Local racer does it for the rush
Mimosa Park’s Kobus van Straatan shares his love of oval track racing with the GCN.
Mimosa Park’s Kobus van Straatan is making a name for himself on the local oval track racing circuit in his Mazda 323, which he built up himself.
Oval track racing is a form of closed-circuit automobile racing that is contested on an oval-shaped track.
An oval track differs from a road course in that the layout resembles an oval with turns in only one direction, almost universally left (counter-clockwise orientation).
Van Straatan says his journey behind the steering wheel was a natural one as he grew up next to the track, his mother and father having been involved in racing all his life.
“We grew up next to the track, so racing is definitely in my blood.”
He races at least once a month, more if he is invited to compete at other tracks. He has been racing for three years now and competes in the 1600 stock racing class.
“This is the cheapest class for drivers to compete in when they are starting out,” he explains.
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When asked what he loves most about driving, he responds with a smile: “The adrenaline rush that comes with racing.
“Also I enjoy meeting new people and making friends.”
One of the highlights in his racing career was being invited to compete at Rica Raceway, as he is one of the top three racers in his class in Gauteng.
Asked what he has planned for the future, van Straatan says, “I am going to be racing in national competitions next year.
“I am looking forward to seeing what I can do against the best drivers in the country.”
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