American Driver Dominated South African Grand Prix
Five teams competed in this years race at Kyalami. Hunt started on the pole next to Andretti. Lauda and Nilsson occupied the second row followed by Watson and Mass. Regazzoni and Hoffmann filled in the final row.
Hunt and Andretti battled for the top position for most of the first lap with Andretti finally pulling ahead. Watson attempted to move through the pack, but spun at Sunset bend. Lauda began a battle with Hunt for second place. Andretti already built a substantial lead by the end of first lap.
During the second lap, Lauda pulled away from Hunt and made a run on Andretti, but Andretti maintained a strong lead. Hoffmann began to move up from the back. Reggazoni moved through the pack, but then made a mistake that would cost him dearly during the next lap.
Andretti held an untouchable lead during the third and final lap. Team Ferrari looked spent and Regazonni slipped back while Lauda struggled against Hunt to hold second. Watson began to move through the pack to challenge Hoffmann.
Andretti won the race! Hunt beat Lauda in a drag race down the front straight to take second. Hoffman crossed the start finish line just ahead of Watson to secure 4th place.
Race details follow:
1st Tom V. (M. Andretti) 80/20/40/140/6 W**
2nd Steve K. (J. Hunt) 80/40/20/160/5 S
3rd Den H. (N. Lauda) 80/40/20/160/5 S
4th John H. (I. Hoffmann) 40/40/40/160/6 S
5th Ray G. (J. Watson) 60/40/40/160/6 S
6th Tom V. (G. Nilsson) 60/20/40/140/6 W
7th Steve K. (J. Mass) 60/40/20/160/5 S
8th Den H. (C. Regazzoni) 60/40/20/160/5 S