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IT’S DAY FOUR of the Blacktop and we’re already two and a half thousand kays into our 3600km journey. That’s a trip that, had we stuck to the N1 highway, could have been completed in just 1550km. Instead we’re doing a monster meander with the stretch between East London and Port Elizabeth freshly under our belts. That included a very memorable visit to the East London racing circuit, a track boasting genuine Formula One pedigree and history.

Now, for team Topcar this zigzag across South Africa has become more than just the ultimate roadtrip, it’s also been a trip down the lineage of our test car, the 370Z. We’ve been intrinsically drawn to its predecessor, the Rockstar 350Z owned by Franki Fourie, since day one. The car is virtually stock but being the final installment features the strong 232kW engine, hence the power bulge bonnet under the vinyl wrap. Joining us on circuit however for the day was a local ice white 300ZX, predecessor to Franki’s ride and featuring a twin turbo six cylinder power plant and four wheel HICAS steer. Another Zee car would be encountered on route later, a mint Datsun 280ZX in Targa spec. The day was punctuated with thrills and spills and humbled many who endured the tracks quick and challenging corners, most notably the section comprising of Potter’s Pass which only the brave or foolish take flat out, onto Rifle Range, a fast sweeping right hander (all the corners are right turns bar one) then barreling into a near hairpin called Copa Cabana, which gave an errant Rallyist a serious slap on the wrist.

A section of esses follows then a long right and the final hairpin onto the straight. It’s a magical ribbon of tarmac – pieces of which are still a part of the local road network. The cars performed well, with the normally aspirated charges (now at the coast) enjoying much improved performance. Fun? Yes. But if you’re keen on motorsport and legacy you’ll appreciate the nostalgic, and almost spiritual value in going quickly on a track with so much history. We leave the place a little sore, slightly emotional but very jubilant. Tomorrow we dock in Knysna, so watch this space for the action in between here (PE) and there.

NB: In an odd turn of events, a Hyundai i20 now joins us for the remainder of the rally.