Championship battle set to intensify for Engen Audi in East London
The Engen Audi Team head into Round Four of the Sasol GTC Africa Championship in East London on 16 June leading both the driver and constructors’ points standings.
The first three rounds have been good to the Port Elizabeth-based team - with three overall victories, three heat wins, two front row lock downs and two new lap records.
Team Principal, Terry Moss is however cautious heading into the racing at the East London Grand Prix circuit this weekend.
“We have noticed that our main competition has a top-end advantage, and with East London being the fastest track on the calendar, this could be the toughest race for our team this year,” he warns. “But I do feel that we can still make gains in the more technical parts of the track, where our Audi A3’s tend to have the upper hand.”
Team engineer, Michael Stephen and his crew have done their utmost to prepare the Audi’s, completing their usual strip-down and rebuild of the cars, to ensure they are both in optimum condition come Saturday.
“Our main focus is on the handling and traction in the infield and slow section. We’ve used this time to our fullest advantage in order to ensure maximum preparation for Round Four.”
Engen Audi driver, Simon Moss aims to maintain his grip on the championship lead, which he has held since Round Two.
“It’s been going really well for me so far, and the season has provided us with some great racing,” says Moss.
“I grabbed pole position last year at the East London Grand Prix track, and I’m aiming to do the same this time around.”
Stephen, who when he is not tuning the Engen Audi’s also races the cars, is the two-time Sasol GTC Africa defending champion. He is also a driver on the rise.
Currently third in the driver’s standings after a slow start to the season, Stephen has his sights set on closing the three point gap on second place.
“I think, based on our previous races, that Simon and I have executed perfect teamwork, and we should be able to accomplish our goal for a 1 – 2 in the standings,” says Stephen.
“We’re treating the 2018 season on a race-by-race basis while also focusing on the title,” he adds.
This coastal track holds special memories for the team. Team Principal, Terry Moss originally hails from East London, where he spent most of his schooling, rugby, and racing youth.
“Back in 2016, we clinched the inaugural GTC Africa championship in East London, and last year we did a clean sweep at the track,” remembers Moss fondly.
“We always have a strong fan base following us to our second home - the East London Grand Prix Circuit - and hopefully it can only push us to the maximum.”
Friday, 15 June will see a full day of practice followed by qualifying and the two races on Saturday, 16 June.
For the latest news on the Engen/Audi team, go to: https://www.facebook.com/racing.terry.moss/
