For competitors, the yearend break is almost over and by now, preparations should be well underway, for the 2012 racing season. The 2012 South African National Formula Vee Championship gets underway, with the first round of the 2012 Pro Tour Season, at Phakisa on the 18th February. At this point, everyone is on an equal footing but by the end of the day, all the leading contenders for the 2012 National Title will be hoping to come away from Phakisa, with the best possible result.

Will Peter Hills (Renexcon Rhema 2) be able to make it three in a row and equal Alan Holm’s (Lasersprint Office Direct Rhema 2) all time record, of four National Titles? Meticulous preparation saw Hills complete the 2011 season without, a single mechanical failure, in any of the eighteen heats. A similar performance will be required, to secure the 2012 title. There are however a number of drivers, looking to unseat Hills. It is uncertain, whether teenage sensation Michael Taylor will compete in the category again, in 2012, as he is looking to advance his racing career as quickly as possible but if he were to compete, for another season, he would be the odds on favourite, for the 2012 title.

Along with Holm, others with title aspirations could include Jaco Schriks (Lasersprint Rhema 2), Zaahir Essa, Johan Gouws (Mantis), if he can make it to all the races and Symm Grobler (Auto Mecca Rhema 2). All of them, will however have to up their game considerably, to unseat Hills. Someone who made big strides, toward the end of last season, was Gert Van Den Berg (Nantes Motors Bloemfontein Rhema 2) and he may well come into the picture, for the 2012 title as well.

The Phakisa grid should include old stalwarts, like Nicholas Tennant (Rhema 2), Gareth Jackson ( Lasersprint Rhema 2), Greg Wilson (Reflex Solutions Rhema 2), Hugo wallendorf (BJ Pro Welding Lantis), Ben Pienaar (BJ Pro Welding Rhema 2), Jannie Geyser Jnr (Lost Children South Africa Rhema 2), Jannie Geyser Snr (Geryser Attorneys Vision), Mile Stewart (Direction Management Rhema 2), Henk Swanepoel (Renexcon Rhema 2), Shawn Van Der Linde (Len Schoen Estates Rhema 1), Nico Roets (Kyalami Kart Centre Rhema 1), Revel Crossland (Tasman 90), Hano Van Der Spy (Vision), and relative newcomers Ebrahim Jood (MSA Development Rhema 2) and Christopher Shorter (Leisure Zone Rhema 2). A number of inactive cars have also found new owners, recently and some of them could be in the Phakisa line up as well.

See you at Phakisa for the start of another action packed season, of close competitive racing.