Local racing driver needs a small lift for his career

ALL it took was a random drive past the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit for Terrance Khalo (22) to realise his love for motorsport and it was beckoning him.

The Limpopo-born youngster, who moved to Norkem Park in 2006, said tat his enthusiasm for motor racing was kindled at the age of 11 when he heard the noise radiated by the fast toys. He said this was during one of the many trips with his father on his school breaks.

“When I heard the noise from the cars I asked my dad where it was coming from. He told me it was motorsport, but he also said it was the kind of sport that no black man ever took part in because they could not afford it,” Khalo said.

He said, despite being discouraged, his strong passion for cars gave him the edge and resilience to pursue this career.

“Fast forward to 2016. Volkswagen initiated a young driver search for non-white South Africans. The initiative was called VW Driver Search 2016. During the search, 16 participants were selected from across South Africa. However, I did not a make the cut to the top 16 in 2016.”

Still, Khalo never gave up. He entered another VW search in 2017 and this time around he made it to the top five. He said the skills improvement came with the help of Motorsport South Africa.

“The agency took me under its wing and helped me improve my driving skills. Now that is done., I am looking for another sponsorship so I can prepare for the Engen Polo Cup in 2018.

“I want to take my career further because my ultimate goal is to be an internationally renowned race driver. Unfortunately, in South Africa, people often make it a hobby. Making a career out this sport is not really viable here, unlike in Europe.

“There are also many obstacles for one to get exposure. Once I get more exposure to the sport, I believe there will be more doors open for me,” Khalo said.

For assistance with sponsorship, contact him on 081 326 4674 or terrancekhalo@gmail.com