In the realm of motorsport legends, one name looms large: Basil van Rooyen, a multi-faceted racing genius born on April 19, 1939, in Johannesburg. Van Rooyen's storied career encompasses not only his incredible prowess as a racing driver but also his roles as a race car developer, inventor, and engineer. His journey through the world of motorsport reads like a thrilling novel, marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions.
A Whirlwind Start
Van Rooyen's racing odyssey commenced in 1957 when, at the tender age of 18, he entered the 24-hour race at the Grand Central track near Johannesburg, racing motorcycles. This bold initiation was just a glimpse of the audacious spirit that would define his career.
The Development Years
Home modifications and imported parts propelled him to numerous class wins and overall places in 1961 and 1962 on the newly inaugurated Kyalami Racetrack. His passion led him to progressively more potent vehicles, with an upgrade to a Cortina 1200cc in 1963.
In 1964, Ford Motor Company South Africa made a pivotal move by donating two Lotus Cortinas to the most successful SA Ford racers. One went to Basil van Rooyen, and the other to Superformance, a performance shop where he served as Managing Director. The goal was to compete in the countrywide SA Saloon Car Championship. Initially, van Rooyen's car struggled to keep up, and the 1964 championship went to Koos Swanepoel, driving an Anglia 1500.
However, in 1965, van Rooyen's development skills surpassed his rival, Willie Meissner, and his car became consistently faster, leading to a series of victories that showcased his undeniable talent.
The Mustang Era
As the SA Saloon Car Championship gained immense popularity among race fans, Ford South Africa upped the ante by donating Ford Mustang V8s to the same pair in 1966. Once again, van Rooyen's car proved superior, and he triumphed in the 1966 and 1967 SA Saloon car championships.
The Alfa Romeo Challenge
In 1968, Alfa Romeo sought to improve its racing performance and persuaded Basil van Rooyen to work his magic on their Auto Delta Alfa GTA. Van Rooyen's modifications included a short-stroke 2000cc engine, which soon outpaced his Mustang and put him in contention against Meissner's and Ford SA's new Escorts with 1800cc and 2000cc 4-valve engines.
Single-Seater Sojourn
Van Rooyen's versatility was on full display when he ventured into single-seater racing. It all began when he participated in the 1968 South African Grand Prix, driving an older Cooper Climax against world champions. He enjoyed the debut so much that he imported a newer Brabham for the rest of the 1968 season and a 1968 McLaren for 1969. By the time he participated in the 1969 SA Grand Prix, he had clinched three F1 wins. Tragically, later that year, a serious accident during tire testing on the Kyalami straight destroyed his car, requiring him to take time to recuperate.
Impressed by his performance at the 1969 Kyalami Grand Prix, F1 teams extended offers to Basil van Rooyen, with Ken Tyrrell even considering him as a second driver behind team leader Jackie Stewart. Unfortunately, his injuries from the Kyalami crash prevented this opportunity from materializing.
Dominating the Production Car Scene
Returning to production car racing, van Rooyen won the Onyx Production Car Championship in an Alfa GTV in 1970.
F5000 and Beyond
In 1971, Paddy Driver offered van Rooyen his older F5000 single-seater to test his mettle. Van Rooyen finished 3rd and 1st in F5000 behind two F1 cars, proving he still had the racer's heart.
Innovations and Endurance Racing
As regulations evolved, van Rooyen's ingenuity shone through. He purchased a Ford Capri Perana V8 in 1971 and regularly outperformed factory cars. This inspired him to propose a similar vehicle to General Motors, leading to the creation of the Chev Can-am, a racing sensation that set records and remains popular with collectors today.
Van Rooyen's endurance racing career included notable appearances at the Kyalami 9-hour endurance races and the Springbok 3-hour series enduros, where he collaborated with a host of local and international drivers. His best result was a 2nd place with Tony Dean driving a Ferrari Dino in the 1968 Kyalami 9-hour.
The Mazda RX100 Adventure
In 1971, Mazda SA brought a competition Mazda RX100 Saloon from Japan for the Springbok Endurance Series, with van Rooyen and Gough as drivers. Despite impressive engine performance, van Rooyen made last-minute adjustments to the car's handling, significantly improving its lap times.
Fiat's Turbocharged Experiment
In 1979, race organizers introduced a new racing formula, and Fiat SA expressed interest. This endeavor saw van Rooyen collaborate on a Fiat 131 lookalike, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter Ferrari V6 engine producing 600 bhp. Though the formula was short-lived, the car showcased van Rooyen's knack for innovation.
Basil van Rooyen's illustrious career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to motorsport. From his early days on two wheels to mastering a wide range of vehicles, his journey is a celebration of South African motorsport at its finest. His legacy continues to inspire generations of racers, engineers, and fans, proving that true motorsport legends transcend the boundaries of time and competition.