Teen hot rod racer fires it up on the oval track

GEORGE NEWS - George oval track racer Malan Walters (18), a learner of Hoërskool Outeniqua, has achieved great success in recent weeks, both locally and nationally.

At the Mega Oval Worcester awards ceremony, he was named the sportsman of the year and also received the award for the best prepared car.

In addition, he also earned the titles of Boland champion and Mega Oval Club champion.

The Mega Oval is an oval track racing facility where drivers compete in various motorsport classes such as hot rods, 1660s and modifieds. It is one of the most well-known World of Motorsport South Africa (Womza) tracks in the Western Cape and it regularly hosts major championships.

Shortly afterwards, Malan participated in the Womza Nationals in Bloemfontein on 29 and 30 August, where he impressively secured second place in the hot rod class, earning the ZA2 number, marking him as the second best driver in the country.

"To finish in the top three after two nights of tough racing was an incredible feeling and a dream come true," he says.

Meeting a world champ

During the Bloemfontein event, Malan and his team also had the privilege of meeting renowned UFC fighter Dricus 'Stillknocks' du Plessis.

Du Plessis is not only a world champion in mixed martial arts, but also a passionate motorsport enthusiast with a particular love of oval track racing. He has even taken the wheel himself at such events and, according to Malan, expressed great admiration for the dedication and talent of local drivers.

"A highlight was meeting and racing alongside Dricus du Plessis. He is humble and down-to-earth," says Malan.

He hinted that fans might be in for a surprise at an upcoming race in George involving Du Plessis.

Malan first expressed his thanks to God for protection during the events and showed appreciation for his competitors, organisers, supporters and sponsors. He also thanked his clubs, Mega Oval Worcester and George Motor Club, for their continued support, as well as the many family and team members who stand by him.

Adding to his recent success, last weekend, on Saturday 6 September, Malan took first place in the hot rod class at the season opener in Worcester, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in local motorsport.

ABOVE: Malan Walters and Dricus du Plessis in Bloemfontein. Photo: Alicia Prinsloo

Racing is in his blood

Malan comes from a motorsport background, with his father, Charl, also having competed. Malan began oval track racing in June 2024 at the age of 17 as a member of the George Motor Club.

In his very first season as a rookie hot rod driver, he achieved several milestones, including being crowned the George show champion 2024, securing second place in the George Club Championships that year, and winning George Motor Club's Best Prepared Award - all within the first half of the season.

Malan is now looking forward to the DO4SA National Championships in George on 3 and 4 October.

Malan Walters in action on the track. Photo: Tony Camacho