News

Etana’s Brian Algar takes Masters’ championship laurels

15 November, 2011

Brian Algar on his way to second place in the championship and the Masters' title in the series Picture courtesy of Tony Alves.

Shelby-Can Am driver Brian Algar has had a competitive 2011 season. A regular pacesetter, he achieved second place in the overall drivers’ standings, and clinched the Masters’ title.

“We have had a really exciting year,” says Brian. “It has had its frustrations, but this is motorsport and such circumstances, accidents and mechanical gremlins are to be expected. However, we have been very competitive and our incredible Shelby Can-Am in its Etana livery was voted the best-looking car in the championship.”

On Saturday 12 November, Brian competed in the final race of the 2011 season at Kyalami. His weekend got off to a brilliant start when his Etana car qualified for pole position, but ill fortune would strike again come race day.

“While completing the warm-up lap the car began to misfire,” says Brian. “It started running on five cylinders instead of six, effectively diminishing my power output and rendering me helpless against fellow competitors. I headed to the pits and my race was over before it began.”

The second race was a 30-minute endurance event, one in which a motorsport sentiment shared by all was that to finish first, first you needed to finish.

Brian in his Etana car in front of fellow competitor Daryn Lobb Picture courtesy of Tony Alves

“We managed to fix the problem that arose in the first race,” says Brian. “I was optimistic about having a solid end to what had been a successful season. However, we started low down the order and struggled to keep pace with the front-running cars. My main competitors, Rui Campos and Darryn Lobb, experienced mechanical issues, and this left me to complete the race in a very lonely fifth position. Although disappointed not to have completed the season on a high, I am extremely satisfied to have taken second in the overall standings behind Rui, and to be crowned champion in the Masters class series.”

Etana congratulates Brian on what has been a strong and competitive season. His number five car has turned heads and attracted much attention with its striking red livery. This has been backed up by an incredible track performance. As with the Currie Cup-winning Lions, Etana is thrilled to see its sponsorship of Brian’s Masters championship add to the silverware.