Randburg-based motorsports legend Alan Kernick was inducted into the Motorsport South Africa Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements and commitment to South African motorsport.

Over the years, Kernick achieved more than most, dedicating his life to motorsport and helping grow it. He is a second-generation racing driver and started racing in 100cc karts in 1979 at the age of 16. He began racing cars in 1981, reports the Randburg Sun.

In 1984, Kernick started constructing his own brand of racing cars, Tasman cars. This led to 20 cars made over the years, one being the first Formula Vee in SA with inboard suspension and adjustable brake bias from the cockpit in 1989.

Alan also had a fibreglass business where he produced all fibreglass bodies for Formula Vees, Formula Fords, and some Wesbank-modified cars, while manufacturing his brand of racing cars.

He also drove the medical car for the World F1 Grand Prix at Kyalami, as well as the pace car for the 1984 Kyalami Wynns 1000. This led to 1992 and 1993, when he drove the doctor’s car for the World F1 South Africa Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Kernick went on to create a successful race car restoration business, which led him to race Chevron B19s, historic Formula 3 cars, historic Formula 2 cars, Wesbank-modified cars, as well as several historic cars, including testing a historic Formula 1 car.

He has also been the backbone to the racing success of his son, Michael Kernick. They are part of only a handful of families that have three generations of racing drivers and are involved in motor racing.

“I really appreciate everything and all the effort my dad has put in for me,” said Michael. “I am so happy he is in the Motorsport South Africa Hall of Fame.”

Kernick later went into the admin side of racing, becoming chairperson of Formula Vee and Formula Libre, as well as chairperson of the Northern regions racing association for 12 years. He is now the chairperson of the reconstituted Sports Car Club South Africa and a Historic Single Seater Association committee member.

He explained that it is truly an honour to be associated with such an auspicious body and to be inducted into the hall of fame.

“Being humbled is an understatement. Having never planned for this, it is quite
something to reflect on. I am immensely proud. It continues to drive the motorsport obsession within me.”