Oval Track is more than just riding in circles
Since his return to the track, JP has been competing in the 1600 division. This year, he has upped his game, changing gears to compete in the Tin Tops category.
The sound of roaring engines, speeding round a track, and the cheers of spectators all create a sense of belonging for JP Bruin.
JP joined the ranks of the Oval Track in 2009, determined to pursue his dream of racing, not knowing his dreams would soon be dashed.
“One night, my car was written off during a race, after one of the other racers cut me off and I crashed into the barriers,” he said.
After the crash, JP put his racing career on hold until he was able to build up another car.
“I started racing again in 2014, as I really enjoy the adrenaline that goes with it.”
Since his return to the track, JP has been competing in the 1600 division. This year, he has upped his game, changing gears to compete in the Tin Tops category.
“The 1600 division cars are stock standard, whereas the Tin Tops is what the Americans call the Saloon Class. In the Tin Tops category, you race V8s, V6s, straight eights, six cylinders and three cylinder cars,” JP explained.
JP races a 2.8 litre, six cylinder Mercedes Benz.
“I am the only one in the division who races an automatic car though, everyone else drives a manual.”
JP explained automatics usually pulled away in second gear, but he had modified his car in such a way that he was able to pull away in first.
While other racers are forced to move their focus for a split second to change gears, he does not have to do that.
“There is less I have to do with my hands and I can concentrate just on the racing, plus when the car kicks into third gear, my car launches ahead of the others and gives me an extra edge.”
As the cars have larger engine capacities, JP said it was a thrill to race in the Tin Top division. “I enjoy everything about it, from the pull away to the drifting.”
As a car enthusiast with a fixation with speed, JP said Oval Track was not just about going round in circles.
“Everyone thinks it is all about going round and round, until they actually try it. It is about making friends and family, while doing something different,” he concluded.
