FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Backdraft Racing Series Delivers Top Spectacle in East London
East London, South Africa — 25th April 2026
Equal machinery, iconic scenery, and four hours of non-stop racing created the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Round 2 of the Backdraft Racing Series at the legendary East London Grand Prix Circuit.
The 4-hour endurance race delivered thrilling action from start to finish, with just 0.2 seconds separating first and second place after four intense hours of racing—once again proving that endurance racing is as unpredictable as it is exciting.
Steve Clark and Ernest Page emerged as the winners in the standard Backdraft Racing Cobra category, while Andre Bettencourt and Denver Branders claimed the coveted Index of Performance trophy with the Father Son duo of Kishoor and Mikhael Pitamber took overall victory.
This round also highlighted Backdraft Racing’s ability to create sponsored guest drive opportunities for featured racers, media personalities and content creators. South African racing driver and Performance with Page creator Ernest Page joined the grid as part of this initiative, bringing fresh attention to the series while demonstrating how Backdraft’s factory supported platform can connect sponsors with new audiences through authentic, high impact motorsport participation.
Practice and Qualifying
Friday’s action combined practice sessions, qualifying, and hotlaps in the signature family atmosphere that defines the Backdraft Racing Series.
Backdraft Racing’s radio partner for round 2, Link FM, played a key role in the pre-race excitement by bringing ten lucky winners to experience hotlaps around the circuit. The combination of passionate motorsport enthusiasts and families enjoying the racing environment created a memorable atmosphere both on and off the track.
Andre Bettencourt and Denver Branders (G-Rasteirinhos) secured pole position ahead of first-time competitor—and birthday boy—Ernest Page. His teammate, the ever-fast Steve Clark, confidently skipped practice and left Page to handle Friday’s duties alone.
Mike Schmidt and Steve Truter (Flyboys) qualified in third place, while father-and-son duo Kishoor and Mikaeel Pitamber (Pink Panther) were the fastest overall in their modified Backdraft Racing Cobra.
4-Hour Endurance Race
Round 2 officially got underway shortly before 14:00, with Steve Clark and Ernest Page taking an early lead ahead of Bettencourt and Branders, followed by Mourdant and McLoughlin, and Holomisa and Hill.
The opening pit stops were spread throughout the first hour, with most teams opting for a driver change during their compulsory stop.
As the second hour progressed, Clark and Page appeared to be building a comfortable lead, with Mourdant and McLoughlin giving chase. However, the race changed dramatically when Philip Meyer and Gavin Rooke, winners of Round 1, came to a standstill with differential problems, triggering the first safety car period.
The safety car erased Clark and Page’s hard-earned advantage and brought the entire field of Backdraft Cobras back into contention.
Once racing resumed, strategy became everything. During another round of pit stops, Ryan Matchett was towed to the pit to repair his mechanical damage, bringing out a second safety car. This turned into an extended full-course yellow when Dan Hirsch and Richard van Heerde ran out of fuel and required towing assistance.
The final run to the flag was a spectacular showdown, with three cars still in contention for victory. After the final splash-and-dash stops, Steve Clark brought his Backdraft Racing Cobra home for the win, just ahead of Bettencourt and Branders, with Mourdant and McLoughlin completing the podium.
Kishoor and Mikaeel Pitamber crossed the line first overall in their modified Cobra, finishing just 0.2 seconds ahead of Clark.
Strong Crowd Support
Throughout the weekend, the Link FM radio campaign played a key role in bringing the excitement of motorsport to a broader audience, helping attract a fantastic crowd of spectators to the embankments of the East London Grand Prix Circuit.
By reaching listeners across the region and building anticipation ahead of race day, the campaign introduced new fans to the speed, sound and spectacle of the event, adding fresh energy to an already electric atmosphere.
Next Stop: Gqeberha
The Backdraft Racing Series now heads to the Aldo Scribante Racetrack in Gqeberha for Round 3, taking place from 11–13 June.
About Backdraft Racing Series
The Backdraft Racing Series creates an opportunity for racers of all levels to compete, with a clear focus on lowering barriers to entry in motorsport. Built around the proven Backdraft Race Car platform and supported by the local Backdraft factory, the series offers a competitive yet accessible environment for drivers and teams.
In 2026, the series began operating as an independent championship. While Backdraft Race Cars remain central to the grid, the series is open to owners of any race car, creating a diverse and competitive field.
The championship consists of seven race events throughout the year, each featuring multiple sprint races and a headline endurance race. For both vehicle owners and Arrive & Drive competitors, Backdraft Racing offers a full-service, factory-supported race weekend solution designed to make participation as seamless as possible. This includes assistance with vehicle transport, technical support, race preparation, logistics and, for drivers without their own cars, a fully supported Arrive & Drive hire option.
Beyond the racing itself, Backdraft Racing provides a level of event support that is uncommon in South African motorsport, including full catering and hospitality for drivers and guests. Each event is also backed by extensive media coverage, with a dedicated media team and professional photographers capturing the action on and off the circuit.
Backdraft Racing further welcomes qualifying content creators who would like to experience and showcase the championship. Creators interested in attending an event or learning more about available opportunities are encouraged to get in touch.
Media Contact:
Tr-Tec(Pty) Ltd Motorsport Communications
media@backdraftracingseries.co.za
www.backdraftracingseries.co.za
+27 82 6624610
