At just 16-years-old, Vatiswa Mokhonoana is making steady waves in South African motorsport. Her meteoric rise from go-karting in 2024 to competing in the Toyota GR Cup in 2025 is nothing short of remarkable. Her deep passion for racing and drive to succeed have helped prove that talent and determination can fast-track a young driver to the top.

For Vatiswa, the journey began with her obsession with Formula 1, as she recalls in an exclusive interview with Car Magazine:

“I became really obsessed with F1 and particularly the journey to get there. I found out that I needed to start in karting, and I really came to love it because of the crazy challenge it is.”

Related: CAR rookie places second overall at GR Cup Round 1

However, go-karts quickly became more than just an entry point for the Gauteng youngster. It was a test of understanding everything that goes with being a professional racing driver – including how to adapt to the challenges, understanding the mechanicals of your go-kart and being mentally strong when things go awry.

While the ever-changing conditions of the sport fascinated her, the first races were expectedly tough, and for someone who strives for excellence, Vatiswa found it difficult to accept coming last in her debut race.

“It was really a challenge to swallow the result, but then I remembered that I was competing against people who have raced for years, so it really came naturally to them. And the best I could do was learn from that experience and put those pressures away and prepare for the next race.”

That mindset fuelled her progress, allowing her to gain the confidence and skill required to compete at a higher level.

From go-karts to GR Cup

Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s Academy Manager, Leeroy Poulter, played a crucial role in Vatiswa’s development. He got her started in karting initially, and through that experience, the teenager found her pace and established a strong foundation and understanding of what’s required for circuit racing. At some point in 2024, Poulter engaged in conversation with Vatiswa and her mom, Sandra, about her participating in this year’s GR Cup. Hands were shaken and contracts signed, with Vatiswa becoming one of the youngest drivers to enter the series.

Poulter explained to CAR:

“From the get-go, Vatiswa looked so interested. I’ve met a lot of racing drivers wanting to get into racing and karting, but she was just asking so many questions and ready to do anything to try and get it done and to try her hardest. I got her in with a more beginner-type karting team for her to learn. She spent so much time at the track – every Wednesday and on weekends, she was there. I was really impressed to see her there and just watching her, and you could see that she gave her all.”

Related: CAR magazine returns for 2025 Toyota GR Cup!

Poulter, a seasoned racer himself, opted to take a gamble with Vatiswa and presented her with the opportunity to participate in the 2025 GR Cup. Just how big was/is the gambit? Vatiswa had never driven a road car before, and her first time behind the wheel came two weeks before the start of the season at the shakedown session at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria when she piloted her GR86.

She had limited time to prepare for the first race at Killarney Raceway, Cape Town, but says that the nerves were far less than some of her go-kart races. Explaining the sensations of driving a race-ready GR86 versus a go-kart, Vatiswa said:

“The heat, the G-forces, and the speed – those were the biggest shocks. The braking forces fling you forward, then side to side. And the speed – I’ve never gone that fast before. But coming to Cape Town, I actually felt more nervous for some karting races. Weirdly, I felt at ease. I really can’t explain why, but I’m glad it happened that way.”

As the only female racing in the GR Cup, Vatiswa is not just competing, but is making a statement. However, beyond the GR Cup, she has her sights set on making it onto the international stage.

“I honestly see myself getting opportunities overseas – maybe in GT racing or single-seaters. Even just from my first race, I’ve learned so much about dealing with pressure and being in a high-intensity environment. Honestly, I feel honoured and validated.

This opportunity really could have gone to anyone else, but it makes all the effort I’ve put in absolutely worth it. I want to show that people like me have the talent and power to be great. There’s definitely a place for me in the sport, and I deserve to be here.”

Vatiswa’s mom, Sandra, has been her biggest supporter. And though there are fears and nerves present each time Vatiswa gets behind the wheel, she knows that her daughter can succeed and inspire.

“I believe that giving children exposure gives them the courage to not only dream but to go after the things they want. It’s nerve-wracking for me, but I’m here as a mother to encourage and guide. I hope she will take this to heights she hasn’t even dreamt about.”

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