The pandemic has grossly affected multiple industries since its sudden and unwelcome outbreak, and the motorsport industry is no exception.
Boksburg veteran driver Isabel Greyvenstein paid testament to this during her chat with the Advertiser, with the record-holding driver itching to go back to the race strip to do what she loves: drag race.
Greyvenstein’s last competitive race was during December 2019 when coronavirus rumours from China were making the rounds in the country. During that day, the Beyerspark driver did five single-entry races, breaking the country’s women’s record in the process, which was set by her in 2017.
Greyvenstein clocked eight seconds over a quarter mile (400m) and finished with a top speed of 288km/h rail race car at the Tarlton International Raceway near Krugersdorp.
But since then, the local driver and many more drivers have had to sit and wait in frustration for the widely unknown circumstances surrounding the pandemic – an exercise which is hurting the industry.
“It’s affecting us a lot because none of us can compete. This is a passion, it’s a lifestyle so if you don’t do it like how it’s happening now, it’s very frustrating,” she lamented.
“People sometimes ask me how long do I want to race still and I tell them until I get a feeling that tells me to stop, I will keep on going,” explained Greyvenstein, who turns 61 on July 22.
Greyvenstein did her first race at the age of 18 in a Golf One GTI – a car she said helped her make her name in racing circles. Her ‘yster vrou’ (iron lady) nickname was also born around that time.
Interesting information
The rail race car which Greyvenstein used to set the new record is fuelled by methanol. Although 288km/h in just 400m sounds strong – so should your pockets. The car uses 16 litres of methanol to complete a quarter mile – among other parts that need to be changed post-race.
Also Read: Veteran driver sets new record at Tarlton Raceway
