Christoff
Snyders is a young and dynamic driver of a Volkswagen Polo in the South African
Rally Championship. He started his rally career in 2004 as navigator and today,
he’s defending his title as the reigning S1600 and Two-wheel-drive champion
driver. He tends to shy away from titles and accolades, but it’s clear his
entire being comes to life when asked about his car and the sport of rallying.
Today
we get to know this quiet blue-eyed boy (literally) with the stalwart internal strength
a bit better.
What was it like winning the
S1600 and Two-Wheel-Drive titles in your debut year of competing in the South
African Rally Championship?
Fantastic!!!! But short-lived. You quickly realize you have
to start all over again the next year…
Which rally do you enjoy the
most?
The Sasol. That was the first rally my dad and I ever went to
go and spectate. Plus I enjoy it because it’s quite technical.
Do you and your sister
(navigator) ever fight in the car?
Now and then [when she
tweets on open sections and misses an instruction! Ed.]
How would you describe your
driving style?
Sebastian baby!!! Seriously I look up to the big boys like
Loeb and Petter Solberg and try to learn as much as I can
from them.
How do you
sleep the night before a rally?
Usually on a bed on my left side
with my eyes closed but it doesn’t always work.
What do
you think about on a long straight?
“Yeeeeah!” followed by “I hope the brakes still work…”
Who are
your motor sport role models?
Petter Solberg (his passion), Colin
McRae (his no fear attitude), Fernando Alonso (always being the best he can
be), in that order.
What do you want to do one day when you grow up?
Make
a living in motor sport.
How old
were you the first time you drove a car?
Around 11 years. My dad had this old
bakkie that I started to maneuver around in the driveway and then on a quiet
road when the rest of the world took a Sunday-afternoon nap.
You
successfully completed the Comrades marathon. How does that compare with
rallying?
Both require a lot of preparation
but the satisfaction of finishing makes it all worth it.
The comrades is a lot cheaper
though, the only rubber you need are those on your feet and you also get more
kilometres per litre.
Now for some fun:
What is your
favorite word? Vingergeaktiveerdegasaangedrewesigaretontbrandingstoestelletjie
(Afrikaans for a lighter…)
What is your
least favorite word?
China
What sound or
noise do you love?
An idling
rallycar
What sound or
noise do you hate?
Hearing someone
eat…
A
song/band/type of music you'd risk wreck & injury to turn off when
it comes on the radio?
House music
Favorite show
on television?
“The discovery channel” show
Favorite movie?
Happy Gillmore
If you could
have anything put on a t-shirt what would it be?
“If it aint got
wheels it aint goin anywhere…”
What makes you
really mad?
Spiteful, arrogant Jo’burg drivers
A talent you
wish you had?
To play the drums
Dream
vacation?
A private
island holiday
What’s on your
nightstand?
Bible, 1 or 2
unread books, cellphone
What’s
something about you that would surprise us?
I’m still
single…bahahaha
If
YOU have any questions you’d like to ask Christoff, feel free to comment on
this post or send him a tweet @cloxshox or say hi on our Facebook page: Clox,
Shox & Two Smokin’ Sideshafts.
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