Events & Sponsorships

Etanans and brokers get in on the action at the Zwartkops International

8 February, 2012

Pablo Clark Racing, sponsored by Etana, handing out posters. Picture: Tony Alves.

The Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria West was a hive of activity on Saturday 28 January 2012 for the Zwartkops International, as local and international racers entertained crowds who’d packed the track-side grandstands.

The main pit area was the place to be as enthusiasts had their chance to see, touch and hear some very rare machinery.
“The Zwartkops International was the first race event I have ever attended,” says Etanan Xolile Xaki. “The Pablo Clark Racing and Etana pit set-up was very well organised. Everyone was looked after and a nice touch was the golf cart they organised to shuttle guests from their parking to the pits.”

The racing action saw many drivers scraping their cars, but fortunately the Etana-sponsored Pablo Clark Racing drivers managed to stay out of trouble and walked away with some impressive results.
“Jaki Scheckter, driving our Ferrari F250, managed to win both in the Pre-1966/8 Sports and GT races, while Etana’s Paolo Cavalieri managed to finish second overall in the Legends of the 9 Hour series, driving a Chevrolet Chevelle,” says Pablo Clark Racing’s Paul Gerber.

“We also had two original BMW race cars that the late Tony Viana used to race, competing in the Pre-1984 Historic Classic Saloon Cars. Paolo, driving his BMW 745i, was unable to finish the first heat due to a flat tyre, and then decided to not start the second race due to heavy rain. Robbi Smith, driving the BMW 325i, finished ninth overall in the first race. In the second heat he showed his impressive wet weather driving skills by taking second overall. Robbi also took overall class honours and was named Driver of the Day by the Zwartkops organisers.”

Etanan and motor sport fanatic Wayne Povey was in his element on Saturday. “There were some fantastic cars on show. I would like to congratulate fellow Etanans Paolo and Brian Algar, who raced a Porsche 911 RSR, on their fantastic driving.”

Galina Kroucheva, who heads up Etana’s Ekundu Project Team, had never been to a motor sport event, but she enjoyed every minute at the Zwartkops Raceway. “I liked the buzz and energy at the track. You gain an appreciation of the speed and the skill of the drivers.”

The event would not have been complete without a touch of glamour, and the Etana feLions provided a lovely distraction, as well as photo opportunities for fans.

The Etana feLions revved many motors when they paraded through the Zwartkops pit area. Picture: Tony Alves.

Says Etana Claims Champion Aaron Mrabalala, “I am proud that despite the rain, it was one of our drivers who led the way. And I can hardly believe that Etanan Brian Algar manages to fit his tall frame into such a small cockpit! Despite this he performed well and was proud to hear his name being mentioned at prize-giving.”

Were you able to attend the Zwartkops International? Share your experience with Etana on our Facebook page (Etana Powered) or via Twitter (@EtanaInsurance). To find out more about Pablo Clark Racing, visit www.pabloclark.com.