Father and daughter duo in top 3 at Paardepoort Rally

KAROO NEWS - Union High School student Demi Kretzmann (17) teamed up with her dad, Deon, for an exciting run in the Paardepoort Rally, the second round of the Algoa Rally Club's regional championship, on Saturday 30 September.

This marked Demi's debut as a navigator alongside her father, a former seven-time SA-champion car from Toyota Gazoo, in their Toyota Etios 1600 R2.

Both members of the Algoa Rally Club, they came third in their class and clinched fourth place overall, covering 75km across five stages.

Thrill of speed

Demi's journey into rallying began in 2021, when she was just 15 years old.

Her love for the sport and the thrill of speed was clear for all to see, and during the course of that year she proved her commitment showing great discipline.

Deon says his daughter's keen interest in rallying prompted them to train her as a navigator. "There's always a shortage of navigators, and it takes commitment and courage to sit next to a driver."

She honed her skills with Gary Heine in his VW Golf 1400.

Her passion for the sport grew, and the dream of a father-daughter duo became a reality with the support of Triple Plant Hire and other sponsors.

Always something new

Demi loves the ever-changing nature of rallies, unlike the repetitive nature of track racing.

Most importantly, she cherishes the opportunity to spend quality time with her dad and plans to continue rallying alongside her dad and even to venture into the national and international levels, where skilled navigators are in high demand.

However, she does admit that the sport has its downsides, including the dust and sweltering heat inside the suits on scorching days.

The physical hammering of navigating through jumps, dips and rough roads also takes its toll.

Her perspective on driving is unique.

While many aspire to be behind the wheel, she relishes the role of a navigator.

In her free time, she entertains the idea of driving a stock car, possibly challenging her father on the track.

Big break

Deon told Graaff-Reinet Advertiser that her big break came at their recent race at the LLL Paardepoort Rally in Wolwefontein, which had been postponed due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year.

Because his previous navigator had acquired his own car, Deon surprised Demi with the news that she would navigate for him.

Although the plan had been for Demi to complete her training this year and start next year's season with him, she performed exceptionally well under the pressure of the race.

Their impressive finish in fourth place overall and third in their class is a significant achievement.

Season finale

The season finale, scheduled for

10 and 11 November in East London, promises to be a challenging test for all participants. Deon currently holds the second overall position in the championship, trailing the leader by just nine points. Demi, as navigator, occupies the eleventh spot in a competitive field of about 30 competitors.