December 13, 2018
Witness
WHEELS
Unlike last year’s “too easy” Roof, this year’s Motul Roof of Africa was as gnarly as it gets, But it did not stop Wade Young (right) from defending his title as the fastest guy on a bike in Lesotho. More on page 4
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Truckers’ plea to holiday drivers: ‘be part of the flow, not the start of the stop’ ALWYN VILJOEN THE South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) said fewer Saffers are going on holiday this year and among those who do plan to travel, most are going to Durbs by the sea. This means a lot more holiday drivers on SA’s busiest highway — the N3 — and a lot more stress for the professional drivers who use this corridor each day. Year after year, these truckers and taxi drivers have one plea to the holiday drivers — be part of the flow, not the start of the stop. But as holiday drivers continue to rush to their destinations, nipping into non-existent gaps in front of trucks only to have to brake hard, this year Wheels is have a different message for the holiday driver — over six in 10 trucks need over a 100 metres to
stop because they do not have working brakes. Patrick O’Leary, publisher of Fleetwatch and organiser of regular Brake and Tyre Watch spot checks on SA’s highways, told Wheels 68% of the trucks pulled over have faulty or no brakes. At Duzi Brakes in Pietermaritzburg, Darryn Evans, who is rated a leading air-brake diagnostic technician in southern Africa by German braking companies Wabco and Knorr-Bremse, said they see these trucks daily. Evans agreed with O’Leary that the majority of commercial vehicles on SA’s roads have faulty brakes. “A truck with good brakes will stop safely, but not instantly, but over six in ten don’t have good brakes,” he told Wheels. Six tips to drive like a pro Wheels interviewed many truck-
‘Look ma, no brake drums!’ Over six in ten truck trailers pulled over on the N1 had faulty to no brakes. These behemoths only stop slowly. PHOTO: PATRICK O’LEARY ers and even taxi drivers for their advice to make holidaymakers drive more like professionals: • On a long journey, going as fast as possible just guzzles fuel but
will win you only minutes in total travel time over an 80-km/h driver, even if the fast driver does not stop. Slower is smarter. • Maintaining momentum is the
secret to saving fuel. Keep the rev needle low, the gear lever high and feed in just enough fuel to hold the speed. • Bad drivers brake, good drivers regulate. Be the latter and steer clear of those whose brake lights flash often. • The journeys one remembers always involve a stop for good food with nice people in a place with a view. Any journey without these is just commuting. Explore. • Get out of the rat race mindset by counting your blessings — you have a family, and a car, and are going on holiday in a country tourists all rave about. • Focus on the flow, not the phone. • Listen to audiobooks, a good story will have everyone quiet and entertained. • And finally, don’t brake in front of trucks. They cannot stop.
TESLA founder Elon Musk made local headlines on Tuesday when he tweeted SA may get a Tesla dealer late in 2019, but it was his tweets after a 60 Minutes interview over the weekend that had shareholders and short sellers taking note. Musk said the television show broadcast a “misleading edit” of an interview he did about Tesla, making it sound like he saw the new chair, Robyn Denholm, as a puppet and that he could give the board orders as the largest shareholder, none of which is what he said. Meanwhile, Musk tweeted that Tesla is testing autonomous driving in development software. “Your Tesla will soon be able to go from your garage at home to parking at work with no driver input at all,” he tweeted. — WR.
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WitnessWheels
MOTORING
December 13, 2018
Electric vintage cars VW plans its last fossil fuel engines, Aston Martin retrofits electric motors ALWYN VILJOEN SENSITIVE fans of a V8’s fuel-guzzling burble may find the following news disturbing — Volkswagen and Aston Martin are going electric. Aston Martin Lagonda announced a plan to future-proof increasingly valuable collectible cars with a “reversible” EV powertrain conversion, while VW is making its last generation of internal combustion engines. Bloomberg quoted Michael Jost, strategy chief for Volkswagen group, who said at an industry conference in Wolfsburg, Germany, that VW’s engineers “are working on the last platform for vehicles that aren’t CO2 neutral”. “We’re gradually fading out combustion engines to the absolute minimum,” Jost said. VW is the world’s largest automaker with 12 automotive brands in its stable — from bikes to trucks — and the group has already introduced several electric cars, from the VW Golf to the 2019 Porsche Taycan. Jost expects the rollout across the 12 brands in its stable to comprise some 15 million vehicles, as the company earmarks $50 billion over the next five years to spend on its transformation to selfdriving, electric cars. Aston Martin Lagonda is not looking forward with its plans, but backwards in
Aston Martin plans to usher in the classic electric car, as it did with this 1970 DB6 MkII Volante that has a battery pack in place of the engine. order to save old cars using cassettes. Only, these cassettes are flat battery packs and electric motors that are fitted in place of the old fossil fuel engine. Aston Martin claims it is a first, but Mahindra has been converting its cars for frugal drivers in India, while Aston Martin Lagonda plans to do it for wellheeled buyers of collectible cars — starting with a 1970 DB6 MkII Volante, which was originally hand-built at Newport Pagnell. Sitting on the original engine and gearbox mountings, the cassette is enclosed within its own self-contained cell.
Umbilical cords from the power unit then feed the car’s electrical systems. Power management is operated via a dedicated screen, which is “discreetly fitted to the car’s interior”. Aston Martin said in a statement: “Given the historical significance of these collectors cars, it’s vital any EV conversion is sympathetic to the integrity of the original car. “The cassette system offers the perfect solution, offering owners the reassurance of knowing their car is futureproofed and socially responsible, yet still an authentic Aston Martin with the abili-
ty to reinstate its original powertrain if desired. Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda president and group chief executive officer, said of the Heritage EV concept: “We are very aware of the environmental and social pressures that threaten to restrict the use of classic cars in the years to come. “Our Second Century Plan not only encompasses our new and future models, but also protects our treasured heritage. I believe this not only makes Aston Martin unique, but a truly forwardthinking leader in this field.” At the local Vintage Sports Cars Club, the response to the advent of quietly humming electric motors instead of the roar of a straight six were met with scorn. Retired mechanic and one of Wheels’ most avid readers, Mike Smith, said his Jaguar and MG will keep burning fossil fuels until his last breath. “There is no soul in an electric motor, it does not make you grin when you drive it,” he said. Having built with Jens Denks the world’s first, only and thus fastest allwheel drive electric-fuel hybrid Atos, and as rider of an electric scooter, I had to differ. “One gets a very wide grin each time you pass the fuel pumps in an evee,” I told Smith. • alwyn.viljoen@witness.co.za
Child care and trucking milestones for Key Group in KZN ALWYN VILJOEN KEY Group has gladdened the hearts of children and truckers alike in KwaZuluNatal. The Key Foundation opened a brandnew crèche building in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, in partnership with Isuzu ChildLife Foundation this month, while a new Isuzu truck service and parts centre opened in Durban South. At the Umkhuleko Crèche, which has 87 preschool children who had previously been cramped into two small dark rooms, will now receive quality early childhood development in two spacious classrooms, a storeroom, and proper bathroom facilities. It is the seventh super project that the Key Foundation has undertaken, with another five crèches and one school already built and forming part of the legacy that the foundation has created by facilitating long-term value for all its stakeholders in KZN. The Key Foundation was officially launched in 2006 to invest directly into the upliftment of various communities
Opening the new Isuzu commercial centre in Durban south are (from left) Glynn Crookes, Paul Emanuel, Michael Sacke and Tony da Silva. in which the Key Group operates in and impacts on. The Key Group has operations in Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, New Germany and Durban, where a new truck service centre establishes a new service presence in the Durban market.
Growing in Durban Paul Emanuel, Key Group chair said instead of doubling up in the West at Pinetown, it made more strategic sense to bring support services to the market growth points — namely Durban South and Prospecton, from the Umgeni in-
dustrial area to Amanzimtoti. This new Isuzu commercial centre is just off both the M4 and N2 highways, adjacent to the massive Clairwood Logistics Park which, at 358 000m2, is Fortress Reit’s biggest national investment in industrial logistics property. Emanuel said the Durban-Pinetown industrial region, stretching to the boundaries of eThekwini municipality, represents the second largest truck market after Gauteng in Southern Africa. Added to this there are over 50 000 Isuzu trucks on South Africa’s roads nationwide — with many travelling in and out of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) where Durban is the end of the logistical corridor. From an aftermarket perspective the real market interest lies in the one to tenyear market of which there are just over 5 000 Isuzu trucks to be serviced in KZN. The Key Durban Truck Centre has a workshop with six bays and a monthly 1 500 labour-hour capacity. and offers any fleet owner that operates multiple vehicle brands a one-stop service.
KZN’s Indoni Cultural School shares in Ford R12 mln gift FORD is spreading the cheer this festive season with a donation of 26 brand new vehicles to 22 selected charity organisations in South Africa, worth a combined retail value of over R12 million. The fleet, which comprises 15 Ford Transit vans, seven Tourneo Custom minibuses, (pictured) the all-new Fiesta and three locally-built Rangers, will be delivered to the registered charities over the next two weeks. “South Africa is a road-based economy, making vehicle ownership a key factor in order to deliver the services needed to advance the country’s economy and improve the quality of life of all our people. We are very proud that Ford is able to help the selected charity organisations go further in providing the selfless services that they do,” said Duduzile Nxele, corporate communications manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. According to Nxele, the donation is
the biggest single donation of vehicles that Ford has made in South Africa since the establishment of its local operations in 1923. “It is thanks to the loyal support from South Africans that Ford has become one of the top three manufacturers in the country. This donation is the ideal way for us to pay it forward to the com-
munity and support those who need it most,” she added. Among the deserving recipients in Gauteng are Save the Children and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa; Action for Blind and Disabled Children, a nonprofit organisation that offers free digital literacy training; Tomorrow Today Foundation, a community-based foot-
ball academy in Mamelodi; as well as Tshwane SPCA. In Port Elizabeth, the Al Fidaa Foundation’s work will be bolstered with its new vehicle, helping the organisation expand its skills development and community empowerment projects, as well as its and feeding schemes. The Kidz2Kidz Trust and NorSA in the Western Cape have also been selected as recipients, along with the Indoni Cultural School in KwaZulu-Natal, and Sabi Sand Nature Conservation Trust in Mpumalanga. “We wish to thank Ford for the most generous contribution to our cause and for its commitment to making a difference to this marginalised sector of our community,” said Elsie Botha on behalf of Roodepoort-based Action for the Blind and Disabled Children. “This is huge for our organisation,” said Peter Chiveso from Tomorrow Today Foundation. — WR.
Kim Everitt (right), a student at University of Hertfordshire, who won one of the 50 places to attend EuroBrake 2019, urges students to apply.
Call to students HAYLEY Millar, Education Manager at International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (Fisita), invited applications for the EuroBrake Student Opportunities Programme taking place at EuroBrake 2019, in Dresden, Germany from May 21. The programme offers 50 students the chance to attend and take part in the world’s largest conference and exhibition dedicated to braking technology where they can meet with experts from industry and academia. Kim Everitt, who is studying at the University of Hertfordshire attended EuroBrake 2018, encouraged other students to apply for ESOP, saying the network of people she met gave her career in automotive engineering a boost. Applications will be put before a panel of international industry and academic experts to be judged and 50 students will be selected to attend EuroBrake 2019 for free. • Students who want to apply can find more information on www.eurobrake.net.
Marketing boss at Suzuki Megan McDonald with brand ambassador and Mrs SA, Matapa Rikhotso.
A Vitara for Mrs SA SUZUKI South Africa and Mrs South Africa celebrated a partnership of almost five years this week when they handed over the keys to a brand-new Suzuki Vitara to Matapa Rikhotso, the new Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa 2018. Rikhotso (30), a businessperson, philanthropist, mother and wife from Polokwane, was crowned Mrs South Africa at Emperor’s Palace in November this year. Enolicia Strever (30) from Welkom was crowned first princess and Jo-Ann Barnwell (37) is second princess. During her reign, Rikhotso will have the exclusive use of a new Suzuki Vitara to fulfil her duties as spokesperson for the pageant on issues such as the empowerment of disadvantaged women and as brand ambassador for SABC 3, the City of Ekurhuleni and the Women 4 Women movement. — Wheels Reporter.
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WitnessWheels
MOTORING RACING
December 13, 2018
Hyman is Formula 3 champion
Travis Teasdale (Beta), Wade Young (Sherco Racing) and Kyle Flanagan (Bidvest bLU cRU Yamaha
Rock rabbits and Roof riders go where even goats fear to tread. PHOTOS: ZC MARKETING
Seconds separated the riders as they headed to the Red Bull finish line.
The Roof of Africa is an enduro rider’s paradise.
Wading to a 4th Roof Young beats Teasdale in Motul Roof of Africa that saw many riders retire ZOON CRONJE WADE Young (Sherco Racing) returned from the mother of hard enduros in Lesotho with a fourth overall victory, but it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Port Shepstone rider. After a wet Day 1, the threatened rain didn’t materialise on Day 2; instead a series of dramatic duels played themselves out in the mountain passes of Lesotho to determine the podium of the Motul Roof of Africa 2018. While the rain did not fall, rivers crossings were a big factor on Day Two, with Young sacrificing almost half his overnight lead over Travis Teasdale (Beta) by being cautious at several of the river crossings, in some cases dismounting and wading through the water to assess its depth before choosing his lines. This after Teasdale, who suffered a
stomach bug during the weekend’ racing, surrendered his first day’s lead to Young. Speaking in the winner’s enclosure after his victory, Young described the 2018 Motul Roof of Africa as “gruelling and super-tough” and a “really physical event”. Behind the leading pair on Day 2, Kyle Flanagan and Lloyd Kirk (both Bidvest bLU cRU Yamaha) and Dwayne Kleynhans (Brother Leader Tread KTM) resumed their battle for the final podium spot. Flanagan won out to clinch third place, having extended his advantage over rising star Kirk to 9 seconds. Kleynhans ultimately finished fifth, a further 20 minutes back. Sadly for Barwell, his pursuit included a tumble into a ravine, and his overall result saw him finish in second, over 30 minutes behind Mante. Paul Grobler
(KTM) completed the Silver Class podium line-up. While the route was praised by many of the Silver competitors, the inclusion of so many new route sections made navigation difficult and saw a high attrition rate for riders, with almost 50% of the field in this class failing to finish. By the end of Day Two, the Mother of Hard Enduro had accounted for around two thirds of all the Bronze Class competitors. First across the line was overnight leader Vincent Labuschagne (Enduro-Tech), but he had accidentally missed a large loop of the route and was disqualified. In his first-ever Roof, Matt Burger (Leader Tread Husqvarna) won the Bronze Class with a time of 14h07’09”. Well-known quadbike racer Hannes Saaijman was just under 13 minutes behind in second. Nuno Pereira (Portugal) was
the highest-placed international Bronze rider, finishing in third place. The 2018 Motul Roof of Africa was honoured to welcome Lady Mamonaheng Mokitimi, President of the Senate of Lesotho, to the Start/Finish Zone to present the Gold Class first and second prizes, while her colleague Dr. Nkaku Kabi, Lesotho’s Minister of Health, presented the Gold Class third prize. y all accounts, the 2018 Motul Roof of Africa was a resounding success. The changes to the format of the Round the Houses Prologue and the inclusion of many tough new passes were praised by riders in every class. The feedback from competitors, teams and spectators alike bodes well for the future of Africa’s most iconic Extreme Enduro event.
DURBANborn Raoul Hyman (pictured) won the inaugural FIA Asian Formula 3 Championship when he drove to fifth in the season finale at Malaysia’s Sepang Grand Prix Circuit this year. The 22-year-old GP3 star was overjoyed with the result following a competitive season in the five-round fourteen-race series. Born in Durban, Hyman’s motorsport career started fairly late, when he entered the South African Rotax Mini Max category in 2008, at the age of 12. Described as the ‘find of 2008’ he won the Rookie Cup in that year, the National Mini Max Title the following year, various club championships, consecutive victor ludorums, and qualified for the World Finals twice thereafter. He moved to the United Kingdom in 2011, and won the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title in the British Super 1 National Championship in Rotax Junior Max that year. He finished a very close 3rd in the British Super 1 National Championship in 2012, having been a regular race winner and podium finisher. He represented Team GB at the Rotax Grand Finals in November 2012 in Portimao, Portugal, before making his main track debut in Formula 4 in 2013. He finished an impressive 7th overall in his first year in cars, and came tantalisingly close to taking the Formula 4 Title in 2014. While his four wins, five 2nd’s, and two 3rd place finishes saw him notch up a series record number of podiums, it was two unfortunate DNF’s that cost him the Formula 4 Championship in 2014. — MotorsportMedia
• Zoon Cronje wrties for ZC Marketing Consultants.
Formula E ups the bar with Fan Boost and Attack Mode SEASON Five of the eerily silent but astonishingly fast ABB FIA Formula E Championship starts on Saturday. New tracks will pit new drivers in 22 Gen2 cars against each other. DS Techeetah drivers André Lotterer and the reigning Formula E Champion Jean-Éric Vergne returns to field the DS E-Tense FE19 Gen2 car for the season ahead. They will start the season by tackling the new 2,5 km street circuit of Ad Diriyah, where they will be challenged with the new 45min plus one lap race format. Formula E’s unique fan engagement — FanBoost — returns with updated regulations and will now see the Top 5 drivers gain the boost voted for by the fans, which is another two drivers gaining the energy boost on track compared the previous seasons. Fans will now also be able to vote 15 minutes into the race, further adding to the thrill of being directly involved in the
New drivers in 22 new Gen2 cars, new tracks, new rules and new drivers added to the Formula E starting on Saturday. PHOTO: FIA
championship. DS e-tense FE19 is built entirely inhouse by DS Automobiles in the team’s new factory in Versailles, just outside Paris. DS Automobiles has also developed its own brake-by-wire system and is one of the few manufacturers in the
paddock to have done so to optimise competitive advantage. The electric race car makes 252 kw (338hp) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds. It also has a 52kWh battery that will last the whole race, thus eliminating the
previous car swap requirement. The introduction of Attack Mode will throw further challenges to the grid and bring the excitement of the series further. When enable, Attack Mode temporarily increases the power level from 200kW (in race mode) to 225kW, which gives the drivers an advantage over the others, for a short time, to overtake, opening new strategic opportunities and delivering more dynamic races . To enable Attack Mode, the driver must go through an activation zone, located outside of the race line. The number of activation and the period of use will be determined at each race by the FIA. André Lotterer #36 said it will be very interesting to see how the first race pans out as there will be lots of surprises. Fans can Tweet #FanBoost #DriverName or vote on https://fanboost.fiaformulae.com or via the Formula E App. Voting opens six days prior to the race. — Wheels Reporter.
Amon Meyiwa (front) is the overall champion navigator in the Natal Motorcycle and Car Club (NMCC) rally series. This after a reading of the fine print showed the easygoing co-driver alongside Dean Redelinghuys did not place second overall after the club’s last race for 2018 — the Drumdarroch Rally Sprint, but first. PHOTO: ALWYN VILJOEN
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