Motorsport
SA duo killed in crashes
2012-01-30 10:10
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Johannesburg - It was a black weekend for motorsport in South Africa when two competitors were tragically killed in separate accidents this weekend.
Multiple champion Curt Alchin was killed in an accident at the Victory Raceway in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, while motorcyclist Wim Pretorius died in the Day of the Champion event at Zwartkops Raceway, near Pretoria on the same day.
Alchin was one of South Africa's most versatile racing drivers. He was awarded national colours in 2004 for outstanding success in international oval racing. His South African National Championship titles include: 1995 Production Car Champion, 1999 Modified Saloons Champion, 2002 Standard 1600 Saloons Champion, 2005 Modified Saloons Dirt Champion, 2006 Modified Saloons 1600 Tar Champion.
Alchin was an honourary member of the Algoa Motorsport Club, and raced successfully in the Engen VW Polo Cup Championship last year.
37-year-old Pretorius had an accident at turn 5 at Zwartkops at 09h24 while participating in the Thunderbikes race.
He started racing in the middle of 2009 and ended ninth in the championship. In 2010 he competed in four races, finishing second in two races and winning the other two. In 2011 he won the Thunderbike B Class club championship.