Kalahari Desert Speedweek

[Wentzel]

Thanks Pierre I take it you didn't stay the whole week but only two or three days?

[vw59beetle]

This year is going to be slightly different I've been told. The second weekend is going to be the big one. They are going to prepare a few tracks and possibly shorter ones too. Dust-a side is no longer involved I believe, so it will be the virgin pan we'll be racing on. You can do what Barry did, Wentzel. Go the first weekend, then drive back home, get your hand build rod and go ALL the way back to kick some ass the second weekend. It doesn't really matter when you go, the pan has something special to offer everyday.
I will keep you guys updated when we have our first meeting.

Till then, enjoy dreaming about the best event in SA.

Wernher

[Wentzel]

Thanks Wernher I'm looking forward to more info and more motivation to go.

[Barry]

Really? More motivation?

Watch 'The World's Fastest Indian'............. 'nuff said!

[Wentzel]

Don't really need more Barry the plan is to see you there if all goes according to plan.

[36hplandspeedracer]

INTRODUCTION:

A crew of four North Carolina craftsmen have been building the body, chassis and engine for what is a recreation of the most beautiful Volkswagen ever crafted, the infamous 1939 Volkswagen KDF Type 64 (aka Type 60K10) Berlin to Rome racer.



This very special project began almost three years ago and is now 80% complete. The chassis is rolling and the front and rear windows were recently fitted.

The car will compete in the 36hp Challenge Unlimited 36 category and the teams goal is to capture the fifty one year old record of Dick Beiths Pepco supercharged belly tank racer (aka lakester). Minimum speed goal is 130 miles per hour against the 51 year old record of 129.68 miles per hour.

Wolfsburg Wests Okrasa style heads will be part of the potent big bore 36hp engine being developed to meet and then exceed their goals. Our "1" Club hats are off to Bruce, Dave, Whitey and Elbert.

UPDATE:

It has been a couple of months since we first introduced the Type 64 project being crafted in North Carolina for the 36hp Challenge. Below are some new photos showing the progress to date. The world is watching as this team continues to create a very special reproduction of the 1938 Volkswagen Type 64.



Lookin' good fellas......................

Burly

[Wentzel]

Speedweek registration opened today! Who will be going this year? I'm looking forward to it!

[vw59beetle]

Here's a little video we made of the very first Speedweek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWqlG0bD9M8
I guess that answers the question whether I'm going again. How can you not go.

Wernher

[Donovan D]

I would love to take the kombi up for a proper roadtrip and go to Speedweek.
One day when all is 100%
This looks like one really cool event.

[Barry]

Forget 100% Donovan - if it will make the trip, do it!
Go with a couple of guys, carry some spares, have some fun...

[Wentzel]

Will you guys that are going be participating and what are your goals for speedweek? This will be my first so I don't know what to expect and what to aim for if I am lucky enough to participate.

[Tony Z]

Pity about the dates. As it stands I fly out of SA on 21 Sept. The event starts on 20 Sept.....
Maybe next year, I hope. If it is earlier in Sept, then I'll def be there

[vw59beetle]

Wentzel. My goal is to enjoy every moment of it My favourite thing to do is driving my car on the virgin pan while the sun is setting. As for my speeds, I would like to join the 100mph club. I was very close the first year. But Speedweek should not be seen as a competition and more of a life experience that you can not get anywhere else in the world. Sure it is nice to go fast, but there is so much more than just speed to experience.

Wernher

[Barry]

Don't pussy out Wernher - it IS about the speed....LOL

Actually the Rolling Bones say it best: 'it's not how fast you go, it's how you go fast"


That said I'm hoping to get solidly into the 200's with my roadster, and picking up two other toys this weekend which may or may not be done in time...

[Wentzel]

Thanks Wernher I agree that it will be an experience and would love to drive my Beetle there no matter what speed I reach.

Barry, It will be an achievement for me if I can reach 200 but don't know if she will make it yet.

Two other toys?

Still need to do some work on the Beetle before then.
Need to prepare for the week in the middle of no where... A bit lost of what to take and what not to take ...