Drivers battle the cold at NNM Spring Race
Drivers deliver an action-packed day of oval track racing.
The Northern Natal Motorsport (NNM) Raceway came alive for the NNM AutObarn Parts People Spring Race, with drivers delivering excellent racing, fierce competition and, most importantly, fantastic sportsmanship.
While spring may have officially arrived, the weather certainly did not get the memo! It was an exceptionally cold day at the raceway, but the freezing conditions did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the drivers, teams and spectators who braved the cold to support oval track racing.
Drivers battle for podium honours
The racing across the various classes provided plenty of excitement, with the podium results as follows:
- In the Development category, Hans Swanepoel came first, with Steyn Vermaas in second place and Jacques van Schalkwyk in third;
- In the 1600 Stock category, Wikie Bezuidenhout came first, with Hendrik van der Merwe in second place and Mauritz von Benecke in third;
- In the 1660s category, Wikie Bezuidenhout came first, with Stephan van der Merwe in second place and Hendrik van der Merwe in third;
- In the 2.1 Modified category, Hendrik van der Merwe came first with Cedric Stowe in second place and Janse van Rooyen in third;
- In the Hotrods category, Cedric Stowe came first, with Stephan van der Merwe in second place and Janse van Rooyen in third; and
- In the Tin Tops category, Steyn Vermaas came first, with Tiaan Buys in second place and Boet Buys in third.
Choosing a single ‘Driver of the Month’ proved to be extremely difficult this month.
After their exceptional performances, Hans Swanepoel and Wikie Bezuidenhout were both awarded the honour.
Both drivers raced extremely well and demonstrated the skill, determination and competitive spirit that NNM Raceway is proud to showcase.
NNM family rallies together
We extend our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors, as well as our marshals, staff, officials, vendors and spectators. Despite the bitter cold, everyone played their part in making the event a success.
While Saturday was a day of racing and celebration, it was also a difficult week for our Northern Natal Motorsport family.
“We sadly lost one of our fellow racers, Aslam Khan, as well as the mother of Willie Swart, who has always been part of our racing family.”
“Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to their families, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
They will be remembered as part of the Northern Natal Motorsport family, and our thoughts remain with those closest to them.
We would also like to send our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to two of our members who are currently in hospital and were therefore unable to join us for Saturday’s racing.
You were certainly missed at the raceway, and the entire NNM family is thinking of you. We wish you both strength, healing and a speedy return home.
The next race takes place on October 3.
October’s event will bring an exciting Intercity Challenge, with Glenwood racers from Nelspruit travelling to Newcastle to take on the NNM racers on their own turf.
For the first time, NNM Raceway will host a very special challenge featuring spinners from Northern KZN taking on Oval Racers.
Among the spinners taking part will be Preshu Singh, Ramone Pillay and others, creating a unique motor sport showdown that has never been done at any raceway before.
It promises to be a spectacular clash of two very different forms of motor sport, and one that spectators definitely won’t want to miss.
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