A legend in the making

Local racing driver Rachelle du Plessis is determined to follow in the footsteps of her legendary father, local racing hero, Roelf.

So strong was her desire to race that she defied her father’s wishes and imported her own racing car after coming of age.

Now with the family’s racing talent pumping through her veins and with father Roelf firmly back in her corner, she is taking the carting world by storm.

Rachelle tells the Herald that it has been her dream to take part in the sport that made her father famous since she was a small child, but father Roelf would not have any of it.

“It was a hard pill to swallow,” says Rachelle.

“But I could not blame my father, as he was only concerned for my safety.”

So Rachelle decided to wait until she could do it on her own.

“After finishing school, I saved up every cent that I could and when I had enough, I imported my own racing car,” says the 23-year-old racer.

“I opted to take part in carting instead of the other classes as this is the closest one can get to the feeling of driving a Formula-1 car.

“The high speeds that these little carts reach and the fact that you are but a few inches off the tarmac makes for one of the most exhilarating driving experiences that there is.”

Currently in the middle of her second season, Rachelle is already making her presence felt on the track with more experienced racers building up a healthy respect for this young upstart from Randfontein.

Father Roelf has since made his peace with her driving and has even signed up as her team manager.

“It is such a blessing to have my father in my corner,” says Rachelle.

“With his experience and knowledge backing me, I feel unstoppable.”

Watch this space for regular updates on the career of this promising racing driver.