovers put Cape on the map. Picture: TPDZ.
This dream started way back in 2010, when Garth organised 150 cars that converged on Fairbridge Mall, then 300 in 2012, up to 350 plus in 2013. Then came a gap of six years, in which, says Garth “came an engagement, marriage and a baby”. Now in 2019, Garth’s efforts saw 634 cars coming together on 22 September at GrandWest.
IN THE MIX: Grandmaster DJ Ready D at event. Picture: TPDZ.
That, says Garth, “was probably the biggest park-off in Africa. This was our first official attempt to beat the Guinness World Record set in Japan”.
“However, there are two parts to make it official. Number one, getting the most Honda cars in one place and two, taking a 3.2km drive on a public road. We managed to achieve the first part, but unfortunately due to some logistical errors not the second.
“Nevertheless, this was a brilliant effort and would not have been possible without our volunteers, sponsors and supporters.”
FOR THE LOVE OF HONDA: Friends hang out at the hook-up. Picture: TPDZ.
When asked by Nitro just why he does this, Garth replies: “I have a love for Honda. I do this not for profit, and it’s incredible that we in Cape Town can challenge a record set in Honda’s country of origin.”
He continues: “We’ve had much positive feedback and, although we didn’t get the official record, we have learned much from the experience. Next time, and there will be a next time, we will make sure to limit the amount of exits and co-ordinate announcements, routing and exit times better. We’ll also do the prize-giving after the drive, so as to keep people there.”
There was a giant blow-up banner with “start” emblazoned on, that it was impossible to put up because of the wind, which was unlucky.
RARE FIND: Honda NSX came from the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Picture: TPDZ.
Garth also tells us about the rare Honda NSX that rolled in from the Franschhoek Motor Museum, that caught everybody’s attention, yet says his top moment of the day, was putting the number 570 sticker on the car.
FEELING PEACHY: Beauties at park-off. Picture: TPDZ.
All round, a successful day, and it has gone a long way to putting the Cape on the global map, if not in the official record book. But, we in Cape Town are still set to be big in Japan.