Racing Up a Step: Shifting into Sixth Gear in Polo Cup
Shorting that Learning Curve
Giordano’s good mate, Jurie Swart, a four-year Polo Cup veteran dominated the Killarney weekend. His four straight race wins were not enough to wrest the title and he ended up second by all of three championship points. We had another tough weekend, but Giordano’s raw pace was clear. Out main challenge was that we were too far down the learning curve. The day after the finale, we gathered at our local pub for that incredible Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Jurie Swart joined us and through the afternoon, the lads hatched a new plan for the new season.
The idea is simple — we work together as a team to chase the 2022 Polo Cup crown. In the meantime, there was work to do. We had to sort all the scars on our car, at the same time as fitting the new for ’22 facelift to our Polo. And have everything double ready well n good time, new model production pressures at VW and all.
It all came to a head late in February when Bullion IT Racing confirmed that it will step up to a two-car team in the Compcare VW Polo Cup for 2022. Jurie and Giordano have joined forces in a formidable combination, starting at their home race at Killarney. Swart starts as one of the season favorites, while dark horse Lupini showed great pace on rejoining the series late last season.
Double Trouble! Here We Come!
Our drivers and teams will continue to operate independently, with Jurie’s blue themed Bullion IT Polo run by GAP Racing engineer Andrew Goslett and Giordano’s familiar red trimmed Bullion IT car once again prepared by NDT Racing’s Nian du Toit. Both outfits will operate out of Cape Town. The teams will pool resources, expertise and experience and work as one at the racetrack.
“We put a winning toe in the water with Giordano in the GTi Challenge last year and moved up to Polo Cup with him later in the season,” Bullion IT CEO Clive Strover explained. “SA’s top young driver’s formula, Polo Cup is not only the breeding ground of future racing stars, but it’s also a tough breeding ground. “It is difficult for smaller teams to compete against the pro upcountry squads, so we’ve now backed two crack Cape Town teams to work together. “We believe that we have a winning combination.”
“Last year we came so close to the title it was painful,” Jurie admits. “It’s so tough to take the big Polo Cup teams on as a single car privateer effort. “Now, thanks to Bullion IT, we’re delighted to join forces with one of the most exciting young drivers in Polo Cup in Gio. “Between him and I, Gozzi and Nian and the team we can now even the playing field and obviously cannot wait to start racing!”
Joining Forces Just Made Too Much Sense
“I know we have the pace,” Giordano admitted. “But there’s far more to Polo Cup than just fast laps. “The learning curve is extreme. “So, joining forces with the Jurie and quickest team on the grid made too much sense not to jump at. “We can’t thank Clive, Johan and the Bullion IT team enough for the opportunity to create a formidable Compcare Polo Cup force this year. “Bring it on!”
“They say that a good-looking race car is a winning race car. “In Blue 2 and Red 16, we certainly have that first step right!” Bullion IT Racing boss Clive Strover concluded. “All of us at Bullion IT would like to wish Jurie, Giordano, and the team the very best of luck for the 2022 season. “What we see so far looks incredible — go get it guys!”
So, there you have it. Not only have our racing efforts over the past year proven that there remains is merit in going racing the good old-fashioned way, but we stand on the threshold of our most exciting season yet. Yes, it is still possible to finding, impress, and move forward with sponsors who can benefit from the high profile of your racing success in this day and age.
There are seven Polo Cup rounds this year. Be sure to follow our fortunes, right here on 6 Speed throughout the season!
Photos: Bullion IT Racing