Memorabilia from racing legend’s Brakpan visit finds new home

A collection of unique memorabilia gathered years ago by two prominent businessmen in town and recently donated to the Just Wheels Motor and Tractor Club was revealed at an event last Tuesday evening.

The memorabilia was collected when the legendary Sterling Moss visited Brakpan in 1991. Moss, a British Formula One driver, was regarded as the greatest driver to never win the F1 World Championship.

He finished as runner-up for four consecutive seasons, from 1955 to 1958.

The racing legend was made a Knight Bachelor for his services to motor racing, and on March 21, 2000, he was knighted by Prince Charles (now King Charles), standing in for the late queen, who was on an official visit to Australia.

Moss died aged 90 in 2020.

Steve Rademeyer, the owner of Benn’s Pharmacy, made the Brakpan visit possible because he was assigned as Moss’ chauffeur during his visit to SA in 1991.

Although Moss stayed in a hotel in Johannesburg, Rademeyer organised for him and his wife, Susie, to enjoy dinner at the Lone Star Restaurant.

The Lone Star Restaurant in Brakpan was a popular and beloved dining spot, visited by many famous people over the years.

Rademeyer kept several mementoes of Moss’ visit, and so did Alec Bielovich, the owner of the Lone Star Restaurant.

This memorabilia, including photos of Moss in the restaurant, was handed to the Just Wheels Club. The Just Wheels Club committee decided to create a place of honour for these valuable pieces of history in the clubhouse.

Rademeyer and Bielovich unveiled this wall of fame on Tuesday evening. Rademeyer told the Herald that he can recall Moss’ visit very well because he had the task of driving the world-famous racing driver around daily.

“Moss was in SA to participate in a race, and I was his chauffeur, who drove him around everywhere he needed to be. He was a fantastic person and very down to earth,” Rademeyer said when asked if he could still describe the legend’s character.

“He was very particular about punctuality, and I remember well when he told me during the visit that we would get along very well as I was always early.

“I fetched him, his wife, Suzie, and their child, Elliot (still very young at the time), in Johannesburg and took them to the Lone Star Restaurant, where we enjoyed a pleasant evening.”

Rademeyer and Bielovich expressed their delight with the display finding a special place to be viewed and admired by the public.

ALSO READ: Rico is gevind!

ALSO READ: Community protests bail application of accused rapist