From radio controlled racing to big cars
Michael Gibson (23) from Boksburg is a master when it comes to radio controlled electric car racing.
With over 1 000 trophies and medals, he is ranked among the top competitors in the country for the past 10 years, in different racing categories.
Michael started racing at the age of seven when his father, Gary Gibson, first opened Grand Prix Models.
“Racing is my life. My passion for racing started when I was helping my dad in the shop,” he says.
Michael says the electric cars can go up to 120km/h and it takes extremely good hand-eye coordination, as well as a lot of practice to control the miniature vehicles around the race tracks.
Michael has qualified to race all over the world, and has competed in Italy, Texas and the US.
He says the sport lacks funding in South Africa, but is supported in Boksburg and nationwide with over 400 professional competing drivers.
“There is no money in racing in this country; just trophies. Monetary prizes have been up for grabs when sponsors have been involved,” he says.
Michael has been fortunate to obtain sponsorship from multiple brands to continue competing.
He is currently the South African champion for Touring Modified, which is a national event held five times a year by the South African Radio Control Association (SARDA).
After being a reigning champion in racing small cars, Michael has given himself a new challenge, and has started racing big cars.
With a certificate in advanced driving, in June he placed first in the Top Gear time trial in Ballito for touring car racing.
Next year he plans to compete in a racing challenge called Ballito Street Heroes.
Michael is training 15 children who are aged 12 to 15 years old, in radio controlled electric car racing.
He teaches them to build their own cars, equip it with the correct motor and how to control the car.
“The younger they learn, the better. Kids of today adapt quicker, because they are used to gaming consoles,” he says.
He is also excited about Grand Prix Models hosting club races as soon as the rooftop track opens.
“There are plus-minus 200 people who are eager to start racing; the track has definitely created excitement,” he says.
Michael says he looks up to his dad for continuously encouraging him to pursue racing even when he felt inadequate to achieve success.
His rolemodel is seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, who started with nothing but is now a living legend.
