WELKOM, Free State, South Africa — - At the end of the day, the drivers had nothing but praise for the Phakisa Freeway Circuit Oval. Many enjoyed the special character that the track has after competing in the Inaugural ASA Free State 500.
The 207-lap event featured a lot of side-by-side racing and multiple lead changes throughout the event. On a hot day with the sun out and temps in the high 80's, many teams had to adjust their cars with the changing track conditions.
"My car did tend to tighten up so we had to loosen it up a bit," John Mickel, ASA Free State 500 Winner said. "But I knew we would have two grooves at the end of the day and we were able to make the pass for the win."
"It definitely has two grooves there were a few times we ran three wide and I raced side-by-side with John (Mickel)," Toni McCray said. "My car tends to get a little tighter as I would go on a long run so we kept freeing it up. All in all the track is really smooth."
"The track got faster and faster today, all weekend long for that matter," Marc Davis, third place finisher said. "When we started the race it was really just a one groove race track, but at the end of the race this place was amazing. We opened up to two and three wide racing in the end. I was trying to run the high side at the end and it was working. The more laps they run on this place it will be great. I look forward to coming back."
On Saturday, Chris Wimmer who raced at the old Las Vegas Speedway configuration stated that the track was a little similiar but was unique and stated that the transition from the straightaway to the turns reminded him more of Iowa Speedway.
One thing that the drivers noted was the unique bumps on the backstretch and going into turn three. Most thought it brought out a special character to the track as they would go over the part of the track that joins in the road course circuit at Phakisa. There was also another bump as they would go over the tunnel going into turn three.
At the end of the day, all of the drivers enjoyed racing on it and look forward for another opportunity.
