SA PE Regionals: Terry Moss Racing Audi S4s dominated the saloon car races at Aldo Scribante

By Johan Laubscher

Aldo Scribante in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, hosted a regional event this weekend. Terry Moss Racing took part in the saloon car races and they did not disappoint.

Michael Stephen was crowned as the 2013 Bridgestone Production Car Championship Class A champion at Kyalami a few weeks ago. This was his third consecutive Class A title behind the wheel of his Terry Moss Racing Audi S4, becoming the first driver ever to win three Class A titles.

The Kyalami finale was however not the end of Stephen’s season as he and Terry Moss Racing entered the #A1 Audi S4 for a regional event at Aldo Scribante in Port Elizabeth this weekend, the team's hometown. 

It was the annual LUK Three Hour Challenge and PE200 event. Many categories took part, including a category called “Allcomers" for a mixture of saloon cars. Michael Stephen was entered in this category which had two races on Saturday. Stephen’s entry had been confirmed well ahead of the event, but a surprise late entry also came from the Terry Moss Racing team, as Simon Moss, national competitor and son of Audi legend Terry Moss, was entered in the team’s second Audi S4.

The big news ahead of this weekend was that the Audi S4s would be competing completely unrestricted. In the national Bridgestone Production Car Championship the cars are subjected to strict regulations imposing ballast and restrictors, to level the playing field amongst all of the different vehicles. These restrictions are always a talking point amongst the competitors and fans alike. Despite the news that the cars would be unrestricted, it was confirmed by Michael Stephen on twitter that the cars did actually run with the restrictors fitted to the S4s, which meant that they ran similar lap times as to the national round at Aldo Scribante earlier in April this year.

Qualifying was held early on Saturday morning and as expected the Audis dominated proceedings at the front of the field. Michael Stephen took pole position ahead of Simon Moss. Their fastest laps were separated by a mere 0.334 seconds, with Stephen setting a 1:05.959 for pole.

The two Allcomers saloon races were held on Saturday afternoon. Michael Stephen came home to win the first race ahead of Simon Moss, taking a 1-2 victory for the team. Simon Moss set the fastest lap in race one and finished 0.587 second behind Stephen. It was a similar story in the second and final Allcomers race, which finished with another Audi S4 1-2, with Michael Stephen finishing 0.818 seconds ahead of Simon Moss. The pair were well ahead of the rest of the field, as they finished over ten seconds ahead by the end of the two short sprint races.

It was a very exciting race day at Aldo Scribante, which saw the participation of over a hundred and forty drivers and riders in the different categories and events.

Photo credit: Audi Motorsport in South Africa Facebook page [Johan Laubscher]

Note: The photos included were taken at Zwartkops and Kyalami.

Mr Consistency Michael Stephen wins back-to-back titles

By Johan Laubscher

Michael Stephen

Another Audi champion has been crowned in South Africa. Reigning Bridgestone Production Cars Class A champion, Michael Stephen, has wrapped up the 2012 title. Mr Consistency ensured the championship title at the penultimate round of the series with his Audi S4. Michael has become the second Audi driver to achieve back-to-back titles after Johan Fourie won in 2008 and 2009.

Stephan Audi S4 - 2012

As was the case in 2011, Michael Stephen was the most consistent driver during the season and this allowed him to build up a healthy points total. The Engen Xtreme Team/Terry Moss Racing crew have been working very hard all season on the team’s two-car entry. The team has always been at the front of the pack with their new Audi S4 race cars which debuted in 2011, when Michael won on the car’s debut and went on to win the 2011 championship.

Stephan Audi S4 - 2012

Along with a double championship victory, Michael also has a rare feather in his cap. He is one of very few race drivers in the world who has won a national championship in a car which he was heavily involved in building and maintaining. The qualified engineer is both a master in the workplace and on the racetrack.

Stephan Audi S4

The championship was won at Killarney on 22 September 2012. Another excellent performance ensured that the consistent results provided dividends for Michael and his Audi S4. Two podium finishes and a race win was enough to clinch the title with one round remaining. Michael’s performance at the event was even more impressive as he suffered a workshop accident earlier that same week. He suffered burns to his arms, hands and face. Despite the burns he was ready to race and it was fitting as Terry Moss Racing have been supporting the Red Cross Childrens Hospital burn unit during the season.

Stephan Audi S4 - 2012

We say a huge well done and congratulation to Michael Stephen and Terry Moss Racing. We are delighted that the number one remains on his door for 2013. The team have been great ambassadors for Audi in South African motorsport. The team owner, Terry Moss, was a legendary Audi champion and his team is set to continue their legacy on South African race tracks for many years to come. 

A television feature on Michael Stephen from 2008 

Photos are hosted at www.motorpics.co.za

Editors note: The championship points are provisional from the Bridgestone Production Cars Championship, the points still need official confirmation from Motorsport South Africa (MSA).