The dust may have settled on the 2024-’25 oval racing season, but Strand local Pieter Meyer is still on a high as he looks back on a year of renewed focus, consistent performance and some unexpected twists and turns.
A familiar face on the Western Cape racing circuit, he recently shared insights into his approach and achievements, including a notable second-place finish in both club and Western Province standings.
Meyer openly admitted his change in strategy for the season. “At the start of the 2024-’25 season I decided to take this a bit more seriously… to see what I can do or figure out how to get among the points.”
His personal mantra for the year was clear: “Finish every race and stay positive”.
Unlike previous seasons, Meyer’s focus wasn’t on winning individual event trophies, but rather on accumulating points for the overall standings. “I didn’t race for a cup at the end of each event, but I was working toward my points for the end of the year, the final standings.”
This dedication saw him compete in all 11 races, accumulating a total of 466 points, with 261 points specifically from regional races.
His primary allegiance remained with the Dirt Oval for SA (DO4SA), West Coast Oval Track, where he competed in regional events and had earned his WP colours.
Beyond his home track, Meyer also ventured to other venues, including Klein Plasie in Worcester, where his efforts were rewarded with a number of wins and silverware.
The season wasn’t without its challenges, though. In the final race Meyer experienced a moment of “bad luck”, leading to him receiving the aptly named “bad luck trophy”. He humorously recounted how “another competitor decided he’s going to help me into the wall”.
Despite the mishap, Meyer views it as a dual blessing, acknowledging the good luck with his impressive overall results at the end of the season seeing him place second in the club and second in the WP standings.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that he accomplished it with a car that is 42 years old, one that is not “the same fancy cars the other competitors are driving”.
Reflecting on his broader racing career, Meyer highlighted a history of accolades, including the title of sportsman of the year, a third-place finish in club standings, and driver of the day recognitions over the past four years. The recent second-place finishes, coupled with another “bad luck trophy”, contribute to what he considers a memorable season.
Meyer extended his gratitude to his sponsors whose support was crucial to his success this season: LG Towing, Palm Tyres, Coastal Waterproofing, Atlantic Paint and Panel, Broadlands Scrap Metal and Access Auto.
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