Chané followed in her father’s footprints
In under four years, Chané du Plessis has had her share of triumphs when behind the wheel as a motorsport racer. .
Chané du Plessis is a daring youngster with a compulsive desire for excitement and adventure.
The 18-year-old car enthusiast from Florentia has gained admiration from her peers for making a name for herself in the motorsport domain.
The Hoërskool Alberton matriculant enjoys intense and thrilling racing. She is a consistent racer who has grown in the sport and bagged numerous achievements.
Since childhood, she has been passionate about driving, particularly driving go-karts.
In 2019, she received backing from her family to join the sport and follow in her father’s footprints. They built her a racing car, which has made her victorious in several oval races.
Young champ’s triumph
The Rock Raceway in Brakpan is home for Chané. The motorsport facility hosts oval racing, drifting and drag racing.
In an interview with the Alberton Record, she said she loved the adrenaline rush that came with the sport and that it makes it an experience worth sharing with others.
“I love motorsport; it is part of me. I have always wanted to race from a tender age. At 15, I first got into motorsport and had my first race when I was 16. I do oval racing in motorsport. My father has raced for 17 years, going on for 18, and I grew up next to the track. Racing is in my blood,” explained Chané.
Juggling her studies and sport, she is a master of both worlds.
In 2021, she won the driver of the year title, came second in 1660 modifieds, and took home second place in the club championship. The previous year, she took first place in the women’s race, second place in the club championship for the second year in a row, won the 1660 Young Guns Challenge and came fourth overall on the night.
In the same year, Chané’s dedication paid off when she competed in the Sixteen Sixty Tour (SST) 1660, finishing fourth overall for the year. She also competed in the first national race.
Her father, Johan du Plessis, who has years of experience as a motorsport racer and many accolades, said his daughter grew progressively in the sport over the years.
“Before she got into the sport, we made a joke and said if she delivers excellent results at the end of the year, we will build her a racing car. But before then, we used to go to the track every Sunday and practice. We gave her a chance to try it out, and she delivered. To date, she’s doing so well,” he said.
A heart for motorsport
Chané said she is developing herself and sharpening her skills.
“I’m trying to be better than where I was by improving my driving style and trying to motivate other drivers to do well. In the near future, I see myself as a South African champion and helping others to join the sport. Anyone can join, and it gives one the power to know their inner self. It is a sport requiring great discipline,” Chané said.
She thanked her parents, brother, partner and family for their continued support.
Should you wish to sponsor Chané on her motorsport journey, contact her father, Johan du Plessis, on 082 496 6191 or ejslube@gmail.com
