Spectators at the VAPS HCV Vryheid 400 were buzzing about a young female driver who had just 3km of practice in her new vehicle before finishing fourth overall on the opening day.

Puck Klaassen (24) had only seen the powerful TeamHilux Toyota DKR Hilux the day before the race. It was her first time driving an FIA T1+ vehicle, and she went in wanting to learn and enjoy the experience.

She and navigator Danie Stassen finished fourth on the first day before taking fifth place overall at the end of the two-day event over the weekend.

“I didn’t expect it, because I wanted to learn, cos this is my first race with this car. It is obviously a big step up from what I am used to,” she said.

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From motocross injury to rally-raid

Born in the Netherlands, Puck has spent her entire life in South Africa and now lives in Stellenbosch. She says she feels more South African than Dutch. She has been racing for just two years, and 2026 is her first full season.

Her rally-raid journey began after a motocross injury in 2023, when her father, Seb Klaassen, had the opportunity to compete in the Dakar Classic. Although Puck had no previous experience driving a car in competition, he asked her to join him with only two months left to prepare.

She took the chance, completed the event, and realised she wanted to continue racing. She later competed in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, where she came face to face with one of her childhood racing heroes, Spanish rally-raid competitor Laia Sanz.

Making her mark in the sport

Puck has since worked her way up in the sport and says she is currently leading the World Rally-Raid Championship in the Challenger category, becoming the first woman to lead the championship in that category.

She is also studying Business Administration and Digital Innovation online through a Spanish university, which allows her to balance her studies with racing and travelling.

Trusting her navigator

Although rally-raid remains a male-dominated sport, Puck is determined to keep improving. She believes the relationship between a driver and navigator is crucial, especially when things go wrong.

“I am only a driver; I can’t navigate and I trust and rely on my navigator 100%,” she said.

She accepts that mistakes are part of racing and believes both members of the team must take responsibility when things do not go according to plan.

Her advice to young women

Her advice to young women is to take opportunities, even when they feel nervous or doubt themselves.

“I would tell young girls to take every opportunity. I was scared, and I didn’t want to do it, because you overthink,” she said.

“Don’t worry about what people think. It is hard, but just block it out. If you really want something, you will achieve it, and you can do it.

“Just start somewhere. Just trust the process. And never give up.”

With barely any practice in her new vehicle, she showed she was ready to take on the challenge and compete against experienced rally-raid drivers at the VAPS HCV Vryheid 400.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.