Girl drivers make history at the Rock
A first time occurrence in the history of tar oval racing took place at the Rock Raceway, on Sunday, December 6.
Three young girls took top honours in their division, the Kids in Racing South Africa Ninja Class (for three to 12-year-old drivers), at the annual Tar Oval Club Championships, held at the local circuit.
The girls have become something of a force to be reckoned with in their 60cc karts, and their consistent displays on the track have seen them out-drive the boy competitors this year.
Taking the top podium spot in the Rock Raceway Club Championship series is 11-year-old Marlie Saaiman (affectionately known as “Blondie”), from Potchefstroom.
The young driver has made big waves already, by achieving various championship titles at both the Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and World of Motorsport ZA championship series.
She was also awarded SA3 status in the MSA series this year.
It is the second year in succession that Saaiman has won the club championship title.
Second-placed 10-year-old Megan “Rowdy Megz” Kotze, a Boksburg resident, did not make it easy for Saaiman and the extremely tight contest was separated by just a few points.
Kotze was, however, awarded the Junior Sportsperson of the Year title for Oval Racing, at the Rock Raceway, in 2015.
Nipping at the heels of Marlie and Megan was another Boksburg resident, Annelia Marais (10), known as “Nielie”, who drove her heart out in her Ninja kart to claim third position for the club championship series.
Her consistency and dedication ensured that she would hold off the boy drivers who were breathing down her neck.
“These three girls are going places in motorsport,” said Abie Sada, of the Rock Raceway.
“Out of a field of 12 to 20 karts at times, they were required to drive their socks off and hot foot their way around the oval.
“We wish all three a safe and speedy way forward in motorsport in the 2016 season.”
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