At just 17 years old, Mauro Da Luz has already built an impressive motorsport career, progressing from competitive karting to racing in the prestigious Astron Energy VW Polo Cup championship.

The Centennial Schools learner began his racing journey in 2022 when he entered professional karting in the Junior Max category.

“It was just my dad and I working on the kart, trying to improve every time we went to the track.”

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Mauro described his first season as challenging but rewarding, as he secured his first podium finish and strengthened his relationship with his father through the sport.

“The next year I joined a team called Extreme Racing and finished sixth overall in the national championship during my first full national campaign,” he said.

One of the highlights of his karting career came when he set a lap record at Swartkops Raceway in the Junior Max category. “I did a 41.7, which was the quickest time ever done in Junior Max around the track,” he said.

In 2024, Mauro moved up to the Senior Max category and joined a smaller team, where he often had to analyse his own performance without the advantage of comparing data with teammates. “I learned a lot that year because I had to look at what I was doing wrong and then go out and improve on track.”

His transition into circuit racing came in 2025 when he competed in the Volkswagen Rookie Cup championship during his first season in cars. Despite having no prior main circuit racing experience, he quickly adapted and even won his debut race.

“I was third in the championship for quite a while and eventually finished fourth overall.” This year, Mauro stepped up into the highly competitive Astron Energy VW Polo Cup championship, where he currently competes against some of South Africa’s top young drivers.

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“It’s incredibly challenging because all the cars are almost identical, so it really comes down to the driver finding any little bit of time they can.” He explained that balancing school and motorsport has not always been easy, but he credits Centennial Schools for helping him manage both successfully.

“If I miss school because I am racing in Cape Town or Gqeberha, I can book consultations with teachers when I return, and they will help me catch up.” He also opened up about the mental pressure that comes with competing at a high level and how his faith has helped him remain calm and focused. “I realised that if I just go out and do my best, then I know that God will do the rest.”

Reflecting on Round 2 of the 2026 Astron Energy Polo Cup at Red Star Raceway, Mauro said the event taught him valuable lessons about tyre management, race craft, and adapting to the demands of the series. “I had the pace for a top-three finish, but I’m still adapting to the cars and the racing style. I think I’m adapting very well, though, because I am currently the highest-placed rookie in the championship.”

Outside of competition, he said teamwork has played a major role in his development, particularly his friendship with fellow Centennial learner and racer Keegan Nathan. “Keegan is my best friend, so we are always trying to help each other improve. There’s no jealousy or trying to put the other person down.”

Offering advice to aspiring young racers, Mauro emphasised the importance of dedication and consistency.

“There will be times when you are tired from school or the track and still have to study or practice, but hard work will always beat talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

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