THE 2014 season of the Engen Volkswagen Cup national championship continues in the tradition of this tough racing formula. With just two rounds left of the year, there are three racers in the running to claim the title – with not much breathing space for any of them.

Killarney hosts the penultimate round of the series on Saturday, 27 September, with Sheldon van der Linde (16 – Ferodo Racing) leading and Daniel Rowe (11 – Ferodo Racing) and Dewald Brummer (2 – MAD Racing / Grand Prix Models) in joint second place. Between these three is a six point gap – a recipe for some serious racing action.

Good results will see this trio forcing a duel at the final round, while a bad result for any of them could see them eliminated from the title chase. A fine balance between pace and risk is going to be required for Van der Linde, Rowe or Brummer to claim the crown.

A similar situation is unfolding in the Masters category where Trevor Bland (M6 – PG Glass / Suburban Panelbeaters) and Mathew Hodges (M3 – ITR Africa / 959 Panelbeaters) are fighting for the title – with a seven-point gap between them.

Bland and Hodges have been alternating overall race day wins this season – with each claiming two double-victories, but Hodges has a small advantage with just one race victory more than Bland so far. Bland has won five races with Hodges claiming the chequered flag six times.

With two nailbiting fights for honours happening simultaneously the Engen Volkswagen Cup races are going to provide intense racing action in the Cape. Between these two battles, the racing will be no less spectacular as the field of young competitors push themselves – and their Volkswagen Polo Vivos – to the limits for points and pride of place.