Engen Volkswagen Cup – Pepper team back to normal in East London

Pepper Racing returns to its regular line-up as the team heads to the legendary East London Grand Prix Circuit for the third round of the 2017 Engen Volkswagen Cup Saturday 20 May. Shaun La Réserveé and Tasmin Pepper return to join Junior Team drivers Daniel Duminy and Giordano Lupini after the two skipped the previous round, but their substitutes, Lee Thompson and Dewald Brummer did the team proud with a first and third overall at Kyalami.

“We’re looking forward to the third round in East London,” team boss Iain Pepper confirmed. “Both Tasmin and newlywed Shaun are at their best in East London and it’s going to be a big eye opener for Daniel & Giordano. “I’m sure they will adapt themselves to this daunting task and if their progress carries on, then we could have four cars in the top 10.”

Polo Cup Masters class champion La Réserveé is itching to get to the Border racetrack. “I am really, really looking forward to getting back in the car at East London after missing Kyalami to get married,” Durbanite Shaun admitted. “I have to admit that I secretly watched the first race on live stream before the wedding – Lee did an incredible job with my Alpine Motors Pepper Racing Polo and I hope to continue like that in East London.

“Cape Town was good and I have not driven since, but Lee proved the car is great and I’m hoping to get right back to winning ways. “It’s going to be tough – it always is – everyone is so close and that’s what makes racing in the Engen Volkswagen Cup so good. “I’m really looking forward to it – let’s go get that golden trophy!”

“I can’t wait to get back into the car,” Jozi lass Tasmin Pepper, who missed Kyalami to stand as maid of honour at Shaun’s wedding explained. “East London is definitely one of my favourite racetracks – we normally go well there and Dewald proved that my Campos Transport/Alpine Pepper Racing Polo is ready to win, so I’m just hoping for another good round.”

Both Pepper Racing’s 16-year old Junior Team drivers are making their first trips to the legendary East London racetrack for the first time and neither can wait to race flat through the daunting Potters Pass and Rifle Range bends down to the Copabana hairpin

“I’m looking forward to a great race weekend,” Ballito-based SMD Pepper Racing Polo pilot Daniel Duminy admitted. Daniel missed East London last year thanks to a karting date clash, so he’s doubly keen to get out there. “It will be great to have Iain and the team back too – lets go get it.”

Pepper Racing rookie, Franschhoek lightie Giordano Lupini is also looking forward to his first visit to East London. “I’m excited to tackle this great track, I’ve never driven here before so I’ll have to learn it,” Giordano, who has shown great pace in his first two Polo outings, but has not had the easiest of runs, pointed out. “I am also really hoping for better luck and once again I’ll be trying to get closer to the pace since last round.”