Ormonde View racing enthusiast competes in Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup
What once began with a home racing simulator has now resulted in a upcoming pro on the race track.
Setshaba Mashigo (25) from Ormonde View, Johannesburg South, is a data science student who has been a car fanatic for as long as he can remember.
He began simulator racing at the age of 16 after receiving a free demo of rFactor (a racing game) in a gaming magazine but only had his first real-life race this year.
“It started with a love for cars that I inherited from my dad, who always taught me the intricacies of driving well. I was further inspired by Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson and Chris Harris whose insane skills and racing prowess made me want to be able to do that too,” said Mashigo.
He began taking racing more seriously by entering online racing leagues and buying his own gaming steering wheel set from his earnings as a paintball marshall when he was 17.
Mashigo emphasised: “In 2022 I entered the MasterDrive Gymkhana Challenge and placed number one but got a penalty for touching a cone and then dropped to second. In the same year, I got the opportunity to enter the FIA Rally Star rally driver search. I made it through initial selections, the South African final and the Continental final where I placed fifth.
“I thought that was the end of my chances to race in real life until the opportunity from Toyota arrived. This time I competed against five other people, most with extensive racing experience and won. I’m happy that have been able to come this far despite my lack of experience.”
2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup
The 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup is a racing category started by Toyota to build a bigger footprint in local motorsport and promote their Gazoo racing brand.
The GR Cup is made up of two categories, namely the GR Yaris League, where Toyota Karting Academy graduates and other young racers race in Toyota GR Yaris cars.
The GR86 league is made up of motoring journalists who have racing experience or are especially handy behind the wheel of a car. “I am currently racing in this category and we drive Toyota GR86 cars. I am fully sponsored by Toyota South Africa,” said Mashigo.
The car fanatic explained his motivation for participating: “As a part-time writer for a motoring publication and a massive motorsport enthusiast, my editor put my name in the hat when Toyota South Africa Motorsport offered our organisation, Association of South African Motoring Media, to represent itself in the GR Cup. I jumped at the opportunity to race for real.”
Championship participation
Mashigo is leading the championship after winning his last four races. “I was second behind very fast and experienced racing driver Thomas Falkiner at our first two races at Zwartkops in Pretoria. I then fought from sixth place to second place at Killarney Raceway.
“I claimed first place in both races at our second outing to Zwartkops Raceway in May and claimed another two victories at our last race at the Aldo Scribante circuit in Gqeberha on June 17. I felt incredibly happy and felt that I earned the top spot. The wins have boosted my confidence in my abilities.”
The enthusiastic car racer sometimes finds it hard to believe that a rookie like himself has managed to make it this far and lead a real-world racing championship.
Preparing for a race
Mashigo said: “Practicing with a real car on the track is still much too costly for me, I spend a lot of time on my home racing simulator to learn the race tracks we’ll be racing.
“I also jog and mountain bike to keep my fitness and reactions sharp because the hot, violent and exhausting environment in the car during a race takes a toll on your concentration.”
He also gets three 15-minute practice sessions a day before a race.
Ensuring safety on the track
The racing cars are fitted with roll cages which strengthen the cabin in the event of a crash. Racers wear fireproof race suits, shoes and gloves and always wear a racing helmet.
They also wear a device which is connected to the racing helmet to reduce the chances of whiplash and concussion.
Hopes for participation outcome
Mashigo hopes that his participation in the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Cup yields fruitful results. “I’m hoping to make an impression on bigger race teams and sponsors and hopefully get into GT4 or GT3 racing in the coming years,” said the motor head.
