Veteran racer and businessman, Wessel Smit laid to rest
Smith was a major contributor to the development of sport in Polokwane and in the province.
POLOKWANE – The oval race and agriculture communities are mourning the death of veteran racer and businessman, Wessel Smit, who passed away on January 31 after a long battle with cancer.
As an avid racer, some of his immediate future plans included to revive Polokwane oval raceway and to shape young racers in the province.
He was a major contributor to the development of sport in Polokwane and in the province, with some of his major achievements including winning trophies and medals at the Mahem Raceway in Pretoria, the Ilumuna nine-hour Endurance Race, and the National Hotrods Extreme Festival Regional event that is annually held at the Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria.
He is survived by wife, Carrie and his children and grandchildren.
Rowanne Smit described her father as a “good man who was humble and loved by everyone”.
“He was in the agriculture business and helped a lot of farmers. He was always good to people. He was there for all of us. He never missed anyone’s call. He wanted to see people happy, he was not materialistic. We had a special connection with him and in his last days, he told us to be strong.”
Rowanne said her father was an incredible family man.
“My father was an incredible husband and father. Incredible because he had the perfect balance and always showed up for all of us and any other person. He only saw the best in everyone and made us all want to be better. He was extremely intelligent and loved sharing his knowledge to offer people a better life.
“In his agricultural and racing career, he impacted so many lives by listening, and showing up for any person he really believed needed him. As a father, he put up with all my shenanigans and made sure I understood what deep, unconditional love looks like. Life has not been easy for my family, but one thing we learned from him is to work hard, keep pushing and to be humble. I hope to carry on his legacy by showing up and being kind and humble.”
Bosveld Wedrenklub Mokopane in a short statement said Smit will always be remembered as a particularly calm driver.
“We were honoured to know you as a club member and then as a promoter of Unique Raceway. Your place will be empty in stockrod and tintop. We always waited for the stunning 1660 to come and drive. Now you are going to drive him without pain and discomfort. Will always be in our minds when racing.”
Smit will be laid to rest in Polokwane on February 10.
