With just two rounds remaining in the Port Elizabeth Oval Track Raceway Club Championship, the pressure is mounting as competitors prepare for a crucial night of action at the Mission Road circuit on Saturday evening.
The seventh round of the eight-round Port Elizabeth Oval Track Raceway (PEOTR) Club Championship promises plenty of excitement, with several classes still producing intriguing battles for championship honours. Among the highlights this season have been the standout performances of the female competitors, who have demonstrated their determination and competitiveness against their male counterparts.

Picture credit: Peter Henning
With championship points becoming increasingly valuable as the season approaches its conclusion, drivers will be eager to deliver strong performances and strengthen their positions on the overall standings.
In the Heavy Metal class, Bonita Kotze holds a 33-point advantage over Gordon Ascaray, who is himself just 9 points ahead of the ever-improving Philip Victor. With the leading trio separated by relatively small margins, the battle for the remaining positions could become increasingly interesting as the championship heads towards its final round.
The V8 American Saloon class is another category attracting attention, with Ruzanne Jansen leading the championship by 29 points over Deon Verster. Wayne Holland occupies third place, a further 48 points behind Verster. Jansen will be looking to maintain her advantage as the competition enters this important stage of the season.
However, it is the 1600 Stock Saloon class that boasts one of the closest championship contests. Deon Kretzmann leads Ruben Barnard by a single point, with Deon Ross a further 13 points behind in third place. With such little separating the leading competitors, every position on the track could prove crucial in determining the eventual championship outcome.
The 1600 Stock Saloon category has developed into one of the championship’s premier classes, with all competing cars being closely monitored to ensure compliance with the technical regulations. This attention to detail helps maintain fair competition and ensures that the focus remains firmly on the drivers’ abilities and the performance of their machines.
In the Hot Rod class, Malcolm Els heads the championship standings with a 23-point cushion over Dawid “Baba” Grundlingh. Piet Scheepers occupies third place, trailing the leader by 160 points. Els will be aiming to protect his advantage, while Grundlingh will be hoping to close the gap as the season moves towards its conclusion.
The 1660 Modified Saloon class features another impressive performance by a female competitor. Jason Drake has established an unassailable championship lead over his sister, Charne’ Schuin, while fellow lady driver Nadia Rautenbach occupies third place. Unfortunately, Rautenbach will miss round seven because of a clash with her year-end dancing examinations.
Despite her absence, the class remains an important part of the championship programme, with the remaining competitors looking to make the most of the opportunity to add to their points tallies.
In the Classic 6 class, Dawid “Baba” Grundlingh has built an unassailable lead and already has the championship title firmly within his grasp. Jonathan van Vuuren occupies second place, trailing by 129 points, while Cornel Victor is a further 76 points behind in third.
Meanwhile, Francois Jansen van Vuuren has enjoyed a dominant season in the 2.1 Modified class. He holds a commanding 110-point advantage over Dylan Brassell, with Neels Vermaak a further 96 points behind in third place. Jansen van Vuuren will be looking to continue his impressive form as the championship approaches its final stages.
With the season drawing to a close, round seven offers’ competitors another opportunity to showcase their skills, entertain the spectators and strengthen their championship campaigns. Whether it is the close contest in the 1600 Stock Saloons, the established leaders defending their positions or the female drivers continuing to make their mark, there should be plenty to keep motorsport enthusiasts watching closely.
Motorsport fans can look forward to an evening of oval-track action at PEOTR on Saturday. The circuit gates open at 12:30, with racing scheduled to get underway at 18:00. Free trackside parking is available, making it convenient for spectators to enjoy the action.
With the championship reaching a critical stage, spectators can expect an exciting atmosphere as competitors take to the track in pursuit of valuable points and racing honours.