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By Raine St.Claire
Breaking barriers: All-female driver lineup for SA endurance racing
Endurance racing, commonly seen as a male-dominate sport, is taking a significant stride towards inclusivity and diversity. In a groundbreaking move, Backdraft Racing is set to showcase the first-ever all-female driver lineup at the South African Endurance Series (SAES) opener on March 9th at Red Star Raceway. Recognised for promoting diversity, Backdraft Racing had previously introduced the first driver of colours lineup in SAES. Skillfully managed by Sandile Khumalo, the all-women starting line will feature Bapi Rabaluza, Karshan Naidoo, Kwanele Letlaka, and Xolela Njumbuxa, vying for pole position. Taking another significant step towards gender equality in motorsport, Backdraft Racing collaborates with Fabienne Lanz, a renowned South African female Karting Champion, and teams up with the dynamic talent of South African professional race car driver, Lonika Maartens. With a focus on inclusivity, Backdraft Racing envisions fostering a workplace and race track that transcends distinctions based on racial backgrounds and genders.
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Revolutionising the race: Dynamic two-wheel duo
South Africa’s sole female superbike racing duo, Morongoa Mahope (“Mo83”) and Nicole van Aswegen (“Nix21”), are trailblazers in motorsport. Together, they founded the non-profit Basadi in Motorsport, aiming to amplify the presence of women in motorsports. Mo83, the first black female superbike racer in South Africa since 2016, joined forces with Nix21, a racing legend and the first woman to podium in a national Supersport race.
Basadi focuses on rider development, safety campaigns, and promoting racing among women. Their target market is women road riders and aspiring racers. The duo acknowledges the underrepresentation of female riders in South Africa and strives to elevate the numbers through initiatives like rider development, safety clinics, and track days.
Despite the sport’s male-dominated nature, Mo83 and Nix21 are motivated to demonstrate women’s capabilities. Basadi aims to dispel myths surrounding motorcycle racing, emphasising its safety and inclusivity. The upcoming Motorcycle Racing Series of South Africa is a key event on their calendar, designed to inject fun into competitive racing with minimal rules in a safe environment.
As working moms, both Mo83 and Nix21 exemplify the ability to balance family life and motorsport pursuits, challenging stereotypes and inspiring women to pursue their passions in the male-dominated realm of motorcycle racing.
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