Oval track racers set to roar their way to victory
As this qualifying event determines the points for Nationals later this year, local racers are determined to leave their opponents in the dust.
NEWCASTLE – The racing event of the year is set to take place on Saturday, June 4, at Newcastle Raceway.
Hosting the first leg of the Midas Northern Regional Championships, the Newcastle Oval Track team will compete against racers from Rustenburg, Loskop, Randfontein and Volksrust.
Related article: Northern Regional Championships to take place soon
As this qualifying event determines the points for Nationals later this year, local racers are determined to leave their opponents in the dust.
Zaakira Khan, one of Newcastle’s very own female contestants in the 1600-division, said she was enthusiastic about the event.
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“I have been racing for just over a year and this will be the first regionals I will be participating in, so I am nervous and excited at the same time.”
While hoping to get a win at the regionals, Zaakira said acquiring experience on the racing track was important, as she believed the exposure to such a large event would benefit her in the future.
Shandeera Govender, another local competitor, made her Oval Track debut in September, and is determined to have fun.
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“The whole purpose is to gain experience, have fun and show other women this isn’t a sport restricted to men,” she laughed.
On a more serious note, Pieter Bester has set his eyes on winning. With five years’ experience and a as contender in four previous regional championships, Pieter will be pushing his trusted two-litre VW to the maximum.
“I want to do the best I can do, and I really enjoy winning,” he said.
Chairman of Newcastle Raceway, Boet Buys said hosting the regional in Newcastle was a brilliant way to promote racing within the community.
“While I will not be racing in the event, hosting events such as this assist in helping it grow. We would like to invite the community to support the local racers,” he concluded.
Gates will open at 9am for spectators and racing will commence at 4pm.
As a 100 racers prepare to race, the event is guaranteed to enthrall enthusiasts with the need for speed.
