Free State 500, Battle Between Two Continents

For the first time in history, a 2.5-km banked oval race track in South Africa's Free State, called Phakisa Freeway, is getting ready to host an ASA/NASCAR-type race on January 31. The event, advertised under the "Battle Between Two Continents" name, will see an amazing display of drivers from both South Africa and the US getting into a hood-to-hood battle in their stock cars.

Until the event, the first batch of American drivers, led by Geoff Bodine, a 27 years NASCAR veteran and winner of the Daytona 500, went for a spin on the new oval. He was accompanied by Ron Barfield Jr, owner of Dillon Motor Speedway in South Carolina in what was a type of inspection. Barfield will field four cars at Phakisa.

"Ron and I were surprised to discover that there was a track like this in South Africa. It's similar to the Las Vegas Speedway in Nevada (one of the fastest oval tracks in America) and I'm sure it will provide real close and exciting racing in the Free State 500," Bodine said after inspecting the oval.

Battle Between Two Continents is the result of a joint effort of the Free State government and the American Speed Association (ASA). 24 cars, all from the US, will be racing starting January 28 until the final race, on January 31. The organizars promise those who attend that they will hear "Ladies and Gentlemen: START your ENGINES," as Tiffany Daniels will also be there to race.

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