Investchem Formula 1600 – Julian wraps it up with another double win

Cape Town’s Julian van der Watt became one of South Africa’s first 2017 racing champions when he wrapped up the premium Investchem South African Formula 1600 championship with another double victory at home at Killarney’s Extreme Festival races on Saturday. Van der Watt has now won 13 of the 14 races in the championship this year and is the first champion in the series’ new wings and slicks era.

“Yes!” Julian confirmed. “We are officially the 2017 Formula 1600 champions! “Words cannot begin to describe how I am feeling right now — we had another perfect day to wrap up the perfect championship — pole position, two wins and the fastest lap of the day — I’m on top of the world! “See – hard work always pays off — we put everything into this title and it did not happen overnight — we were second for the last two Formula 1600 championships in a row and we did not give up, but it really has been worth it!”

Such was Van der Watt’s dominance in this year’s championship, that he cliched the title with three races yet to run. Julian was beaten once this season, when he ended up second in that race. “I have to say a huge word of thanks to the team for an amazing car this season,” Julian, who used a new helmet design for the first time on Saturday concluded.

“To Hendrik my mechanic, Claudio from Race Driver SA and Ian Schofield from Investchem, whom I must also congratulate for winning the Formula 1600 Class B title today, as well as Crossley & Webb and of course my dad — it would not be possible without you and everyone else who makes it possible to live this dream – I salute all of you!”