Car racing gains popularity in the Capital city

The V8 Sprints Night of Thunder car racing event attracted scores of motorsport enthusiasts on Saturday at the newly renovated Mahem Raceway, west of Pretoria.

The event saw hundreds of motorsport enthusiasts braving the cold weather conditions to witness fast and powerful racing cars providing one of the best motorsport shows in the Capital city.
One of the spectators, Davan Botha, said the racing event standard was top class on the newly improved race track.

“A high standard event has made me forget that it is actually cold today,” Botha said with a smile.
Enjoying his best moment at the event was more important to him than the chilly weather, he said, adding that the Mahem Raceway was close to his heart.
“I grew up attending events at this raceway because my father used to race on this track.”

Saturday’s racing event was the fifth to take place at the Mahem Raceway since the beginning of the year.
The previous occasions included the King of the Ring 1660, King of the Ring Stockrods, Spinning Event and King of the Ring Tintops held on February 26, April 2, April 30 and May 28 respectively.
The most recent event consisted of various racing classes including the V8 Sprints, Stockrods, 1660 Modified, 2LT Hotrods, 2 1 Modifieds, National Hotrods, V8 Flexis, Tintops, Ladies Cup, Junior Stockrods and Midgets.
Multi-award winning racing car driver Eugene Saayman shared his thoughts on the benefits of watching a close circuit automobile race.

“Oval shape track racing is short, fast and tight racing, which allows spectators to see the whole circuit and keep track of their favourite cars at all times during the race,” Saayman said, citing that it provides a unique experience of car racing to the spectators.

“It is 90% for people who enjoy the speed, powerful engines and entertainment.”
Since Saayman started racing in 2004, he has won several South African championships, including the recent two SA championships in 2017 and 2019.

Mahem Racing manager André Maree said Saturday’s event was a huge success.
“We are happy that a lot of cars participated and a lot of spectators attended the event,” Maree said.
He urged interested people to visit Mahem Raceway to experience tight and competitive car racing events in the city.
“A smallest mistake a driver can make leads to a lot of damages, which may force the driver out of the race,” he added.

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