There’s something unmistakably powerful about the roar of a race car engine—a visceral sound that stirs adrenaline, pride, and nostalgia all at once. But beyond the thrill of tyre smoke and chequered flags, motorsport also has a quieter, more profound engine: family. This Father’s Day, Formula Vee South Africa—a grassroots racing category known for launching careers and cultivating community—is shining a spotlight on the legacy of father-child bonds forged on the racetrack.
At the heart of this story is Theo Vermaak, Chairman of Formula Vee South Africa, who credits his father for igniting his lifelong passion for racing. “I grew up next to the racetrack watching my dad Ernie racing since the early ’90s,” Vermaak recalls. “I remember sitting in his yellow Golf that he raced in WesBank Modifieds. When he started the car, hearing those racing sounds and feeling that sense of excitement and energy in that environment impacted me and influenced my journey into the racing world.”
That early immersion led Vermaak not only to leadership within the association but to continued competition behind the wheel—still with his father by his side, now as his mechanic. “He’s not racing anymore, but he’s still my mechanic and helps others in the pit. I learnt everything from my dad – the mechanical side just comes naturally to me. It’s a special dynamic racing as a team.”
Fathers, Sons, and the Fuel of Tradition
This shared journey isn’t unique to Vermaak. The Formula Vee paddock is filled with father-child duos, united by a common passion and a deep-rooted sense of camaraderie. Long-time competitor Peter Hills, a veteran from the early 1990s, now races alongside his two sons, Brandon and Vaughn—forming a formidable trio that consistently runs at the front of the pack. The Kane family also spans three generations, with Klint Kane racing under the watchful eyes and hands of his father Kevin and young son Cason.
Other names on the grid echo the same story: Barry Stuart’s daughter Chloe got her start in Formula Vee before progressing into higher motorsport categories. Johan Gouws is supported by both his children and his father, a former Vee racer himself. Kyle Watt and his father Craig, the Stewart brothers Daine and Milé with their dad Mark, and Gert van den Berg, who has his father commuting from Bloemfontein to every race—all represent the deep intergenerational thread that weaves through this fiercely loyal community.
“Formula Vee is more than just a racing category—it’s a place where families grow closer, where parents and kids build cars, learn skills, and share unforgettable experiences,” says Vermaak. “It’s not just a team sport, it’s a family sport.”
Beyond the Grid: Building Skills and Connections
While Formula Vee remains a crucial stepping stone for young drivers transitioning from karting to single-seaters, it also prides itself on accessibility and inclusion. Its open-pit policy welcomes fans into the fold, encouraging them to explore the cars, meet the drivers, and experience the behind-the-scenes magic. It’s this transparency that transforms spectators into participants—and sometimes, into the next generation of racers.
The series continues to enjoy strong support from Dunlop, which supplies the SportMaxx tyres trusted by the entire grid. “They perform exactly how we need them to and they’re reliable,” Vermaak says. “It’s been a strong partnership, and we’re looking forward to many more good years with Dunlop.”
60 Years of Legacy, With No Signs of Slowing Down
As Formula Vee South Africa celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, its reputation for accessibility, affordability, and heart remains firmly intact. In honour of the milestone, the association is preparing for an international endurance event later this year at Zwartkops Raceway, inviting racers from Germany and the United States to join in the festivities.
“Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind the scenes, everyone’s welcome,” says Vermaak. “Joining Formula Vee teaches technical skills, social skills, and builds confidence. It’s a place to race, relax, and make lifelong friends.”
This Father’s Day, as engines rev and stories are shared around toolboxes and trailers, Formula Vee South Africa isn’t just celebrating racing—it’s celebrating what makes the sport truly special: legacy, love, and the bonds that keep us coming back to the track.
