Summarize

Lupini still ahead despite troubles

Giordano Lupini will take a handy Class C title advantage into a splendid three-way Burly Pro GTi Challenge title showdown at the season finale end November, in spite of a torrid day at Killarney on Saturday. Lupini was dogged by gearshift issues after qualifying his CIR Construction/ La Vie de Luc/ Accelerate Special Gasoline Golf 1 GTi on pole position, although he did scrounge a vital point in the second heat.

“Most importantly we still came home in a strong Class C championship lead and in a brilliant three way title fight with the other class leaders for the overall title because I was not the only one to have a tough weekend,” Giordano pointed out. “I was delighted to put it on pole despite only driving the car for the first time in qualifying after running in and getting it on the dyno Friday night — our engine and gearbox rebuild was delayed by slow parts delivery, but we seemed to have the pace.

“We were still concerned by a lack of running and that came back to haunt us — my weekend's lights went out at about the same time as the start lights switched off — I could not get fifth and that lost three seconds a lap, so all I could do was send it for three quarters of the lap and then watch as the guys motored away down the straight. “We did what I could between races, but it was still not right and I had to lift right off to get fifth if I was lucky, but I hung in there and stole a point in sixth.

“Yip, it was a tough weekend but the car can now get the TLC it needs following all the issues of the last three races so we can come back fighting — it’s a fair break now so I can concentrate on exams and another challenges,” Vega University BCom freshman Lupini concluded. “Special thanks to Andrew Goslett and GAP Motorsport for all the effort, to my dad for all the support and our sponsors and everyone else who has contributed to this mad year — now bring on that season finale!”

The Burly Pro GTi Challenge will come to a sensational head at the 30 November finale comprising a regular 8-lap sprint and then a double points paying one hour endurance race, where Giordano must team up with a co driver who has not raced in Challenge this season and who the team will confirm shortly. The one hour also pays each finisher five bonus points, so the gloves will be off as Gio goes up against Class A and B leaders, Nian du Toit and Eden Thompson for the overall crown in that epic finale.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Giordano Lupini

What:BurlyPro GTi Challenge Round 8 Report
Where:Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town
When:Saturday 19 October 2019
Community:Cape Town, Western Province.

For further information please contact michele@lupini.co.za

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