Mimosa Park\u2019s Kobus van Straatan is making a name for himself on the local oval track racing circuit in his Mazda 323, which he built up himself.<\/p>\n
Oval track racing is a form of closed-circuit automobile racing that is contested on an oval-shaped track.<\/p>
An oval track differs from a road course in that the layout resembles an oval with turns in only one direction, almost universally left (counter-clockwise orientation).<\/p>\n
Van Straatan says his journey behind the steering wheel was a natural one as he grew up next to the track, his mother and father having been involved in racing all his life.<\/p>
\u201cWe grew up next to the track, so racing is definitely in my blood.\u201d<\/p>\n
He races at least once a month, more if he is invited to compete at other tracks. He has been racing for three years now and competes in the 1600 stock racing class.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the cheapest class for drivers to compete in when they are starting out,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
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Dojo celebrates students\u2019 achievements<\/a><\/p>\n Future stars enjoy exclusive tour<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When asked what he loves most about driving, he responds with a smile: \u201cThe adrenaline rush that comes with racing.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso I enjoy meeting new people and making friends.\u201d<\/p>\n One of the highlights in his racing career was being invited to compete at Rica Raceway, as he is one of the top three racers in his class in Gauteng.<\/p>\n Asked what he has planned for the future, van Straatan says, \u201cI am going to be racing in national competitions next year.<\/p>\n \u201cI am looking forward to seeing what I can do against the best drivers in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n