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Young Port Elizabethan driver tops

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Daniel Rowe, a 20 year-old HMS (Human Movement Science) student at NMMU (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) is the first Port Elizabethan to lead the Engen Volkswagen Cup championship since series champions Tschops Sipuka and Michael Stephen in the mid-2000s.

Engen Volkswagen Cup is part of the national Super Series which competes at Aldo Scribante Raceway on Saturday, 3 May, round three of the national season. The single-make Engen Volkswagen Cup is one of the perennial favourites in the line-up due to its close racing and tough battles.

Rowe is currently in his second season of competition in the series and is part of the Ferodo team. This sees him partnered with Sheldon van der Linde (16 – Ferodo Racing) and Shayur Harpal (26 – Ferodo Racing). Previously Rowe has competed in karts, Formula Volkswagen and in a number of regional racing events.

“Things are going well this year,” says Rowe. “The backing we get from Ferodo in getting the cars set up and the vibe within the team is great. I have good teammates but we race hard out on track, there’s no such thing as team orders once the race is underway!”

Rowe is a third-generation motorsport competitor, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Lionel Rowe, who campaigned in a number of different disciplines but is probably best-known for competition in the Broadspeed Anglia. Mike Rowe, Daniel’s father, campaigned the Engen Volkswagen Cup series when the field made use of the Polo Classic sedan models.

When not behind the wheel, Rowe can be found in the gym working on upper body strength, with running, cardio and stretching as part of his routine. He is also a member of the St George’s Colts soccer team and trains with them twice a week.

Now in its 17th year, the single-make Engen Volkswagen Cup series for Volkswagen Polo Vivo race cars has produced some of the best-known names in modern SA motorsport with several involved in international competition – most recently Kelvin van der Linde that won the Scirocco R-Cup and is involved in the DTM series this season.

The Engen Volkswagen Cup field – the largest single field of entries to the Super Series – will contest two races on Saturday, May 3, at Aldo Scribante Raceway. The field qualifies on Saturday morning at 09:00, race one is scheduled for 11:25 and race two starts at 14:50.

Daniel Rowe
Daniel Rowe, a 20 year-old HMS (Human Movement Science) student at NMMU (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.