The Midlands

HERALD
Number 200 • December 2008

Cricket unleashes new offroad racing life

“Chinese-built car causes tremendous buzz because it’s affordable racing”
The face of offroad racing in the country
is changing since Warren Confait started race, usually only about 30 seconds separates next year are interested in joining and we finishing rate throughout the season and are
bringing in the Crickets — a smaller type of the winner from the last finisher.” might end up with a possible 14-15 in total,” extremely safe to race.
the wellknown Sandmaster racing car —from The 2008 season saw nine Crickets — Dave says.Therte are around 20 Sandmasters At R45 000 plus VAT they are an
China two years ago. which are powered by a 250 cc motor — still racing. affordable offroad racing vehicle.
Known rather for its recreational qualities, racing. The oldest driver is 62 (so you can The 2009 championship was hotly “The future of offroad racing lies with
the Cricket has caused “a tremendous buzz”, enjoy the sport regardless of your age). contested and was won by first-timer Lance our youngsters,” Dave says.
in the words of Warren’s dad, Dave — The Crickets race against the biggest Wooldridge, followed by Sean Rushton of If you are 16 years or older and interested
“because it’s affordable racing, much Sandmasters but are set one lap less than Durban, with Dave Confait of Howick third. in racing, please contact him for more
cheaper than the bigger Sandmasters.” the bigger cars. “Another two Crickets The Crickets had an exceptionally high information at 073-382 8822.
He also explained that the MSA, Motor
Sport South Africa, has permitted the
youngsters between 16 and 18 without an
official driver’s licence to race.
Chief among these is Lance Wooldridge,
aged 16 and son of the wellknown offroad-
racing multiple champion Neil.
“Lance is a very accomplished driver,”
Dave said, explaining that some
modifications are required to the Cricket to
bring them up to racing standards, with the
shock absorbers changed, proper five-point
racing seat belts fitted, a fire extinguisher, a
belly plate guard beneath the vehicle and
necking on the sides of the roll cage to
protect the drivers.
“The Crickets are like the Sandmaster but
they’re just miniature,” Dave said. “And in
their class they’re really competitive. In a

MIDLANDS
PLANT HIRE
For all your small plant hire requirements:
• Bobcat • Ditch Witch
• Trailer • Concrete Mixers
• Bomags • Power Tools
• Mobile Generator/ • Water Pumps
Welder • Breakers
We will happily deliver anywhere you require
We also service and repair small engines
Tel. 033-330 5965 60 Main Street,
Cell. 082-922 3735 Howick, 3290.
Above: Dave Confait of Howick poses with his Cricket offroad racing
vehicle, with which he came third in this year’s KwaZulu-Natal regional
offroad racing championships

ALPINE
Alpine Automation
SA (Pty) Ltd
TRUSS CITY
Rustic Concrete
SUPPLIERS OF: Tiles • Pavers
Cladding • Various sizes
G METAL ROOF SHEETING G ENGINEERED ROOF TRUSSES
Contact Lyn or Rob
G STRUCTURAL TIMBER G ROOF TILES
3 Geekie Road, Howick (opposite Merrivale
G ATTIC ROOFS AND DORMERS OUR SPECIALITY KwikSpar) • Cell 082-578 0659 or
telephone/fax: 033-330 7054 (a/h).
Member of the Truss Plate
Deliveries and Association of South Africa
GEARBOX & DIFF
quotations
EXCHANGE & REPAIRS
throughout Telephone nos: (033) 397 Tel. 082-413 5003 • 033-266 6535
Midlands Branch
KwaZulu-Natal 0876, 387 5438, 397 9277; Telephone 033-330 5568/96
Natal Fax: 397 0876.
Ample Parking at: Repairs to all Gearboxes & Diffs
Wide range of reconditioned
5 Oldham Place, Allandale, New showroom open at
Open: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Pietermaritzburg, 3201. new Nottingham Road
units available. Clutch
overhauls.
Saturdays: 7:30 am - 1:00 pm Home Centre (ex Dr Swart’s
premises).