A 15-year-old teenager from Durbanville is building on a legacy started by her grandfather – racing.
Tamika van Niekerk, a stock car racer for the Cape Hell Drivers Oval Track Club in the Western Cape, is described as someone to keep your eye on by her sponsors.
Her choice in extra mural sport did not come as a surprise as racing runs in her blood, they say.
“Her grandfather, Johnny van Niekerk (Snr), is a former stock car champion from back in the Goodwood Show Ground days, while her sister, Ciara van Niekerk, is a multiple stock car and circuit racing champion.
“Tamika is now on the road to those same achievements coming second in the 2021 Cape Hell Driver’s Junior Development Championship in just her first racing season behind the wheel,” says Anita Mouton of Wingfield Motors in Goodwood, a sponsor of the driver.
Tamika recently competed in the Cape Hell Drivers (Tar) vs Weskus Oval (Dirt) challenge between Saturday 7 May and Sunday 8 May.
“On the first day at Killarney International Raceway on tar, Tamika dominated the evening and set herself up for a great start, leading the challenge going into the second leg on the dirt. However, she was met with bad luck in the form of a puncture in the first race at Weskus Oval.”
Tamika’s ability to maintain a positive attitude through the good and bad is what she believes sets her apart from the field, says Anita.
“She is determined to win the championship in the 2022 racing season, currently lying in a close second place with five races left to go, she is certain consistency will get her the title,” says Anita.
Cape Hell Drivers’ next event is on Saturday 18 June at the Killarney Oval.
