There is eager anticipation by many, as the Cape Town local makes his GTC debut on home turf.
2021 Investchem Formula 1600 National Champion Andrew Rackstraw is all set to make his tin-top racing debut around his home track, Killarney International Raceway this coming weekend. If you have followed Rackstraw’s career you will know that he started in karting and then progressed to single-seater racing where he flourished over the last few years. He bagged the National Championship in 2021 and drove a record-breaking season in his RDSA Investchem F1600, which earned him the opportunity to test a Global Touring Car. It was love at first sight for the young star who managed to put a deal together with the Investchem/RDSA team to pilot the Audi S3 GTC car for the 2022 Extreme Festival Championship.
As one of South Africa’s most promising talents in his generation, it’s going to be exhilarating to watch him go head to head with some of the top drivers in the country. With 9 drivers in the class with a scary combined number of National titles, it’s going to be a thrilling season. Last year’s GTC Champion Robert Wolk has 11 National Championships under his belt, just to give you an idea of the calibre of driver Rackstraw will be racing with. It’s going to be a steep learning curve for Rackstraw who turns 21 this year, however, it is a challenge that he is more than ready for.
A new challenge dawns for RDSA top performer Rackstraw.
As South Africa’s premier motorsport championship, GTC cars are real racing machines. The 2.0-litre turbo-powered racing cars were introduced back in 2016 and they soon became very popular. All the cars run a standard chassis, running gears, and single ECU’s to control performance, control tyres, suspension and other components.
“I’m super excited to finally be part of this amazing journey in GTC. There is a lot of hype around moving into GTC, but nothing has phased me yet. I am very mentally prepared for all the challenges that lay ahead.”
For Rackstraw this is a new challenge, having never raced a turbo car of this nature. The driving technique required to muscle a GTC car around the track is very different to a single-seater. Rackstraw has been fortunate enough to strap himself into his black and yellow Audi for some pre-season tests which have been very positive so far. He has shown his ability to adapt to a new car and in time we will get the chance to see him extract his, and the car’s, full potential.
“I have zero expectations going into the weekend, only to improve every outing in the car. Due to my new racing adventure in a GTC, it is extremely different from the single-seaters I am used to and mastered. There is a lot more weight and not as nimble, so my driving style has had to change a bit. It’s a big challenge getting used to the car but that’s what makes it so exciting!”
“I have to say a massive thanks first of all to everyone who has made this transition possible namely: RDSA, Investchem, WCT Engineering, Sparco, Ravenol, Impitec, and most importantly my parents.”
“And to all my supporters who have been watching me throughout the years, I am extremely excited to see everyone this coming Saturday.”
Extreme Racing This Saturday
Round 1 of the Extreme Festival kicks off this Saturday at Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town. The 3.267km racetrack is fast and flowing and is synonymous with very close racing.
You don’t want to miss out on this spectacle, so get on down to Computicket and grab yourself a seat in the house. Pledge your support for South Africa’s most promising future racing export as he ventures into this next phase of his career. Come and get a photo with him on the grid and ask him whatever you like, you will find he is one of the most welcoming drivers on the grid.
See you there.
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