Amanzimtoti rider claims victory at Dezzi Raceway
Despite windy weather conditions, the Formula Extreme class rider pushed through and won both races.
AMANZIMTOTI’S Liaan Smit, 39, won both heats in the Formula Extreme class hosted by KZN Road Racing Club at Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone recently.
Smit rides a Yamaha R6, bike number 217, sponsored by Dafco, in the Formula Extreme class which is a superbike class consisting of 600 and 1 000cc motorcycles.
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He did not take part in Friday’s free practice but arrived on the Saturday, ready for qualifying. He qualified with the best lap time, earning him pole position. Smit said he had a poor start for race 1 and was in third position by the first corner.
However, he quickly gained momentum again and managed to overtake the second-place holder on turn 2 and the leader of the race on turn 5. After regaining top spot on the first lap, he stayed in front and secured the win. “I had a better start for race 2, and won with 43 seconds to spare,” he said.
Smit added that wind conditions were bad and made for extremely tricky racing. “I couldn’t push as hard but received the fastest lap for both races, with a best lap time of 01:17:442 for race 2 and 01:17:453 for race 1,” he said.
He is currently fifth in the championship as he has missed five races due to other commitments.
“I’ve been racing for four years. I started in the Supermotard class and moved over to the Formula Extreme. My best achievement is winning the championship last year,” said Smit.
He said racing is a fun hobby. “Petrol is definitely in my blood, and my eldest daughter is now looking at getting into the sport, too. I’m pleased as it will become a full day out for the entire family,” said Smit.
The next race is on September 24, however, he will not be partaking as he will be supporting the Springboks in their clash against Argentina at King’s Park Stadium.
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