In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Tony’s old and seemingly outdated B20B Civic proved its mettle at the prestigious Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit during the Silver Cup 2.0 event of the SAES 4HR endurance race. Despite being outclassed by high-powered competitors, the 120wkw (159whp) Civic secured an impressive 2nd place in its class and 7th overall out of 44 cars on the grid.
Navigating the power-hungry circuit with a significant horsepower disadvantage, Tony masterfully maintained momentum through the bends, expertly finding later braking points with each lap. The challenge was further heightened by the car’s modest 195/55/15 wheels, affectionately likened to “Marie biscuits” due to their size.
The Civic’s performance was not without its trials, as the brake caliper came completely loose during the first race, with one bolt deciding to “go for a stroll,” causing the caliper to hook into the wheel under braking. Despite this setback, the little Civic made Tony proud, battling through adversity to secure its remarkable finish.
Looking ahead, Tony acknowledges the need for more horsepower to remain competitive. He is hopeful that by tweaking the cam gears and shedding some weight, he might squeeze out an additional 3-5 HP. Additionally, the potential upgrade to 205 rubber could shave off another second from his lap time, making his beloved Civic an even fiercer contender in future races.