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When 62 Beetles Charged Turn One and Nobody Lost Their Mind
At first, FunCup coming to South Africa sounded like one of those WhatsApp rumours… right up there with “petrol is going down” and “this taxi will indicate.”
Then came the bad news.
– No spectators.
– No media.
– Nothing.
Which, frankly, felt like being told there’s a braai… but you’re only allowed to smell it from the gate.
But then… a miracle.
Someone in charge clearly woke up, had a strong coffee, and said, “Ag man, let them in.”
Limited spectators were allowed. MSA-accredited media got the green light. And suddenly, Kyalami had something to look forward to again.
So on Friday morning, camera bags packed and shoulders already pre-emptively complaining, I headed out to see what these FunCup cars were actually about. December had been quiet… too quiet. No real events, no proper shooting, just enough time to get rusty and forget where all the buttons are. This was going to hurt. In a good way.
Catching up with the familiar MSA media gang, we did what we always do… nodded knowingly, pretended we had a plan, and then all scattered in different directions chasing light, noise, and small race cars that all look like Herbie after anger management.
And yes… they look like movie cars.
But don’t be fooled.
These things absolutely shift.
Friday morning started beautifully. Cool air, clean light, the kind of conditions that make you feel like you actually know what you’re doing. A proper refresher. A proper groove. And then… like clockwork… the African sun arrived. Uninvited. Loud. Angry. Turning photographers into slow-cooked biltong.
Saturday morning was more relaxed. A lazy wander through the pits. Close-ups. Details. The stuff that makes you appreciate what’s actually been built here. And that’s when it hit me…
This series will work in South Africa.
Like… really work.
Yes, there’s another “similar” series running around with superbike engines. And sure, they’re quick. And yes, I understand the appeal. I’ve even driven some of them, and as a petrolhead, they’re properly good fun.
But as a spectator… and as a photographer… they do nothing for me.
FunCup, though?
That’s different.
That’s chaos with manners.
That’s fun… with capital letters.
By 9am we were posted up at the end of Turn 1, bracing for what we knew was coming. We’re used to another Cup series where cars attack corners like taxis chasing a bonus… elbows out, mirrors optional.
So when 62 FunCup cars came absolutely flying down Kyalami’s main straight… we expected carnage.
Spins.
Crashes.
Carbon fibre confetti.
And instead…
Nothing!
Absolutely nothing!
No incidents.
No chaos.
No stupidity.
Just 62 cars racing hard, racing close, and racing like absolute gentlemen. It was surreal. And honestly… impressive. This wasn’t slow racing. This was committed, door-to-door stuff done with respect. Something you don’t see often enough.
The best part? Time.
We shot from everywhere. Corners, angles, perspectives. Multiple laps. Multiple chances. Not the usual “blink and it’s over” nonsense where just as things get exciting, the chequered flag appears and you’re still adjusting your shutter speed.
Except for the SAES series, we almost never get that luxury.
And that’s the long and short of it really.
We had fun.
We saw something special.
And we desperately hope this wasn’t a once-off.
Someone needs to seriously look at this series for the South African market. Someone with vision. Someone with guts. Maybe someone named Devin??… nudge nudge, wink wink.
Because here’s the thing…
Kyalami hasn’t looked this good in years.
Not because of crowds or vendors or shiny distractions…
But because of one glorious thing…
A massive field of race cars… racing properly… against each other.
Let’s hope this year delivers more of that.
Because if FunCup comes back…
I’ll bring sunscreen.
And stronger shoulders.
Fastest Lap Time : 02:06.871 (If you know Kyalami, you will know that for these little cars…it’s VERY quick!)
>> Click to Download Results <<
So What is FunCup About?
FunCup is what happens when someone looks at modern motorsport… with its million-rand budgets, carbon fibre tantrums, and fragile egos… and says:
“No. Let’s make this fun again.”
At its core, FunCup is a one-make endurance racing series built around identical, purpose-built race cars that look like classic VW Beetles… but absolutely are not. These are not modified road cars. They’re full-blown race machines with tubular chassis, central driving positions, proper safety gear, and just enough power to make things spicy without turning it into a demolition derby.
The philosophy is beautifully simple:
- Same cars
- Same tyres
- Same power
- Long races
- Big grids
Which means the racing isn’t won with cheque books… it’s won with consistency, teamwork, driver skill, and not being an idiot in traffic.
Radical concept, I know.
The Cars: Simple, Tough, and Relentless
Each FunCup car uses a VW Motorsport 2.0-litre engine producing around 170 horsepower. That doesn’t sound like much until you remember the cars weigh roughly 780kg and run proper race suspension, slick tyres, and a sequential gearbox.
The result?
Momentum racing at its finest.
You can’t rely on power to bail you out. You have to brake properly. Carry speed. Think ahead. And when you mess up… you feel it for the next three corners.
They’re tough too. Designed for endurance racing, driver changes, and the occasional “gentle misunderstanding” between competitors. Panels are cheap, parts are controlled, and reliability is king.
Which is why grids of 50 to 70 cars are normal… not aspirational.
The Racing: Close, Clean, and Constant
FunCup races are usually long-distance events… anything from several hours to full 12- or 24-hour races internationally. Teams rotate drivers, manage fuel and tyres, and race through traffic constantly.
And because the cars are so evenly matched, the racing is unbelievably close.
You’re never alone on track. Ever.
What really sets FunCup apart, though, is the driving standard. Yes, it’s competitive. Yes, it’s aggressive. But it’s also respectful. The cars can race side by side lap after lap without chaos… which, as we witnessed at Kyalami, is almost unheard of these days.
It’s hard racing… done properly.
The People: From Pros to Weekend Warriors
FunCup grids are a mix of:
- Experienced racers
- Semi-pro drivers
- Enthusiastic amateurs
- Teams who just want proper seat time without selling a kidney
Because costs are controlled and the cars are equal, FunCup becomes a genuine entry point into serious circuit racing… or a brilliant playground for seasoned drivers who are tired of expensive nonsense.
It’s inclusive, social, competitive, and refreshingly ego-light.
Mostly.
Why It Works… Everywhere
FunCup has been successful across Europe for one big reason…
It delivers real racing without the usual motorsport nonsense.
- Big grids look spectacular
- Close racing keeps spectators hooked
- Equal machinery keeps photographers busy
- Endurance format rewards brains over bravery
And crucially… it’s sustainable.
Which is exactly why it makes so much sense for South Africa.
The Bottom Line
FunCup isn’t about lap records.
It’s not about big power.
It’s not about who spent the most money.
It’s about racing.
Hard. Close. Fair. And endlessly entertaining.
In other words…
Motorsport… the way it should be.
Specs
Bodywork
- Three-piece monoblock polyester body
Basically… lightweight, tough, and cheap enough to bash without crying.
Chassis
- Tubular steel chassis with an integrated roll cage
Translation: proper race car skeleton, not a prettied-up road car.
Fire Protection
- Fireproof bulkhead separating cockpit and engine
Because flames are fun… until they’re not.
Driving Position
- Central driving position
Yes. You sit in the middle like a Le Mans prototype. No fighting over who gets the “good side”.
Engine
- Mid-mounted rear engine
- VW Motorsport 2.0-litre
- 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm
Not huge power… but in something this light, it’s more than enough to ruin your underwear.
Gearbox
- SADEV 5-speed sequential
Pull… bang… pull… bang. No H-pattern nonsense.
Fuel System
- Flexible safety fuel tank (FT3 / FIA compliant)
Built to survive crashes, not braais.
Suspension
- McPherson struts front and rear
- Adjustable ride height and geometry
Simple, effective, and tunable enough to start arguments in the pit lane.
Anti-Roll Bar
- Front stabiliser bar
To keep the Beetle from doing yoga mid-corner.
Brakes
- Four ventilated disc brakes
- Adjustable brake bias
Strong enough to stop late… and adjustable enough to mess it up if you’re brave.
Wheels & Tyres
- Hankook 195 tyres front and rear
Same rubber all round = closer racing and fewer excuses.
Weight
- 780 kg
Which explains why 170hp feels like a small missile instead of a suggestion.
The short version?
It looks like a Beetle, drives like a baby GT car, costs a fraction of “proper” racing, and exists purely to make grown adults giggle inside helmets.