Young oval racer breaks onto the scene

Minnebron resident Chané van Rensburg (18) is breaking onto the oval racing scene, following in her father, Jannie van Rensburg (41) and grandfathers, Johnny Archer (71) and JP van Rensburg’s (64) footsteps.

She is currently third in her class in the club championship at The Rock Raceway. Chané grew up around racing and always wanted to race like her dad.

However, no one took her seriously until she asked for her first car, which she and her dad built together when she was about 13.

It was a Datsun GX, the same as her dad’s first race car, and will also be her younger sister’s first car when she starts racing.

“Racing has always been a passion for the family. Both my grandpas, my dad, almost all of my uncles and even an aunt races,” Chané said.

She knew from a young age she would not want to do anything else. When Chané was 14, she had her first race on December 14.

Before then, she had to train for six months before being allowed to race in the 1660 modified class, which racers can compete in from the year they turn 14.

After that first year, it was the Covid-19 pandemic, meaning Chané couldn’t get behind the wheel, and last year, her focus was on finishing matric, so she only picked up racing again seriously this year.

A career highlight for her so far was the first race she won. Coincidentally, that was the first time her father had to miss one of her races, and after winning, she video-called him, and they cried together.

ALSO READ: Jong sussies voltooi SPAR Women’s Run se Tshwane wedloop

Nowadays, Chané is an ambassador for Fueling the Future, an initiative dedicated to elevating the presence of females in motorsport in SA.

Her father is one of her biggest inspirations, having competed on national and international levels several times, so he has high expectations of Chané, and she strives to meet them.

Chané advises women interested in joining the motor sporting fraternity not to listen to others about what they can and can’t do.

“Try your best, focus on yourself, and try to reach your own goals,” she explains.

Since she started at a young age and is a woman, Chané faced much criticism and backlash in the male-dominated sport but proved herself and now has the respect of most of her fellow racers.

She also started working as a receptionist straight after school, and her colleagues supported her, even going to watch some of her races. Chané will compete at the nationals on October 12.

She received the most up-and-coming driver award at The Rock in 2021 and fan favourite in 2023 as voted by the public.

Her next race is on September 14.

ALSO CHECK: Dalwers neem aan SA tweekamp kampioenskappe deel

In the spirit of Women’s Month, Chané also shared what the month means to her as a woman in a male-dominated sport.

“The month is about empowerment. We get to show that we can also do what men do. If you set your mind to it, you can do it,” she said.

Being a woman means uniqueness to Chané and the ability to do anything.

“Women conquer the world. Without us, humanity wouldn’t exist,” she explained.