Motorsport by definition is any of several sports involving the racing or competitive driving of motor vehicles, and the most popular being races known across the globe as Formula 1 (F1), which dates back to the late 1800s and most known post WWII. Many great names have emerged since, and the motorsport variety also seen growth across the globe.
The variations in motorsport include auto car racing, motor rallying, motorcycle racing, air racing, kart racing, boat racing, hovercraft racing, lawn mower racing, snowmobile racing, and truck racing.
Zooming into Zimbabwe, the motorsport space has over the years grown to be one of the most followed and sponsored sports in the country, attracting many to its events across the nation’s cities.
My Afrika Magazine contributor, Nico Abote (NA), spoke to one of the rising champions within the sport sector, Michael Mukori (MM), who is just 15 years old made his first appearance at Main Circuit for the 2023 season.
NA: Tell us a bit about yourself.
MM: My name is Michael Mukori. I am the first of three boys in my family. I am a fifteen-year-old boy, learning at St. George’s College, with a great passion for racing. From a young age, cars and speed were something that always got me excited.
NA: Have you won any races, if yes, can you share the moments?
MM: I began my racing career in 2020, at the age of twelve. I started in kart racing, which is the starting point for most aspiring racers. In my first season, after missing the first race, I came second in the National Championship, missing out on 1st place by 1 point. In my second year, I moved to a higher class, Rotax 125 Max. I raced a less powerful 125 Junior Max against a grid of more powerful 125 Senior Max karts. I raced for 2 years and won the National Championship in the second year. The success I had led to me making the leap from kart racing to saloon car racing at fifteen years of age.
NA: How does it feel competing with older racers?
MM: Racing with people older than me felt intimidating at first, but I got accustomed to it as my racing progressed. I realised that age difference is not a disadvantage if anything it’s the complete opposite! It’s not about how old or young you are, it’s all about hard work.
NA: Is motorsport popular in Zimbabwe, if not, what do you think should be done?
MM: Motorsport is not a well-known discipline in Zimbabwe, due to ignorance about it. To make this sport known, races could be aired and live-streamed across local channels in Zimbabwe.
NA: Any other career or sport ambitions you have?
MM: I also have ambitions in cricket and hockey. I have been playing these sports for a long time and still enjoy them to this day. Last year, I qualified for the Mashonaland Hockey Provincial B Team and the Under 16 Zimbabwe Cricket Team.
NA: Words of advice/encouragement to other young racers?
MM: The advice I would give to young aspiring racers is to not be afraid of the obstacles that will come along the way. The world will always have haters who try to discourage you, distract you and unnerve you. For if God is for us, who could be against us? Grasp the opportunity that comes your way and don’t watch it slip past, like racing legend Ayrton Senna once said; “If you see a gap and don’t go for it, then you are not a racing driver!”
Just because the world says you cannot doesn’t mean you cannot.
“With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
