Ovals are back!

After almost two years after petrol heads in the city were left without one of their main sources of entertainment or competition, avid motorsport enthusiasts Kerry and Wessel Smit not only promise a revived Polokwane oval raceway, but are also looking to mould the second Lewis Hamilton from Limpopo.
This, as plans to start a driving academy in the city in January are currently being finalised.
The two are planning to start a driving academy in Polokwane in January, which will be aimed at giving young and old racers from the city and surrounds as well as across the province, a platform to showcase their talent.
Smit says there is an immense talent of racing drivers in the province but many don’t have the platform to showcase their talent.
“There are many people who want to venture into motor racing to get a feel for the fast cars, but they don’t have the means and they don’t know which channels to follow.
“We want to create a platform for all motorsport enthusiasts to thrive and realise their dreams.
“We believe there are many budding Lewis Hamiltons in the city as well as in Seshego, Lebowakgomo and Mankweng and all they need is a platform with formal training and support. The academy will help us to discover those talents and to grow the sport in the province to make it accessible for everybody.”
He stated that they have started with the refurbishments at the oval track at the Polokwane Show Grounds.
“This forms parts of our efforts of reviving the sport in the city. We stopped all racing activities in November 2018 and it has been almost two years now without any racing competitions.
“It was a difficult period for all oval-racing enthusiasts and their fans in Polokwane because many of them had to travel to Mokopane every month to compete in the sport due to the unavailability of the local race track.
“We are busy revitalising the track, currently painting the seats, the grand stands and the walls. We want to be ready by January as it is a privilege to use the track. We are lucky to have a track of that calibre. This is one of the top three tracks in the country and it is important to take care of it,” Smit concluded.