Eight-year-old rider has big dreams on the race track
LONEHILL – Adam Naidoo is only eight but dreams of one day riding in the MotoGP.
Adam Naidoo has always loved motorbikes.
At the age of two, he would watch closely as his father left for the track on Sunday mornings and insist on wearing his dad’s helmet as he rode around on his toy bike.
At age six, he mentioned to his parents that he’d like to ride and they took him to a coaching clinic at the Midvaal Raceway.
And at eight, Adam has just been selected to be part of the 2018 RAD Moto KTM Developmental team and competes in races all over the country. Last year he won the Michelin Superbike Mag Short Circuit Series championship and has a full race calendar for this year.
“I think sometimes in sport you get kids whose dads have to push them to practice,” explained Rudy Naidoo, Adam’s dad.
“But Adam is not like that. He has his own drive and loves riding.”
Claire O’Keeffe-Naidoo, Adam’s mom, agrees that it’s both his love for the sport and hard work that make him stand out. “Adam really does put in a lot of effort to his riding,” she explained.
“But then again talent can only get you so far, the rest you have to do yourself.”
And Adam plans to go far. The Grade 2 pupil from Crawford Preparatory Lonehill hopes to one day ride professionally in MotoGP or World Superbike.
And like every professional, he has a good team around him. As his competitions in both the Mini Motor Stock and 50cc Junior Motards are hosted around the country, there’s a lot of travel involved but Adam does not go by himself.
“The whole family goes down with him, and we’re all in the pit with the noise, trying to help and be there for him,” said Rudy as Claire, Adam’s big sister, agree.
The family even got a new car that is big enough for all four to travel comfortably, plus the three bikes that Adam uses.
And they’re going to need it. Having just arrived back from Round 2 of the Kart Circuit in Polokwane, it won’t be long until Round 3 takes place in Port Elizabeth this April.
“If this is what Adam wants to do, we’ll be behind him all the way,” concluded Claire.
Details: To follow Adam’s journey visit Facebook @adamthefirst99 or Instagram adam.the.1st.
For inquiries, contact adam.thefirst99@gmail.com
