Racing at it's best...

THE PROGRESS OF OVAL TRACK RACING IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Oval track racing was established in South Africa in the 1950. The so called short Oval produced great close racing with some 20 cars in a race. Some classes took the USA route by raceing anti clockwise with V8 engines and some classes took the UK route where you race clockwise with four cylinder engines.

 

Due to the density of cars on a short track and the lack of proper rules and regulations and trained officials, this was the mould for conflict. Conflict between drivers because of the tight bumper to bumper racing and conflict between supporters who felt that his favourite driver was disadvantaged. Often conflict situations were sorted by fistfights between drivers themselves and spectators on the stands which gave Oval or Hotrods a very bad image.

 

To level the playing field as Oval progressed in South Africa the sport was regulated to control cars and drivers in the late 1970. Oval went through changes when these controlling bodies took charge and tried to clean the sport up. This process took some years to implement and the spectators of that time were not aware of certain changes and still violently and by no uncertain terms made his feelings clear to support his favourite driver. Still cars were built in workshops as well as in some backyards and troubled cars were sorted on a Sunday to the displeasure of the neighbours.

 

The image of Oval still suffered and still the Oval people was branded as those who sort their differences as not accepted by the normal standards. As Oval was seen as one of the stepping stones of Motorsport in South Africa for other Motorsport disciplines Oval Track Racing were incorporated into Motorsport South Africa who was sanctioned by the South African Sports Federation and Olympic Committee. Rules were imbedded and strongly enforced to improve the image of Oval. Up to eight classes were established to level playing fields and that created a more accommodative atmosphere in the pit area where drivers could compete and even congratulate and respect the man who won him.

 

Gone were the days where differences were sorted by fistfights, the so called wheel spanner or retaliation in the next race. Drivers are now controlled by officials who have the authority to fine a driver on the spot, summoned him/her for a hearing and even ban them for lifetime from any Motorsport in South Africa. See www. Motorsportsa.co.za where a competitor was fined R25 000 for misbehaving at a track in Vereeniging. Strict technical rules were enforced by stripping engines randomly and if found competing illegally competitors could face a 12 month ban from Motorsport.

 

This paved the way for more advanced Oval racing, good looking competitive cars, sponsors and more upper class competitors. Currently some of South Africa finest drivers compete on an annual basis in the USA and the UK. As the sport improved the standard also went up enormously. In the Stock Standard class a racing car which conform to the rules could cost close to R30 000. The top range Saloon class (Super Hotrods) will set you back no less than R200 000 and one slick tyre R2000. Some top range Sprint cars in South Africa carry a price tag of R800 000. This is a proof that no Tom, Dick and Harry can be an Oval racer. Strict rules are also in place so that not any potential drivers can mock up a racecar and compete. Cars must be built by approved chassis builders. Cars are also scruteneered before every race meeting to ensure that it conforms to safety and rules for that specific class.

 

Track owners or Promoters also can not present an event at will. Proof of Public liability of R50M must be in place BEFORE a Motorsport South Africa license is issued to present events. Then the promoter must also comply with Local Government rules and regulations. This includes Police on the premises, fire extinguishers, security personnel for crowd control and Motorsport Officials. Drivers are not allowed to race without licenses from Motorsport South Africa which includes Medical Insurance of not less than R50 000 and up to R500 000 if they are injured. Racing apparel for drivers which are fire retardant are compulsory and amounts close to R4000. As in any sport you will still have the odd spectator who misbehave but be sure that Polokwane Oval will have law enforcement on the premises to attend. We also have a liquor free area (painted in red) for those who choose not to consume alcohol at the track. As you can see no stone was left untouched to promote Oval racing.

 

Currently we present 7 different classes in Oval:

ROOKIES

Here any new driver can enter this class with any class of car to catch up with the rules and regulations in Oval but more to get “seat” time to better his/her skills on driving a racing car

 

STOCKRODS

This is an Introductory class where drivers can purchase/built a car for ±R30 000. Racing expenditure for racing day amounts to ±R600 (Entry fee, fuel, tyres etc) this is one of Oval’s closely contested classes because of costs. Only a few modifications are allowed. Driver skills and set up of the car, choice of tyres etc. will be the winner.

 

1600 MODIFIED CLASS

More modifications are allowed in this class like modified cylinder heads, side draught carburetors etc are allowed however, brakes and shock absorbers should remain standard. A competitive car will be ±R100 000.

 

2.0L MODIFIEDS

This is a full blast racing class where imported parts are allowed like 4 pot calipers on the brakes, close ratio gearboxes, double diagram clutches etc. Semi slick tyres reduce lap times considerably therefore need for special brakes.

 

SUPER HOTRODS

This is an open class where modifications are allowed on any 4 cylinder engine as well as on Rotary engines. Engines produce close to 300KW which makes it necessary for full slicks tyres which amounts to R2000 per slick. During a nights racing you could  kill the 2 outside slicks. A competitive car will set you back up to R300 000.

 

SUPER SALOONS

Here any 6 or 8 cylinder engine is allowed. Brute 8 cylinder engines make it very noisy, destroying a slick tyre every night during racing. Price tag ±R200 000

 

SPRINT CARS

This class originated in the USA. Super hot V8 fuel injected engines are used producing well over 800HP. The complete weight of the car and driver should not be less than 600Kg. considering the power to weight ratio it is compulsory for cars to be fitted with big front and rear wings to keep the car from getting airborne. This is spectacular racing as well as the most expensive class in Oval. R800 000 will ensure that you can aim for the South African title. 

 

POLOKWANE OVAL

We present club events once a month where our spectator count is ±1500. One Regional and one National race are also presented during a year where competitors from all over South Africa compete for National colours. Spectator count rises up to 4000. In 2009 we hosted 9 National champions and the years there after not less than 3 National Champions per year. We are affiliated to Motorsport South Africa as prescribed by SACOC.