National qualifier beckons at Victory Raceway

With entries set to close at noon today (Friday 19th), a large star-studded field of dirt-oval racers are expected to converge on Victory Raceway on Victoria Drive this Saturday for a National Qualifier event where drivers will vie for the opportunity to take part in the National Finals in Oudtshoorn on the 23rd  September. The National classes competing are the 1660s, Hot Rods, Heavy Metals, 2.1 Modifieds and V8 American Saloons, with Pink Rods for ladies as a support class.

Elton Gillmer (98) challenges Ruzanne Jansen (48) on the inside
Elton Gillmer (98) challenges Ruzanne Jansen (48) on the inside
Image by Peter Henning

As expected, the largest, most competitive field, with 21 entries already, will be the 1660 Class, and it will no doubt be another bruising affair with lots of bumping and bashing guaranteed. Current SA2 driver Marthinus Muller will have his hands full as he is up against the likes of local drivers Tiaan Oliphant, Percy Noah, Melindré Marais, Chanell van Tonder, Tinus Milne, Edwin Drake, Riaan Nel, Clinton May, Jason Brink, Colin Whiteley, Jaco Pitout, Nathan Roesstorff, Pieter le Roux, Francois Engelbrecht, Zanco Els and Wesley Slabbert. Making the trip up the coast from the Oudtshoorn region will be strong contender Izaan Keller, along with JP du Plessis and Border drivers coming down the coast are Jayson Collins and Johan Visagie.

In the V8 American Saloon class, Pieta Victor has been in a league of his own so far this season. He has undoubtedly dominated proceedings against the likes of defending champion Vincent Venter as well as out-of-town drivers Lucius Fourie and Coenie Meyer from Oudtshoorn, Bennie Greyling from George and local competitors Sydney Vermaak, Andrew Meiring, Juan Roesstorff, Rohan van Vuuren and Donovan Kotze.

The 2.1 Modified class has attracted some big names, with Burger van der Westhuizen and Henties de Villiers being the guys to watch as they line up against local drivers Rimon Landman, Neels Vermaak, Gerrit Olivier, Danie Knoesen, Christiaan de Jager and fellow out-of-towners Marius Britz from East London and George competitors Kobus Barnard and Michael Sinclair.

Pierre van der Berg has had the better over Neville Ellard in the Heavy Metal class so far this season and will be hoping to continue his fine run of form. Add Elton Gilmer, Kyle Daniels, JP Coetzee, Ruzanne Jansen, and George visitors Sydney van Rensburg and Marco Barnard into the mix and it’s sure to be an action-packed affair. Making a welcome return to oval-track racing and joining the Heavy Metal class is Reon Mostert.

In the Hot Rod class, Johan Schoeman is probably the man to watch, as he has finally had some luck and has enjoyed an excellent start to the season. He’ll have his work cut out against Sydney van Rensburg from George, Derick van der Westhuizen, William Hunter and Ashley Victor from East London as well as locals Kiaan Aylward, Emile Bothma, Marius Rautenbach, Ruben Barnard and Werner van Rooyen. Kean Barnard is re-joining the class after destroying his engine early in the season.

The gates to the circuit open at noon for the early birds to get there and claim their favoured spot on the terraced embankments, and racing, which will feature two heats and a final per class, is scheduled to get underway at 5 pm. The entry fee is R70 for adults and R30 for children under 12. Trackside parking is available and costs R50 per vehicle. Spectators who want trackside parking should arrive early to avoid disappointment.

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