GQEBERHA – A local family is making their mark in the competitive world of slot car racing, combining a shared hobby with impressive results on the national stage.

Parents Diana and Juan-Pierre van Zyl, together with their children, Alexa (11) and Sébastien (7), recently competed at the SAMCA National event in Cape Town from 8 to 11 July 2026, where they achieved podium and top-six finishes.

Juan-Pierre secured sixth place in the Amateur Sports class, while Alexa claimed third place in the Junior Production class and fourth in the Junior Sports class. Sébastien finished sixth in the Junior Production class and fifth in the Junior Sports class.

The Cape Town event was not the family’s first national outing this year. In April, they competed in the first SAMCA Grand Prix Nationals of the year in Brakpan, where Alexa also claimed third place in Junior Production and fourth in Junior Sports.

She was additionally awarded the Golden Hands trophy, recognising her exceptional skill and dedication as the top marshal of the event. Sébastien matched his sister’s performance with a fourth place in Junior Sports and third in Junior Production.

There are three SAMCA Grand Prix Nationals held each year, and the Van Zyl family has now competed in two of the three 2026 events.

In September, the PEMRCC (PE Model Racing Car Club) will host the third and final SAMCA Nationals of the year at Baywest Shopping Centre in Gqeberha, giving local racing enthusiasts the opportunity to witness the sport first-hand.

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