The Rock Raceway, although not yet open to spectators, is glad that oval racing is finally back.
Spokesperson Patricia Kruger said the venue has not yet reopened for events.
“The owner, Tim Stephens, has, however, made the facility available to his club’s drivers for practice at no charge, subject to adherence to Covid-19 regulations,” she explained.
Rietkuil Raceway, Mpumalanga, hosted the first oval event since lockdown on September 5.
Although hosted under strict regulations and without the presence of any spectators, drivers and crew were all more than happy to embrace the smell of race fuel and rubber.
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“The event was well supported by local competitors, with mixed results, but over all a well organised and great event,” said Patricia.
“The Super Saloon class kicked off on a nerve-wracking note with Jandre van Staden narrowly escaping serious injury when he took a near tumble in the first heat.
“The Stock Rod class was again a hotly contested race with some well prepared VW Golfs dominating this class and the national hot rods made for some exciting and fast racing, despite mechanical failures decreasing the number of cars making it to the grid.”
Once again, the class of the day was the 1660 Modified Saloons.
“A good turnout of cars, competitive line up and a class always bringing hard no nonsense racing,” said Patricia.
The Rock Raceway’s 1660 drivers travelled from far and wide and came out in large numbers to support the season opener.
The 1660’s did not disappoint with three heats of top class racing, with local Seef Fourie jnr eventually taking top honours for the evening, and Fransie Engelbrecht and Charlie Rothman completing the top three positions.
Collette Kruger, a Benoni racer, was one of the drivers who attended this recent event and could not be more excited to be back doing what she loves.
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“Before this past weekend, we last raced in March,” explained Collette.
“I went to Rietkuil Raceway to go race with a few of The Rock’s other 1660’s, to show our support.
“After not racing for such a long time, I was quite nervous before the first heat, but the nerves quickly settled when the green flag dropped and all my focus was on the track. I just wanted to keep my car in one piece.
“But even without spectators, there was an amazing atmosphere between the drivers.
“Even though I was pretty much dead last in every heat, it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything,” Collette concluded.
Supporters of oval racing can look forward to exciting races once The Rock Raceway opens up again for drivers and spectators alike.
