Local race driver returns on the track
“I sold everything during Covid-19 because of the financial difficulties.”
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Mimosa Park’s Kobus van Straatan is making a name for himself on the local oval track racing circuit with the new car he built.
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Oval track racing is a form of closed-circuit motorsport contested on an oval track.
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“An oval track differs from a road course in that the layout resembles an oval with turns in only one direction, almost universally left, which is a counter-clockwise orientation,” explained Van Straatan.
His journey behind the wheel was a natural fit because he grew up next to the track as his parents were involved with racing.
He returned to the track after selling his Mazda 323.
“I built that Mazda from scratch. It took me almost two years to get it done,” said Kobus.
“My current car took us six months to build. When I decided to return to the racing scene, I knew I had to find sponsors. Smeedy Tyres came on board along with other partners.
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“I won first place at The Rock Raceway Rockamania Stock Rods RWD. In 2017, I was awarded the Rock Raceway 1600 Stock Rods award for third place and claimed second in the Club Champs 1600 Stock Rods.”
He races at least once a month in the 1600 stock racing class.