WELKOM, Free State — South Africa-- The drivers for the ASA Transcontinental Free State 500 arrived on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa after a 14 hour Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. The American group did the 14 hour travel, John Mickel and his team had an 11 hour travel from the United Kingdom and Shaun Richardson and his team arrived early Wednesday morning from Australia.
" The adventure has just begun. "
As the sun was setting, a bus took the drivers south to The Savannah Africa where they were welcomed by ASA President Dennis Huth and Savannah/Phakisa Freeway Circuit owner Bobby Hartslief who invited all of the guests to a bonfire where refreshments and food was served.
During the gathering the group was welcomed by Jacqueline Lundquist, Chair of the Savannah Cheetah Foundation Board who gave a little insight about The Savannah and a preview of what the teams will have the opportunity to enjoy after Sunday's race.
Hartslief talked about Phakisa Freeway Circuit and the excitement that is building for the first American-style stock car oval race that will take place. He stated that advance ticket sales are going very well and the weather forecast, for now, looks very good.
Huth shared his thoughts about how well this event has come together and was excited by the group of drivers that flew over for the race.
For many drivers it was the first opportunity to get to know each other. As drivers from the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia will be participating.
After the bonfire, the group went to their respective hotels and got some much needed rest.
Wednesday morning started with light showers with the sun coming out in the afternoon with temps in the 80's.
On the way down, many were already talking about their stay at their respective hotels and already had some fascinating stories to share when they return home. But, an unexpected bus breakdown on the way from The Savannah to Welkom really showed that the group were taking things in stride and enjoying this opportunity to visit and race.
The funny part about the bus breakdown, and this should not be a surprise, was quickly most of the drivers got off the bus to help survey the problem and hopefully find a remedy to the problem. With the help of new friends from The Savannah and some phone calls, everyone did arrive safely at the Welkom Inn and are now enjoying dinner at some of the local restaurants.
One family enjoying dinner are motorsports fans and had the opportunity to meet 1986 Daytona 500 winner. They have their tickets for Sunday's race and are looking forward to seeing it.
As of this writing the crew members have landed in Johannesburg and are now on a bus to Welkom and just arrived at the hotel.
On Thursday morning, all of the teams will head to Phakisa and begin unloading their containers and have their cars teched. The track will on Friday for practice with qualifying on Saturday. The Free State 500 will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. local time.
One other note to pass along, last week the ASA shared a story about Midgley Motorsports cars may arrive late after a delay at one of its ports. We are happy to announce that his container is scheduled to arrive at Phakisa on Wednesday night.
The adventure has just begun. Still to come...unloading the cars, practice, qualifying, the Free State 500, a relaxing day at The Savannah and the return to our respective homes on Tuesday.
Tickets for the four days of action can be obtained from Computicket outlets countrywide or go to www.computicket.com. Prices range from R20.00 on Thursday to R 330.00 on Sunday. Spectacular discounts for Saturday/Sunday tickets are available. All tickets include a 90 minute Pit Walkabout on all days.
For more information about the Free State 500, please visit www.phakisa.com or www.freestate500.com.
