Zafar is looking to go far
Superbike drag racing talent Zafar Hoosen (26) is looking ahead to what he hopes will be a successful 2017 season.
He is striving to up his game by taking his talents around the country with his sights set on honing his craft in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
The former Benoni Primary School, Liverpool Secondary School and Kathstan College pupil is the reigning Supersport Shootout champion, but believes that he is not yet the racer he needs to be.
“I am going to try to be better than last year,” Hoosen told the City Times.
“I did not meet all the goals which I wanted to, but it was still a good year.”
The Lakefield resident said he has been working on getting lighter so that he can go even faster.
He is aiming to improve his skills by participating in more drag racing events, particularly in Cape Town and Durban, where the superbike drag racing scene is a lot bigger than in Johannesburg.
“In the past two years I have been running some good times up here so I will definitely run quicker down at the coast.
“I want to go where there are more people and [where there is] more competition.
“I want to know where I stand and push my limits.
“If I just race up here I’ll get too comfortable.”
Asked what the scene is like in Johannesburg, Hoosen replied: “It is up and down.
“Every year you gain a few new bikers and every year you lose a few bikers.
“Things are quite expensive,” he added.
Hoosen offered advice to aspiring races: “It is better to do something like this than to be involved in all the bad things that kids are doing these days like drugs and alcohol.
“Sure, we all enjoy partying, but you do need something else to keep you occupied.
“Your future will be good if you make it good.”
He also discouraged participation in illegal street racing.
“I used to do a lot of it, but it is extremely dangerous, especially when you race your bike against cars that are 1000kw plus.
“One day I just got tired of it and realised that I had no point to prove out there.
“It just takes one stupid mistake for it all to go wrong.
“If someone challenges you, rather take it to the drag strip,” he said.
Besides his undoubted ability on the drag strip, Hoosen is also a well-known DJ in the Benoni area with a strong following.
He will be hoping to make music on his bike this year.
He thanked his parents Ashrif and Sonja for their undying support.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
