The action was fast, furious and fiercely competitive as Round Two of the PE Oval Track Raceway (PEOTR) Club Championship roared into life under near-perfect conditions at the Mission Road circuit in Greenbushes. With clear skies overhead and a packed programme on track, spectators were treated to an evening of non-stop entertainment as some of the region’s top oval track racers went wheel-to-wheel in a showcase of skill, bravery and mechanical precision.

The 1600 Saloon class stole the early spotlight with a massive 17-car field taking to the track. Thanks to the strict control regulations that keep the cars evenly matched, the racing was nail-bitingly close from the first heat to the final flag where drivers traded paint and positions in battles that had fans on their feet, proving once again why this class remains a firm favourite. Jaco Pitout emerged as the winner after enduring serious pressure from both Deon Kretzmann and Deon Ross in all three heats as well as the final.

One of the standout performers of the evening was Dawid “Baba” Grundlingh, who quite literally raced from one car to the next. Competing in four different classes — switching between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive machinery — Grundlingh delivered a masterclass in adaptability and endurance and his efforts earned him three podium finishes, underlining both his versatility and his determination.

Eddie Banks lived up to his reputation as the “Greatest Showman” in the thunderous Heavy Metals class. Banks produced a commanding performance in the final, but it was far from an easy night. Philip Victor piled on the pressure early on, pushing Banks to dig deep before eventually securing top honours in emphatic style.

The V8 American Saloons delivered plenty of rumbling drama. Ruzanne Jansen set the tone by claiming victory in the first two heats, showing impressive pace and composure. Although Juan Roesstorff ultimately powered his way to overall victory in the final, Jansen’s consistency and flair throughout the evening earned her a well-deserved second place overall — and the coveted Driver of the Day award.

The Hotrod final was nothing short of bruising, with elbows out and no quarter given. When the dust finally settled, Malcolm Els emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest that tested both driver and machine, meanwhile, Neels Vermaak continued his impressive run of form in the 2.1 Modified class, once again demonstrating why consistency is key in championship racing. His measured yet decisive driving secured him overall honours ahead of a competitive field.

With Round Two of the club championship now in the books, attention shifts to 28 March when PEOTR hosts the second round of the regional championship. The regional series alternates between PEOTR and Victory Raceway in Walmer, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested season.

If the intensity and close finishes of Round Two are anything to go by, fans can expect even more fireworks next time the engines fire up on Mission Road.

Class Results

Junior Hotrods
1st Troyden Maynard (G54)
2nd Niki Lotz (G8)

1600 Stock Saloons
1st Jaco Pitout (C771)
2nd Deon Kretzmann (551)
3rd Deon Ross (428)

1660 Modified Saloons
1st Jason Drake (C126)
2nd Chanell van Tonder (C173)
3rd Colin Whitely (E125)

2.1 Modified Saloons
1st Neels Vermaak (C64)
2nd Damon du Preez (B128)
3rd Dawid Grundlingh (C727)

Hotrods
1st Malcolm Els (E151)
2nd Reghardt Joubert (C93)
3rd Dawid Grundlingh (C727)

Classic 6’s
1st Dawid Grundlingh (C727)
2nd Gordon Ascaray (C178)
3rd Jonathan van Vuuren (C721)

Heavy Metals
1st Eddie Banks (C75)
2nd Philip Victor (C720)
3rd Bonita Kotze (C79)

V8 American Saloons
1st Juan Roesstorff (E97)
2nd Ruzanne Jansen (C48)
3rd Deon Verster (EC93)

Driver of the Day:
Ruzanne Jansen (C48)