Cyrildene’s Prince dreams of a motor racing career
He has not allowed challenges to step in his way of reaching his dream, which is to race in the Formula Junior in Europe.
Prince Ndiweni from Cyrildene is seeking a sponsorship in order to pursue his dream in motor racing.
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The 25-year-old said he believes motor racing is his calling.
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“My first encounter with a go-kart was when I was five years old. I received a kart as a Christmas present. The kart was missing some components which led my parents into trading it at a toy store and got me another gift.
“But the interest never went away.
“Sixteen years later when I was deciding what I wanted to do with my life, motor racing came up after talking with my mentor and that is when I knew this is what I want to do,” said Ndiweni.
He said because of financial reasons he could not compete but decided to volunteer as a mechanic at a racing circuit.
“I wanted to learn all about motor racing and I was making attempts to generate my own funding and getting support from companies,” said Ndiweni.
He said the journey has not been easy because kart racing is not popular in the black community.
“In the black community soccer always comes first and trying to pursue a sport like racing is a challenge.
“Getting funding in motorsport is not easy and sadly that is the first thing you need as a racer in order to reach your potential,” said Ndiweni.
He said he has not allowed challenges to step in his way of reaching his dream, which is to race in the Formula Junior in Europe.
Ndiweni has had an opportunity to compete in the VW Driver Search in a VW Golf 7 two years running.
In 2016 he made top 16 and in 2017 he got to the top eight.
He also raced in the King Price F400 Karting Championship 2017.
“All these races were an amazing experience and I learned a lot.
“I was very grateful when I got to race in the F400 karting championship because that was made possible by a teammate Terrance Khalo, VW and MSA who sponsored me after seeing that I have potential. That was a priceless learning experience,” said Ndiweni.
He said with a sponsor he can achieve his dream because he will be able to get a two-stroke go-kart, be able to join a team, compete in regional and national karting competitions and cover other overhead costs.
He said Lewis Hamilton inspires him to achieve in this sport.
While Ndiweni is pursuing his dream he is also busy with his second love, which is visual art.
He runs a handcrafted fashion business.
“Just because I’m not currently living my dream does not mean I should sit and do nothing.
“As a young person, I need to create opportunities for myself and other young people. So while I wait I would love to make a difference in some little way,” said Ndiweni.
Anyone who is interested in sponsoring Ndiweni can contact him on 082 513 0900.
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