Chané van Rensburg (20), a local star racer in the 1660’s modified class on oval and track, was recently nominated for a 2026 GSport Awards Emerging Athlete of the Year award.

This national recognition, coupled with her role as an ambassador for The Purple Sector – a women-founded motorsport community and network that helps newcomers, fans and professionals connect and thrive in the racing industry – reflects her grit, determination and passion in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Over the last two years, Chané has made waves at several championships, winning with the most overall points at a winter championship in 2025, and shining at regional races this year.

The second round of regionals will take place on August 1 at Rietkuil Raceway, preparing her for nationals, which will take place on September 5 in Vereeniging, where she hopes to end in the top three of her division.

Her main goal, as Purple Sector ambassador, is to attract more women to the sport.

“Many women want to take part, but they’re unsure if they could. They feel out of place,” she explains.

She is mentoring her 11-year-old sister, Leyné, regularly taking her onto the track to help build her confidence and familiarity with the sport. She also hopes to mentor other girls and women who want to get involved in motorsport.

Her passion for motorsport extends beyond the track, and she hopes to branch out into drifting and circuit racing.

With Women’s Month around the corner, she believes it is more important than ever to inspire women to step outside their comfort zones and pursue their ambitions.

“Many people say a woman can’t, but if you really want to, you can do anything. On the track, you only see the car, not the gender of the driver, so if you want to, you should try the sport,” she said.

ALSO CHECK: Work underway to repair collapsed stormwater system in Brenthurst park

“Don’t give up. There are many obstacles for women in this sport, and many haters, but just keep going, and your skill will silence them.

“My dad taught me from a young age to work for what you want, so I always try again even if I don’t succeed.”

Being part of Purple Sector has shown Chané and other women and girls that they have a space in the sport, whether it’s in a car on the track or working on them next to the track.

The community mentors and guides women, from beginners who have no idea what they need to get started to experienced drivers facing new obstacles.

“We’re there for women; we show them that they can do it. Sometimes we just have meet-ups to watch the F1, or we support members’ races like we’re family. The girls are close, and everyone knows everyone,” Chané said.