The countdown to the SA Dirt National Championships has officially begun, with just under two months remaining until the epic motorsport tournament takes place.
Set to take place on October 5, the event will see between 120 and 150 racers descending on Newcastle Oval Track. Each racer belonging to a club which falls under WOMZA (World of Motorsport ZA).
As the date draws closer, local racers are gearing up to put their motor skills to the test against the best of the best in the country. With participants hailing from Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, Newcastle racers are amped to show their worth on the track.
“This is the second SA tournament which I will be taking part in. I am really looking forward to seeing the various competitors who will be taking part on the day,” says Zaakira Khan, who will be racing in the stock rod division.
Having participated in a national tournament before, while taking part in the regional championships, Zaakira is extremely positive about the Newcastle club’s possibilities.
“The team spirit is incredible plus, we are on home ground,” she laughs.
Dewald Botha, who is taking part in the 2.1litres division, explains this is his first national championships.
“This is going to be a bigger event than the club meetings and I am eager to see what myself and Newcastle are capable of against the other teams,” he says.
While he hopes to take a top position in the event, Dewald explains he is taking this national tournament as a learning experience.
Gideon Hand, who is also taking part in the 2.1litres division, explains this is his third national championship.
With a deep-seated passion for motorsport, Gideon does not intend to take prisoners on the day. “I am looking forward to a day of tough racing and taking any position within the top three.”
Participating in the 1600 stock division is Johann de Jager, a man who is known for his resilience and skill on the oval track.
“This is my third SA national championship and I am just hoping to do better than last year, where I took the fourth position,” he laughs.
Cedric Stowe will also be gearing up for his moment of glory in the 2.1litre division.
While this is the first time he will be participating at a national level, Cedric is confident of his abilities.
“Everyone wants to win and that is what I am hoping for,” he smiles.
Taking part in the 1660 division is Tiaan Buys. A youngster who is more than familiar with the fast-paced environment of the motorsport world.
“This will be my second nationals and I am looking forward to a day of hard racing. I am aiming to hopefully take a position in the top three, maybe even first place,” he smiles.
Flip Gericke will be taking part in the V8 Lexus division. A category which sees man and machine dominate the track in the pursuit of victory.
“This is my third SA national tournament and I am looking at taking at least third position,” he smiles.
With the countdown officially underway, motorsport fans have much to look forward to on the day.
The following categories will ensure you have an adrenaline-filled day:
Stock Rods
1660 Modified
Two-litre Modified
V8 Lexus
16 Valve Midget
Flexi V8s
Heavy Metals
Hot Rods
Gates will open at 10 am with racing set to begin at 4 pm until the late hours of the evening. A grand parade will also take place and the community will be able to meet their favourite racers during an autograph session.
Be sure not to miss out and support the racers in the SA Dirt National Championships.
For more information, contact Newcastle Raceway Club on 073 587 3551.
Good luck to all the racers who will be participating, but a little extra luck goes to our local Newcastillian racers, make us proud!
