South Africa is home to some of the best auto racing players in the world. The country has a long history of producing world-class racers, from Formula One and NASCAR to the more local forms of motorsport.
This article will take a look at some of the best auto racing players from South Africa and their accomplishments.
From world champions to record-breakers, these racers have made their mark on the sport and have helped to make South Africa a formidable force in the world of motorsports.
1. Tony Maggs
Anthony Francis O’Connell Maggs was a pioneering and successful South African racing driver. He was the first ever Formula One driver from South Africa, debuting in the Formula One World Championship Grand Prix on 15 July 1961.
During his career, he managed to achieve three podiums and scored a total of 26 championship points. Maggs was a highly accomplished and respected driver across the racing world.
His successes in the Formula One World Championship Grands Prix showcased his talent and skill as a driver.
His achievements were a source of pride for South Africans and a representation of their potential in the sport. Maggs’ career in Formula One was cut short due to a racing accident in practice for the 1964 German Grand Prix, which resulted in severe injuries.
Despite his short career, his legacy continues to inspire and motivate South African drivers to this day. He was a pioneering figure in the sport, and his record of 26 championship points is still the highest achieved by a South African driver in Formula One.
2. Neville Lederle
Neville Lederle was a well-known racing driver from South Africa. He was a very experienced racer, having competed in many events throughout his career.
He was also a successful driver, winning numerous races and titles over his career. In the world of Formula One racing, Lederle was particularly successful. He competed in two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, which is a highly prestigious event.
During this time, he managed to score a single championship point, which is a great accomplishment for any driver. The Formula One championship is a prestigious event, and the drivers that compete in it are some of the best in the world.
To be able to achieve a single championship point in this event is a sign of great skill and determination. Lederle achieved this feat and proved himself to be a top-class driver. His success in Formula One earned him great respect from the racing community.
Lederle was admired for his skill and determination and was well-respected among the racing world.
He was an inspiration to many aspiring racers, showing them that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Overall, Neville Lederle was a great racing driver from South Africa.
He showed great skill and determination in his two World Championship Formula One Grands Prix, scoring a single championship point. His success was a testament to his skill and determination, and he will always be remembered for his achievements in the racing world.
3. Alex Blignaut
Alex Blignaut was a highly accomplished South African racing driver and motor racing team owner. He was born in Johannesburg in 1973 and began his career at the age of seven, racing karts in his local area.
By the age of 15, he had already become a professional driver and was competing in national championship events.Throughout his career, Alex raced in a variety of series, including Formula Ford, Formula Vee and Formula Three.
He won races in each of these series and was even crowned South African Formula Vee Champion in 1997.In addition to driving, Alex was also an accomplished team owner. He owned the Blignaut Motorsport Team and was involved in the running of a number of motor racing series.
He was also responsible for the organization of several international motor racing events, such as the South African Grand Prix, and the South African Formula One Championship. Alex Blignaut was a highly respected and admired figure in the world of motor racing.
He was a great ambassador for South African motorsport, and his legacy continues to live on. His passion for racing, and his commitment to the sport, will never be forgotten.
4. Jody Scheckter
Jody David Scheckter is a South African business proprietor and former motor racing driver. He is best known for his success in Formula One, the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Scheckter started his career in 1972 and raced until 1980 when he won the Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari. During his eight years in Formula One, Scheckter achieved 12 wins and 24 podiums, with a total of 536 points.
He also won the 1977 South African Grand Prix and the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix. He retired from Formula One in 1980 after a highly successful career. Since retiring from racing, Scheckter has become a successful business proprietor.
He currently owns Laverstoke Park Farm, a 2,500-acre estate in England, and is the founder of JDS, a South African-based clothing company. He is also the founder and chairman of the JDS Foundation, a charity that focuses on protecting the environment and promoting education.
Jody David Scheckter is a highly accomplished individual who has achieved great success in both motor racing and business.
His achievements in Formula One have earned him a place in the history books, and his business endeavors have helped to make him a successful and respected entrepreneur.
5. Guy Tunmer
Percival Guy Tunmer was a racing driver from South Africa. He was one of the few South African drivers to take part in the Formula One World Championship. In 1975, he raced in the South African Grand Prix, driving a Lotus 72 for Team Gunston.
Despite facing stiff competition from international teams, Tunmer managed to finish 11th in the race, though he was not rewarded with any championship points. Tunmer’s success in Formula One was short-lived, but he found greater success in Formula Atlantic.
He raced in Formula Atlantic for several years and established himself as a respected driver in the field. His racing career was eventually cut short due to a severe injury he sustained while practising for a race.
Despite this, Tunmer is still remembered for his achievements in Formula One and Formula Atlantic.
6. Brausch Niemann
Ambraüsus “Brausch” Niemann was a professional racing driver from South Africa who made an appearance in two Formula One World Championship Grands Prix. The first of these two races was held in 1963, and the other one in 1965, both in his home country.
For the 1963 race, he drove a privately-entered Lotus and was able to qualify for the race. After finishing 14th in the race, he was not able to score any championship points.
Throughout his racing career, Niemann did not have much success, as he was unable to finish any of the two Grands Prix that he took part in. Despite his lack of success, Niemann was still able to make a name for himself in the racing world.
He was remembered as a brave and determined driver who was willing to take risks in order to achieve success. Niemann’s legacy is still remembered to this day, as he was able to make a mark in the world of racing despite his limited success.
He was able to achieve something that many other racing drivers could not and paved the way for other racing drivers from South Africa to make their mark in the international racing world.
7. Dave Charlton
David William Charlton was a racing driver from South Africa who was born in Brotton, Yorkshire. He had a successful career spanning from 1965-1968, when he competed in 13 World Championship Formula One Grands Prix.
He made his debut on the 1st of January 1965, and despite his best efforts, he failed to score any championship points throughout his time racing. Charlton was known for his skill behind the wheel, often driving for the South African national team in various international races.
His dedication to the sport saw him compete in numerous events, such as the South African Grand Prix, the Dutch Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Despite his strong performances in these races, Charlton was never able to break through and earn any championship points. Despite his lack of success in Formula One Grands Prix, Charlton was highly regarded by his peers and by racing enthusiasts all around the world.
His legacy lives on today, as he is remembered as a passionate and talented driver who pushed himself to the limit to achieve success. He left an indelible mark on the history of Formula One racing and will continue to be remembered for his commitment to the sport.
8. Bruce Johnstone
William Bruce Gordon Johnstone was a South African racing driver who competed in the 1962 Formula One World Championship Grand Prix. He was the only South African driver to ever compete in a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix.
He was also the first South African driver to race in the Formula One championship. Johnstone’s participation in the 1962 Formula One World Championship Grand Prix was a historic event, as he was the first South African driver to ever compete in a Formula One race.
Johnstone faced stiff competition in the Grand Prix, but he was determined to make a good showing for his country. Despite his best efforts, Johnstone was unable to score any championship points in the race.
He may not have won any points, but his participation in the Grand Prix was a significant milestone for South African racing drivers. Johnstone’s legacy is still felt in the world of Formula One racing today.
His participation in the 1962 Grand Prix has inspired generations of young South African racing drivers to pursue their dreams and compete in the world’s most prestigious motorsport championship.
He will always be remembered as a pioneering South African racing driver who helped pave the way for future generations.
9. Ian Scheckter
Ian Scheckter is a former racing driver who took part in 20 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix during his career. His debut in the world of Formula One was on 30 March 1974, and his participation in the Grands Prix spanned for a period of about four years.
Unfortunately, despite his success in the sport, he was unable to score any championship points during his time in Formula One. Scheckter was a determined driver who was willing to put in the effort to make it to the top.
He was always focused on improving his performance and tried to make the best out of every race he took part in. Although his results did not reflect it, his commitment to racing was undeniable.
Despite not earning any points in the championship, Scheckter still left a lasting impression on the world of Formula One. He was one of the first drivers to try and make it to the top of the sport, and his determination and passion for racing was an inspiration to many.
He showed that even if you don’t always get the desired results, you can still be successful in the world of racing.
10. Eddie Keizan
Eddie Keizan was a South African racing driver who was born in Johannesburg. He made his Formula One debut on 3 March 1973 and competed in three World Championship Grands Prix during the 1970s, however he was unable to score any championship points.
Despite this, Eddie Keizan was a highly talented driver who will always be remembered for his racing career in Formula One.
11. Jackie Pretorius
Jacobus “Jackie” Pretorius was a racing driver from South Africa who was active during the 1960s. He competed in the Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on 1 January 1965, becoming one of the first South African drivers to do so.
Despite his impressive performance, he was unable to score any championship points during his career. Jackie Pretorius was born in South Africa in 1940 and grew up in a motorsport-loving family.
As a young man, he decided to pursue a career in racing and quickly made a name for himself in the local racing scene.
He soon earned a spot in the prestigious Formula One World Championship Grands Prix and made his debut on 1 January 1965. During his brief stint in Formula One racing, Jackie Pretorius managed to impress the racing world with his skill and determination.
Despite this, he was unable to score any championship points during his Formula One career. After the 1965 season, Jackie Pretorius left the sport and returned to South Africa where he continued to race in local events for the next few years.
Jackie Pretorius’ legacy lives on in the motorsport world, as he is remembered as one of the first South African drivers to participate in the Formula One World Championship Grands Prix.
His impressive skill and determination are also remembered by many, and his career serves as an inspiration to young racing drivers from all over the world.
12. Paddy Driver
Ernest Gould “Paddy” Driver was a South African professional racer who had a successful career in both motorcycle and car racing. He was born in South Africa and began his racing career in motorcycle roadracing.
He competed in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing series, with his most successful year being 1969 when he finished in 4th place overall in the 350cc class. Driver was also a noted racing car driver, competing in Formula One and Formula Two during the 1970s.
He made several starts in Formula One, but never scored a point. He was more successful in Formula Two, where he won a race at the Silverstone Circuit in 1975. Driver’s career was cut short due to an accident at the 1977 Austrian Grand Prix.
He suffered a broken leg in the crash and was never able to make a full recovery. Despite this, he continued to be involved in motorsport, serving as a consultant and advisor for various teams in the years that followed.
Driver remains one of the most respected names in South African motorsport. He was inducted into the South African Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2005, and is remembered as one of the country’s most successful racers.
13. Peter de Klerk
Peter David de Klerk was a South African racing driver who competed in the Formula One World Championship. He made his debut in this prestigious championship on the 28th of December in 1963 and went on to race in four Grands Prix.
Unfortunately, he was not able to secure any points in the championship, and thus his name does not appear in the record books. Despite not achieving any points in the championship, de Klerk’s foray into Formula One is remembered with admiration.
His determination and bravery in the face of a challenging sport is an example to us all.
De Klerk’s presence in the championship highlighted the international scope of Formula One, and his courage to compete in a sport that was dominated by drivers from other countries was remarkable.De Klerk’s legacy in Formula One may have been brief, but his career was an inspiration to many.
He was a pioneer in the sport, showing that even if success was not guaranteed, there was still a place for a brave racing driver from South Africa in Formula One.
14. Doug Serrurier
Louis Douglas Serrurier was a South African racing driver and racing car constructor who competed in three Formula One World Championship Grands Prix during the 1960s. His debut race was the South African Grand Prix on December 29, 1962.
However, he was unable to score any championship points during his time in the sport. Serrurier was born in South Africa and began racing in the early 1950s. He was a successful driver in regional tournaments, but he decided to attempt to transition to the world stage.
He made his Formula One debut in 1962 and participated in the South African Grand Prix, but he failed to make an impact on the race.
He then attempted two more Grand Prix events, but he again failed to score any points. Serrurier was an ambitious driver and continued to compete in regional tournaments. He even constructed his own racing cars, although they were not successful.
He eventually retired from racing in 1972, after a long and distinguished career. Despite his lack of success on the world stage, he is still remembered as one of South Africa’s most talented racing drivers.
15. Basil van Rooyen
Basil van Rooyen was a multifaceted South African racing driver, race car developer, inventor, and engineer.
He had a long and distinguished career that spanned many different types of vehicles, from motorcycles to Formula 1 cars. Van Rooyen began his career by racing motorcycles, eventually progressing to saloon cars such as the Anglia, Lotus Cortina, Mustang, Alfa Romeo, and Capri Perana Chevy Can-am.
He also raced sports cars, single-seaters, and even the prestigious Formula 1 class. Van Rooyen was an expert in developing race cars, having a vast knowledge of all types of vehicles.
He was also an inventive engineer, often coming up with new innovations to improve the performance of the cars he drove.
He even created a Fiat/Ferrari saloon car that was designed to compete with the best in the world. Van Rooyen was a true pioneer in the world of racing, having a long and successful career that spanned multiple disciplines.
His achievements will live on in the history of the sport, and his legacy will be remembered by future generations.
16. Trevor Blokdyk
John Trevor Blokdyk was a South African racing driver who had a distinguished career in both motorcycle speedway and Formula One.
Born in Krugersdorp, Transvaal in 1935, he rose to prominence in the world of motor racing, competing in two World Championship Grands Prix, although he only qualified for one.
Blokdyk began his racing career in the mid-1950s, competing in motorcycle speedway and quickly establishing himself as a successful rider.
He won the South African National Speedway Championship in 1962 and 1963, as well as achieving numerous race wins in both South Africa and Europe.
In 1967, Blokdyk made the transition to four-wheeled racing, making his Formula One debut in a privately-entered Brabham at the South African Grand Prix. He went on to compete in two World Championship Grands Prix, although he only qualified for one.
Sadly, Blokdyk’s life was cut short in 1995 when he died in a motor racing accident at the age of 59. He was remembered as a dedicated and passionate racer, whose talent and skill saw him achieve great success in the world of motor racing.
17. Ernie Pieterse
Ernest Pieterse was a professional racing driver from South Africa. He was a part of the Formula One World Championship, a prestigious international racing event. He made his debut on 29 December 1962 and participated in three Grand Prix events.
Unfortunately, he was unable to score any championship points during his involvement in the Formula One World Championship. Despite this, his career in racing was an impressive one, and he will be remembered for his contribution to South African motorsport.
18. Luki Botha
Lukas “Luki” Botha was a Formula One driver from South Africa, who made his mark in motorsport history by taking part in the 1967 South African Grand Prix. Born in Pretoria, Transvaal, Luki had a passion for sports cars and endurance racing.
As a result, he had a wealth of experience in the field before he was even eligible to take part in the Grand Prix. Luki entered the race in a privately owned Brabham BT11, a model which was popular in the 1960s.
During the race, Luki was able to keep up with the other drivers and even set the fastest lap time. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish the race due to a mechanical failure.
This was a disappointing end to what had been an impressive performance. Luki’s participation in the 1967 South African Grand Prix was a great accomplishment.
Despite not being able to finish the race, his performance was an inspiration to other drivers from South Africa and around the world. His legacy lives on in the motorsport community, and he will always be remembered as a brave and talented driver.
19. William Ferguson
William “Willie” Ferguson was a professional racing driver from South Africa. He was associated with the local outfit Team Gunston and entered the 1972 South African Grand Prix with them. Willie was driving a Brabham BT33, one of the most competitive cars of the era.
However, his dreams of a successful race were dashed when his engine blew during practice. This left Willie unable to start the race, which was a great disappointment for the South African driver.
Despite the setback, Willie continued to compete in other races, showing his resilience and determination to succeed. To this day, Willie Ferguson is remembered as a talented and dedicated driver who pushed the boundaries of racing in South Africa.
20. Adrian Zaugg
Adrian Zaugg is a professional race car driver from South Africa. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, he is of Dutch descent.
He began his racing career in the South African Formula Vee Championship in 1997 and then moved up to the South African Formula Ford Championship in 1998.
Since then, he has gone on to compete in numerous other racing series, including the German Formula Three Championship, the International Formula 3000 Championship, and the GP2 Series.
He has also competed in a handful of Formula One races, making him one of the few South African drivers to have done so. In 2010, Zaugg won the GP2 Series and was named South African Driver of the Year.
He has since retired from professional racing but remains a popular figure in the motorsport community.
21. Chris Aberdein
Chris Aberdein is a talented South African racing driver who has had a successful career in the South African Touring Car Championship. In the late 1990s, he competed for Audi, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in the championship.
In 1996, he finished runner-up to his teammate Terry Moss and managed to amass seven wins and twelve podiums throughout the season. His impressive performance earned him great respect among his fellow drivers and the racing community in general.
His success in the South African Touring Car Championship has been an inspiration to many aspiring racers and presented an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
In the years following his championship run, Chris Aberdein has continued to be a successful driver, competing in various racing series around the world.
22. Desiré Wilson
Desiré Randall Wilson is an accomplished former racing driver from South Africa. She is one of the only five women to have competed in Formula One, making her a trailblazer in the sport.
Desiré was born in Brakpan and in 1980, she entered a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix with a non-works RAM Racing-prepared Williams FW07 car.
Although she was unable to qualify, her participation in this event was a major accomplishment and a testament to her skills as a driver.
Desiré Randall Wilson is an inspirational figure for aspiring female race car drivers, showing them that anything is possible with enough determination and hard work.
23. Mike Harris
Mike Harris was a prominent racing driver from the now defunct nation of Northern Rhodesia. He was born and raised there, and at some point in his life made the decision to move to South Africa to pursue his dream of becoming a professional racecar driver.
He eventually made it into the big leagues, becoming the first Northern Rhodesian to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix, making his debut at the 1962 South African Grand Prix. Unfortunately, he was unable to finish the race, retiring after 14 laps due to mechanical failure.
Despite his brief stint in the World Championship Formula One Grand Prix, Mike Harris is still remembered as one of the most talented racing drivers from Northern Rhodesia. His story is an inspiration to many, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
24. Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter is a South African former racing driver who is best known for his achievements in the IndyCar Series. He began his racing career at a young age, winning the South African National Junior Championship in 1999.
He then moved to Europe, where he entered the Formula Ford Championship. After a successful stint in Europe, he moved to the United States and began competing in the IndyCar series in 2002.
Scheckter quickly became a force to be reckoned with, winning several races and establishing himself as one of the top drivers in the series. He continued to race in the IndyCar series until 2008 when he retired to pursue other interests.
During his time in the series, he earned a reputation as a fierce and fearless competitor, making him one of the most popular drivers in the sport.
Scheckter’s legacy in the IndyCar series is one of success and excitement, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of his generation.
25. Alan van der Merwe
Alan van der Merwe is an accomplished South African race car driver who has achieved success on the world stage. He is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who has used his success to support various charitable causes.
Van der Merwe has competed in Formula One, with his most notable role being as the driver of the Formula One medical car, alongside FIA Medical Delegate Dr. Ian Roberts.
On this role, Van der Merwe and Roberts have been responsible for providing medical and safety services during Formula One races, including transporting medical personnel to the scene of an incident and providing medical advice to the race stewards.
Van der Merwe is also a successful entrepreneur. In addition to his racing career, he is the CEO and founder of an engineering firm, specializing in motorsport engineering and the development of bespoke components for racing cars.
His business activities have been geared towards helping to promote the sport of motorsport and to support the development of the industry.In addition to his professional achievements, Van der Merwe is also actively involved in philanthropic activities.
He is a patron of the South African charity, Reach for a Dream, which helps to make the dreams of terminally ill children come true.
He also supports various initiatives that promote education and health in the communities in which he works. Van der Merwe is an inspiration to many and a driving force in the world of motorsport.
His dedication to motorsport, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his charitable work make him a role model for others to aspire to.
26. Etienne van der Linde
Etienne van der Linde is a professional racing driver from South Africa. He has raced in a number of different motorsport series throughout his career, most notably the Euro Formula 3000 and the German Formula Three Championship.
Van der Linde first entered the racing world in 1999, competing in the South African karting championships. He quickly rose through the ranks of karting, and within a few years was competing in Formula Ford in the United Kingdom.
From there, he moved up to the German Formula Three Championship, where he enjoyed success over the course of two seasons. In 2004, van der Linde made the jump to the Euro Formula 3000 series.
He achieved a podium finish in the series in 2005 and continued to race in the series until 2008 when he ceased competing in single-seater racing. Since then, he has raced in a variety of cars, such as the Porsche Carrera Cup and the Audi R8 LMS Cup.
Van der Linde has had a long and successful career in motorsports, and he continues to be a competitive and respected driver. He has achieved great success in a variety of different series and is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
27. Stephen Simpson
Stephen Simpson is an experienced professional racing driver. He hails from South Africa and the United States and has competed in a variety of high-level championships. Most recently, Stephen has been competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Additionally, he has competed in the A1 Grand Prix, Champ Car Atlantic Championship and the Indy Pro Series. Stephen Simpson is a highly skilled driver who has gained success in all of the championships he has competed in.
His years of experience have allowed him to develop a unique driving style and an understanding of how to get the most out of his car. Stephen has a long list of accolades from his various championships, including multiple podium finishes and race wins.
He is a highly respected driver amongst his peers and is known for his ability to remain composed and focused during the heat of the race. Stephen Simpson is a true professional racer and his impressive career demonstrates his commitment to the sport.
He is constantly striving to improve and challenge himself and remains a formidable presence on the track. He is undoubtedly one of the top drivers in the world and his presence in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship continues to be a great asset to the championship.
28. Werner Lupberger
Werner Lupberger is a professional racing car driver from South Africa.
He has had a successful career in international racing, having competed in some of the most prestigious series in the world. Lupberger has competed in the British Formula Three Championship, an open wheel single seater motor racing series which has been running since the late 1940s.
This series is considered to be one of the most competitive in the world and Lupberger has been able to prove his worth by performing well in the championship. Next, Lupberger has also competed in the Italian Formula 3000 series, which is a formula racing series that is based in Italy.
Here, Lupberger has been able to demonstrate his skills and abilities as a driver. He has been able to achieve success in this series as well. Finally, Lupberger has also been successful in the International Formula 3000 series.
This series is a global competition that sees drivers from all over the world competing in some of the most challenging tracks.
Lupberger has been able to demonstrate his racing skills and has been successful in this series as well. Overall, Werner Lupberger is a successful South African racing driver.
He has competed in some of the most prestigious racing series in the world and has been able to demonstrate his talents in each of them. He is a highly respected driver in the racing community and continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the track.
29. Wayne Taylor
Wayne Taylor is an acclaimed South African sports car racing driver and team owner. He is known for his triumphs in the 24 Hours of Daytona, having won it in 1996 and 2005.
His biggest success, however, came in 2005, when he became the Daytona Prototype drivers’ champion of the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series. During this time, he drove for SunTrust Racing alongside Max Angelelli, where they both enjoyed great success.
Wayne Taylor is a true success story, having achieved immense success in the world of sports car racing despite his South African origins.
30. Roy Hesketh
Lieutenant Roy O. Hesketh was a remarkable man. He was a South African racing driver and a pilot in the South African Air Force. Sadly, he lost his life in a tragic aircraft collision during the Second World War while serving in Egypt.
In his memory, the Roy Hesketh Circuit in Pietermaritzburg was named after him. He was laid to rest at the Fayid War Cemetery in Fayid, Egypt. Lieutenant Roy O. Hesketh was a passionate racer and a brave soldier.
As a racing driver, he competed in races across South Africa, making a name for himself in the sport. He was also a dedicated member of the South African Air Force, devoting his life to serving his country.
When war broke out, he continued to serve and was stationed in Egypt when his life was cut short. The loss of Lieutenant Roy O. Hesketh was felt by many. In his honor, the Roy Hesketh Circuit was opened in Pietermaritzburg.
This race track is a reminder of the life of a brave soldier and talented driver. His memory is also honored in the Fayid War Cemetery, where he was laid to rest. Lieutenant Roy O. Hesketh made an impact in life and death.
He was a passionate racing driver and a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His memory is kept alive with the Roy Hesketh Circuit and the Fayid War Cemetery. His legacy will continue to live on for many generations to come.
31. Sarel van der Merwe
Sarel Daniel van der Merwe is a renowned former rally and racing driver from South Africa, who achieved remarkable success throughout his career.
He was known by his nickname “Supervan” and is remembered for his remarkable record of eleven South African Rally Drivers Championships. Van der Merwe first won the championship in 1975, kicking off a string of victories that lasted for the next decade.
He won the championship again from 1977 to 1985, and finally in 1988. After that, he retired from the sport, going down in history as one of the greats in South African motorsport.
Van der Merwe’s record of eleven championship titles was a remarkable achievement and one that has never been surpassed. His skill behind the wheel and ability to win races made him an icon of the sport, and earned him his nickname of “Supervan”.
He will always be remembered as one of South Africa’s finest rally and racing drivers.
32. Tasmin Pepper
Tasmin Jay Pepper is a South African female racing driver who is making waves in the racing world. She is currently a reserve driver in W Series, making her one of the top female racers in the world.
Her family is also deeply involved in the racing world, as she is the daughter of former South African Touring Car driver Iain Pepper, the older sister of GT racer Jordan Pepper, and the wife of touring car driver Keegan Campos.
This makes her part of a tight-knit racing family, with each member supporting and encouraging the others.
With the experience of her family to back her, as well as her own hard work and dedication, it is clear Tasmin Jay Pepper is destined for great things in the world of racing.
33. Brad Binder
Brad Binder is a professional Grand Prix motorcycle racer from South Africa. He achieved great success in 2016 when he became the Moto3 World Champion.
This accomplishment solidified his status as a top racer and opened up new opportunities for him. In 2019, Brad was signed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to join their team in the MotoGP class for the 2020 season.
This was a major accomplishment for Binder, as he was chosen to replace Johann Zarco who had left the team earlier in the year.
This was an indication that Brad was ready to take his racing career to the next level and compete in the MotoGP class. Brad Binder is a talented and determined racer and the signing with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is a testament to his drive and commitment to succeed.
It is likely that we will hear much more from him in the future and see him reach further heights in the MotoGP class.
34. Graham Duxbury
Graham Duxbury is a South African racing driver, businessman and motorsport commentator. He is well-known in the South African motorsport community for his successful career, which began in 1982 when he won the South African National Drivers Championship.
This achievement was made possible with the help of his engineer, Ken Howes.
Initially, Duxbury drove a March 78B but later switched to a March 822, which was equipped with ground effect technology. Throughout his career, Duxbury has achieved numerous successes, both in racing and in business.
He has been involved in a variety of projects, including the founding of the South African Motorsport Foundation in 1999.
As a motorsport commentator, he is often featured on local television and radio, providing insight into the world of South African motorsport. Duxbury is an excellent example of how a talented racing driver can use their skills to excel in a variety of areas.
His success in motorsport has provided him with the opportunity to take on other exciting projects and to become a respected figure in the South African motorsport community.
35. Giniel de Villiers
Giniel de Villiers is a well-known South African racing and rally driver. He is best known for his major accomplishment of winning the 2009 Dakar Rally.
This was an incredible feat, as the Dakar Rally is widely regarded as one of the most difficult off-road racing events in the world.
It requires incredible skill and tenacity to overcome the various obstacles and challenges presented by the terrain.De Villiers was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1970.
He has been involved in motorsport since a young age, and quickly rose to prominence in the South African racing scene. His career has seen him compete in a variety of off-road and circuit events and win many prestigious titles.
In 2009, he achieved his greatest success, becoming the first African to win the Dakar Rally. De Villiers is a highly respected driver, both in his home country and internationally.
He is a role model for aspiring South African drivers and has inspired a new generation of racers to take up the sport. He continues to be active in the sport, competing in a variety of events and races around the world.
His achievements have cemented his place in racing history, and he will be remembered for many years to come.
36. George Fouché
George Robert Fouché was an accomplished South African and international motorsport racecar driver, as well as a South African Formula 1 Powerboat pilot. He had a successful career and retired from competition in 2005.
Fouché had a unique upbringing which played a significant role in his success. His father owned a brick factory, and Fouché spent much of his time on the grounds.
By the time he was six years old, he had already acquired the skills to drive a bulldozer, demonstrating his natural abilities and enthusiasm for vehicle engineering.
This early experience with engines and driving allowed Fouché to develop an impressive set of skills as a racecar driver. His success in South Africa and abroad proved that he had a true talent for the sport.
Fouché’s story is a remarkable one, showing that with dedication and a passion for something, it is possible to achieve great things.
37. Toby Scheckter
Toby Scheckter is a South African racing driver who comes from a family of motorsport champions. His father, Jody Scheckter, won the Formula One World Championship in 1979. His older brother, Tomas Scheckter, is an IndyCar Series driver.
Toby has also achieved success in motorsport, winning the Skusa SUPERNATS kart finals in Las Vegas in 2004. This victory was a result of Toby’s hard work and dedication to the sport, which he has been passionate about from a young age.
His family’s legacy of success has clearly been passed down to Toby, and he looks set to continue the family’s racing dynasty in the years to come.
38. Dion von Moltke
Dion von Moltke is a professional race car driver who was born in America but is currently racing under a South African racing license. He is a highly skilled driver who is currently competing in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship GTD class with Paul Miller Racing.
His car of choice is an Audi R8 LMS and his co-driver is Christopher Haase. Von Moltke has been a dedicated and successful driver for many years, and his skill and experience have earned him a place in one of the most prestigious racing events in the world.
He is known for his ability to stay in control of the car under difficult circumstances and always put in a strong performance. Von Moltke and Haase make a formidable team, and they are sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship GTD class.
39. David Clapham
David Philip Clapham was an influential figure in the world of motorsport. He was born and raised in South Africa and began his career as a racing driver. He was a successful competitor, taking part in numerous championships and races across the country.
Clapham’s interest in motorsport wasn’t limited to just driving, as he also pursued a career as a motorsport journalist. He wrote extensively about the industry, focusing on topics such as the latest trends, developments, and events.
His articles were published in both local and international media outlets, and he was well-known for his insightful and thought-provoking pieces.
Clapham was a passionate advocate for the sport, and it was his enthusiasm and dedication that made him such an important figure in the motorsport community. He was a mentor to many young drivers and was often seen at race tracks cheering on his favorite competitors.
He was also a tireless campaigner for safety in the sport and was a vocal supporter of the use of advanced safety measures such as the HANS device. David Philip Clapham’s contributions to the world of motorsport were immense.
He was a talented racer, a respected journalist, and a passionate advocate for the sport. His legacy lives on in the many drivers and journalists he inspired, and his influence will remain felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
South Africa has some of the best auto racing players in the world. There are some great drivers, teams, and sponsors that contribute to the development of the sport in the country.
These drivers are making a name for themselves in the international racing scene, and they are quickly becoming some of the best auto racing players in the world. South Africa has a lot to offer to those who want to take part in the exciting and thrilling world of auto racing.
