They are masters when it comes to making music, but the crisp sound of a Fiesta S2000 rallycar’s engine at full tilt was an unfamiliar tune for SA’s remaining Idols finalists.
The last six standing were recently treated to a once in a lifetime opportunity when they were strapped into the passenger seat of the Basil Read bizhub Ford Fiesta S2000 rallycar with top South African rallydriver Charl Wilken behind the wheel. The venue was the dynamic handling track at the world renowned Gerotek vehicle testing facility just west of Pretoria. “It’s not nearly as scary as a proper rally stage on dirt,” commented Wilken before his first passenger was strapped in. “The tar is a lot more predictable, but if you are not used to it, it will still be a scary ride.”
Wilken’s words proved to be true when his first passenger, Lefa Pike emerged with his hands shaking. The usually vocal musician could only utter: “This is insane!” Dave van Vuuren was a lot more enthusiastic, adding that he loves cars just about as much as music, but after completing a few flying laps with Wilken, he admitted that music will remain his chosen career. “I don’t know how he does it,” was his summary of the adrenaline filled minute.
Freddy Van’Dango was less enthusiastic. “How fast is this thing?” he wanted to know. The answer is that a top S2000 rallycar such as the Basil Read bizhub Fiesta is only geared for around 170km/h, so it doesn’t have the top speed of a supercar, but the secret lies in the car’s ability to put its 200kW down on the road through its very advanced four wheel drive system, resulting in blistering acceleration. On the short handling track of the Gerotek vehicle testing facility, it easily reaches its top speed, and the cornering speeds are simply breathtaking. Freddy’s reaction after surviving the run was testimony of this. He got down on his knees and kissed the ground!
Wilken, who is currently still in contention for the 2011 South African Rally Championship was full of praise for the bunch of singers. “Sure they were scared and nervous, but I’d be nervous too if someone stuck a microphone in my face and told me to sing, so it’s better that we all stick to what we do! I wish them all the best of luck.”
