Awards celebrate SA motorsport
The event honoured the best in the motorsport industry.
The Motorsport South Africa (MSA) national awards brought together SA’s motorsport community to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the year at Emperors Palace, recently.
“This evening celebrates the determination and drive that define our motorsport community. It brings together the veterans, newcomers and icons who consistently thrilled their fans throughout 2024,” said MSA chairperson Anton Roux.
“It’s not just on the track where we excelled. Our outgoing CEO, Adrian Scholtz, serves as a steward at the inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games in Jerez, Spain. This recognition speaks to the quality of SA motorsport.
Additionally, our CEO, Vic Maharaj, now serves on the FIA World Motor Sport Council, and I continue my term as a member of the FIA Senate.”
Roux reminded the audience that the third round of the W2RC World Championship will take place near Sun City next year, following the Dakar Rally and Abu Dhabi events.
He also expressed sadness over the deaths of three competitors – Leighton Thomas, Mike Pentecost and Himesh Hansjee – during the year.
Recognising excellence
The Pioneer, Special and Golden Helmet Awards honoured trailblazers and legends of the sport. Among the honourees were:
• Lukas David Hipondoka, Lance Isaacs, Mustapha Innes Murudker and Minota Ann van Bergen. Honoured with the pioneer award.
• Abduraghman Amlay, Bradley Cox, Vere Hein, Taylor Hill and Johann Spies. Honoured with special awards.
• David Bland, Wayne Farmer, Jess Huggett, Derek Jacobs and Jeff Waberski. Honoured in the golden helmet awards.
“These awards highlight the incredible impact that individuals have made in shaping motorsport in SA, past and present,” added Roux.
Recognising and acknowledging the generational gap and the role women increasingly play in motorsport, he gave special mention to Van Bergen’s achievements. She made history as a pioneer in SA motorsport, becoming the first woman to win a national rally championship.
Roux said Van Bergen’s success paved the way for 16-year-old Taylor Hill, born with the degenerative hereditary nerve disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth. Taylor pursued her love for karting and overcame the challenges posed by her disability.
“Embracing the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)’s commitment to inclusivity, MSA has been inspired by the journeys of both these women,” he says.
A night to inspire
“Motorsport is not just about competition; it’s about community, growth, and resilience,” said Roux.
“We are proud to celebrate the achievements of 2024 and look forward to an even brighter 2025.”
Roux thanked Scholtz for his 30 years of service and said his expertise would continue to benefit motorsport in other capacities.
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