Germiston race driver makes a big return

Mimosa Park resident Kobus van Straaten continued to make a name for himself on the local oval track racing circuit.

The racer only got back to the track early this year but said it was like he never left.

GCN interviewed him about him being back on the track.

He said it was tough not being able to race but was happy to be back on the track.

“Covid was tough on us racers because our sport requires us to be inside the car racing.

“So when I sold my car during Covid, I was sad, but I’m glad I could go back to it. It feels good to be back on the track, and I’m happy with my performance,” said Van Straaten.

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He has done well on the track and collected silverware. He said racing was his passion, and racers surrounded him while growing up.

“My mother was an oval track racer. So, for me, getting behind a steering wheel was a natural decision because I grew up next to the track,” said Van Straaten.

Oval track racing is a form of closed-circuit automobile racing contested on an oval-shaped track. An oval track differs from a road course in that the layout is an oval with turns in only one direction, almost universally left (counter-clockwise orientation).

Van Straaten said he was grateful for the support he had received from his sponsor Smeedy.

“They have been amazing and supportive in my racing career. Being a racer comes with commitment and hard work,” said Van Straaten.

Since January, Van Straaten has secured podium finishes. At Rock Raceway, he came first. At the club championship, he came second.

In the 1660 Tin Tips Club championship, he took first place. He came second in the club championship and nabbed another second at Randfontein’s Dirt track.

“The wins are a bonus for hard work and passion. I love what I do, and being on the track is amazing. I will race as long as I can,” said Van Straaten.