LOCAL dirt oval stock car racing champion Jody van Zummeren, 22, is flying the South African flag high – especially after has flown the SA flag high by winning an international competition in Cape Town earlier this year.
The competition took place at Tygerberg Raceway where representatives from several European countries took part had representatives taking part in the 2.1 modifieds class.
This resulted in Van Zummeren receiving probably the highest accolade anyone could achieve in the sporting code.

“I will be getting my Protea colours at the end of the year. I’m quite happy with that,“ he said.
Among his numerous achievements, he has claimed the honours as a two-time regional champion in 2.1 modifieds dirt oval racing and as well as being awarded Eastern Provincial colours. His father, Martin van Zummeren, was also elated at his son’s success.
“I’m very proud of him, he’s achieved a lot this year. We’re also so happy that he will receive his Protea colours later this year,” van Zummeren said.
In his spare time, van Zummeren works on his own stock car. His team of two oversee the engine and body work of the car, respectively.
“Racing takes up a lot of my time so I always have to balance my time with my family,” van Zummeren said.
Van Zummeren has been racing since he was 11 years and started out competing in a Datsun GX Coupe at the Summerpride Showgrounds Circuit at the oval track in the junior class.
It seems racing cars runs in the family. He follows in the footsteps of his father, Martin, and brother, Wade, who is a national champion in his own right.
When the GO! asked the ambitious young man on his future plans in racing, he said: “I want to move up a class and one day make Nascar”.