The sound of screeching tyres and roaring engines fills the air, as spectators cheer on their favourite racers.
Taking on the track at high speeds, motor sport is a not a sport for the faint of heart. It is a sport where man and machine become one. A sport which separates the risk takers from the herd, glorifying their need to win. But what does it take to be a racer?
“Firstly, you need to have a passion for the sport, guts and be mentally prepared for racing against others,” explains Zaakira Khan from Newcastle Raceway Club.
Zaakira took to the Oval Track four years ago, shortly after her husband Shaukat joined. “Before you can start racing, you need to be affiliated with a racing club and be registered with World of Motorsport ZA (WOMZA). Once you are registered, you only start racing once you get your racers licence,” she explained.
Since getting her racing license, Zaakira has dominated the Oval Track in more ways than one. Not only is Zaakira one of the first Newcastle women to take up racing at the Oval Track, but she has also won the club championships three times in a row.
“I race in the 1600 Women’s Division and in the 1600 Open Division, which is men and women. When I first started, I was nervous, but I was ecstatic being one of the first female racers in town. Since then, I have learned a lot about racing and cars. In fact, my love for the sports has grown tremendously.”
Armed with her lip gloss and crash helmet, Zaakira encourages other women to take up Oval Track racing, describing it as a family sport.
“I find great joy in being able to do this with Shaukat, it is something we both enjoy and being able to share it is amazing. My husband and I would like to get our son, Uzair, involved. As a family that races together, stays together,” she laughed.
Setting her sights on the future, Zaakira hopes to continue dominating the track and see Newcastle Raceway Club and motorsport grow in Newcastle.
Keep being amazing Zaakira and we look forward to reporting on your successes.
