Midas Group N Association Welcomes Motorsport SA Decision

The Midas Group N Association welcomed the announcement by Motorsport South Africa that plans to amalgamate local Group N and Touring Car racing would be shelved for the time being.

The announcement was made after MSA's Annual General Meeting on Monday.

It means that the current Midas Group N circuit racing formula for near standard production cars will carry on in its current format for at least the next year.

The very popular Midas Group N racing is run in six separate classes, competing in six equal national championships. It also renders an overall Midas Production Car Champion every year, being the competitor who scores the most championship points during the season, irrespective of his or her Midas Group N racing class.

"We are relieved that sanity has prevailed and that Midas Group N racing will no longer be forced to amalgamate with another saloon car formula against the wishes of our competitors and sponsors," a Midas Group N spokesman said.

"Group N racing has survived and thrived in South Africa for 14 years. In that time it has become an extremely valuable ladder for young driving talent," he said.

"Current South African Touring Car drivers like Giniel de Villiers, Terry Moss, Chris Aberdein, Michael Briggs, Deon Joubert, Shaun Watson-Smith and Shaun van der Linde all climbed the Group N talent ladder. We currently have youngsters who raced in Class F for 1300cc cars last year in Class D and C of this year's championship, with assistance from motor manufacturers."

"They are climbing the Midas Group N Ladder of Talent, so after 14 years, Group N is still fulfilling one of its main original objectives. It will continue to do just that, and remain a viable, affordable selling stage for motor manufacturers at the same time."

"Midas Group N is strong, exciting and will grow even further in the future. There is no reason why it can not survive and grow for another 14 years," he said.

"Finally it remains to thank our main sponsor Midas and tire supplier Firestone for weathering this latest storm with us, never once loosing faith in the sound base on which Group N racing is built in this country," he concluded.