High-speed action at national oval racing spectacle

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MOTOR RACING NEWS - Engines roared and crowds cheered as the George Motor Club hosted one of the most exhilarating motorsport events of the year, the 2025 DO4SA National Championships.

The event took place at the George Showgrounds on Friday and Saturday, 3 and 4 October.

The high-octane two-day event drew more than 200 entries and thousands of spectators, transforming the arena into a buzzing hub of noise, speed and adrenaline as South Africa's top oval drivers battled for national titles across six fiercely contested classes.

Event co-ordinator Antoinette Lotz and her team kept the races flowing smoothly and the infield safe, while maintaining an electric atmosphere from start to finish.

Visiting teams commended the slick organisation, from efficient access control and clear communication to rapid turnarounds between heats, ensuring the event ran on schedule despite packed grids.

Spectators were treated to door-to-door racing, daring overtakes and world-class racecraft under the floodlights. Local vendors kept fans energised, while marshals and safety crews maintained a safe, family-friendly environment throughout the weekend.

"George once again proved why it's one of the country's favourite dirt ovals," said Lotz. "We're so proud of what our team, drivers, officials, sponsors and supporters achieved together. This championship belongs to everyone who made it happen."

Drivers from across South Africa travelled to compete, but local racers from George and Oudtshoorn made their mark on home soil with several podium finishes.

In the 2.1-litre class, Kobus Barnard of the George Motor Club claimed top honours as national champion, followed by Brennon Green and De Wet Britz of the Oudtshoorn Motor Club, who finished second and third respectively.

George continued its dominance in the heavy metals category, where Marco Barnard took the title ahead of fellow club member Han-Koch Brand, and André Keller from Oudtshoorn secured third.

The American saloons class also belonged to George, with Quentin Muller and CJ Bitzer claiming the top two positions, while Johan Cloete from Bloemfontein completed the podium.

Oudtshoorn's drivers shone in other divisions, too. Christo Beneke earned third place in the 1600 saloons and Henties de Villiers finished runner-up in the 1660s category.

CJ Bitzer, Pieter Combrink, Pieter van der Merwe and Roy Bitzer during the American saloons race.