The new best thing to hit the Mother City’s motorsport scene really pushes the fun factor, and it’s super affordable.
A crew of Cape Town’s dustiest got down and dirty last weekend for a new scene taking place out at the Zone 7 offroad bike and quad track.
Faheem Salie, one of the organisers, says: “The idea, for what we are now calling Rally Extreme, started out when some of the guys on the Cape car scene were talking and thinking about an affordable alternative in motorsport.”
FOR THE FUN OF IT: Faheem Salie. Photo: Shahiem Bell
It is well-known that the competitive side of motorsport demands deep pockets, yet the core of the game is a bunch of guys out for some thrills and fun.
Faheem says: “Cost and politics can get problematic, but still there are guys who want a day out, free of the competitive vibe, to just drive their cars hard. We’re supporting affordable racing where the family fun factor is more important than winning. Rally Extreme is about a low budget crowd entertaining day out.”
EVENT FOR THE FAMILY: A totally relaxed setting to enjoy the action. Photo: Shahiem Bell
So Rally Extreme was born, now into its third practice day at Zone 7. The idea is the brainchild of well-known oval racing driver Zack Groenewald.
Zack approached Johan Spies, the owner of Zone 7 Speed Spot with a plan for an all-dirt rally-style autocross using street car spec. Then Zack called Faheem to pitch the idea. Faheem says: “It didn’t take much to convince me as I have always tried to push affordable motorsport from my side.”
AN ADRENALINE RUSH: Wian was totally enjoying his little KTM buggy. Photo: Shahiem Bell
The course starts off on the oval, and then veers off into a technical section through the trees, with some high-speed sweeps, challenging corners and changes in elevation.
Faheem says: “We’re putting it out there to the guys to come try it out. There is no competition for the present, aside from the Hooligan of the Day award and one or two others, because competition tends to change the game. For now, it’s for the sheer fun of it.”
Zack Groenewald, one of the co-ordinators. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Keeping costs down is core to this new modality in Cape motorsport. In this regard, Faheem describes the entry conditions for the E36 Cup. He says: “We cap power at 160kW, all cars use road tyres and no performance add-ons are permitted. That keeps the barrier to entry low and levels the playing field.”
Up front and centre at the event was DJ Ready D, quite an accomplished driver in his own right on the Drift scene but a passenger on the day. In fact, him being a driver, he says, was probably the piece of info that turned a quick tour of the track into “the best and scariest, right up there is the top three craziest things I’ve ever done” range.
Bobby Nitro asked him about his experience after Faheem got him into Jurie ‘Umpie’ Swart’s BMW E46.
AS FAST AS LIGHTNING: Francois Boshoff pushing his machine of a BMW to its limits on the dirt track. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Ready D says: “I don’t know why I do these things. I had promised to never be a passenger again, and Faheem has this persuasion thing going, and there I was not really knowing what I was getting into, in one of the quickest cars there, exiting the oval at a rate and straight into a jump, not knowing where or how the car was going to hit the track again.
“Thankfully I was with a super skilled driver. I did make the mistake, in retrospect, of telling him I was a driver myself with Drift experience. I think maybe he figured he’d show me a thing or two. So, where I thought I was getting a taste, Jurie brought out the lot.”
LEKKER GEPAAP: Jurie ‘Umpie’ Swart and Ready D after their run. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Then things got very real for Ready D. He says: “As the BMW exited off the oval, straight into a jump, I just saw trees, and not knowing what was going to happen, I found myself praying, hard, for it to just be over. But my driver was in the zone, and I can appreciate that feeling, so he just carried on. Where others slowed down, I could swear he went faster.”
Ready D, although he says he was relieved when it was over and reiterates that he will never do it again, Bobby is sure he heard a tone in his voice that says, “I’m actually glad I did it.”
Ready D adds: “I have massive respect for the drivers, and I’ll go again and support the event, maybe even get involved driving myself. One thing is for sure, is that ride woke me up proper for a couple of days.”
FOR THE FUN OF IT: The drivers making sure all is good with their machines.Photo: Shahiem Bell
Faheem adds: “We are pushing to introduce a junior class, that will drive on the oval only, so that the day can be fun for the whole family. I will always be a drifter at heart, and this is my little contribution to bring affordable racing to the less fortunate, especially young people. I come from there and I want to share my passion. I am proud to be a part of the executive committee for Rally Extreme.”
OPEN FOR ANYONE: Currently, you’re welcome to join in with any car you like. Photo: Shahiem Bell
Located off the N7 on Van Schoorsdrift Road just outside of Cape Town, Zone 7 is a recreational park for offroad bike and quad enthusiasts, hosting many kwaai events through the year.