Summarize

The records will show that Giordano Lupini enjoyed another great day in Class B of the cheapercars GTi Challenge with a pole position, a race win and a lap record en route to overall victory in his Bullion IT Banhoek Chilli Oil Jetta CLI at Killarney on Saturday. But in truth, for once this one was a little luckier than it has traditionally been for the Franschhoek flyer.

“When they handed out racing good luck, I was obviously standing at the back of the queue,” Giordano smiled after a positive day at the lockdown-busting midwinter mid-season Power Series meeting. “We have traditionally been unlucky, even occasionally when we have won, so it was quite different to score a lucky win or once on Saturday!

“First of all that was the easiest pole position I have ever had! “Qualifying was cancelled because of a power failure in the tower and I found myself on pole thanks to my quickest lap in the last race! “That was handy because we knew we would struggle a little as we were on used rubber this weekend and we were a touch down on power, so not having to carry the penalty weight was an added bonus. “I had a good start to lead, but then the red flag came out and we had to start all over again in a short five lap sprint.

“The second start was not so good and I dropped to third — I had to make a brave move on Jaco Lambert for second into Turn 4, by when Eden Thompson was too far gone. “Still I pushed, but to no avail. Then Eden slowed suddenly and I passed him for an unexpected but most welcome win. "Eden managed to scrape home second from Jaco and keep our championship fight alive.

“Eden made a good start from pole in race 2 and got ahead. “I gave it my utmost and was rewarded with our fourth lap record in as many races, but that was not enough to make an impact, so and we ended up second. “We were a little lucky today, but that’s not something we are very used to! 

 “Special thanks to Nian, Chase and the guys at Nian du Toit Racing for all the effort on the car as always, and to our sponsors and partners, Bullion IT, Banhoek Chilli Oil, Master Panelbeaters, Franschhoek Signs and theauto.page for your contribution to making our racing happen. 

“Still. I'm happy to take the win, the day and another lap record as we continue in a thrilling Class B championship fight. “Eden and I have now shard a race win apiece for four meetings in a row and we are two or three points apart in the championship chase. “It's proving a splendid battle and I can’t wait for the next round on Woman's Monday 9 August. “Bring it on!”