Youngster has his eyes set on achieving his dream by following in the footsteps of motorcycling greats
“KJ will not disappoint his father. He views this sport as a career and said he’ll continue in it - even if he doesn't get paid.”
The 15-year-old Kgopotso Mononyane II, affectionately known as KJ, is from Mondeor in Johannesburg. He eats, sleeps and breathes motorcycle racing.
KJ is a Grade Nine learner at Waterstone College. He recorded his first break in 2017. He was only 10 at the time. Neil Harran of the South African Motorcycle Racing Academy visited his school’s open day. “I was so excited to try out the demo stationary practice bike he had at the open day, and everyone was very impressed with my test ride. Neil then recommended to my parents that I enrol into his academy. I was ecstatic as I knew this could be the start of great things to come,” KJ said.
Adrian Scholtz, CEO of Motorsport South Africa, said this rookie is hungry for success. KJ started short-circuit racing in 2017 and in 2019 he won the NSF100cc Honda Cup championship.
“KJ wanted to do motorcycle sport from the time he was five, but his parents thought it was too dangerous. This didn’t stop KJ from expressing an interest in riding and having a dream to make a name for himself on the motorcycle racing circuit. Following his dad’s death, KJ has the full support of his mum in realising this dream,” Scholtz said.
“This year, MSA secured funding assistance for KJ from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, which is the global/sanctioning body of motorcycle racing. While this amount represented only a very small portion of the racing budget needed, it was greatly appreciated.” Scholtz said encouraging young riders with talent is a major drive for MSA. “We would love to see more of our young talent starting to compete internationally as well,” he said.
In 2020, KJ claimed another title in the Clubman’s championship and finished second in the 150 cup – a category he went on to win the next year. He started competing in Italy in June 2021, in the middle of the racing season. To date, he has won multiple circuit motorcycle racing championships.
“There is nothing more satisfying and exciting than seeing a young rider cling to their dream, pursue it and, ultimately, live it. It is what champions are made of; resilience and passion to succeed. We are so proud of KJ and proud to be at his side as he goes from strength to strength,” said Scholtz.
Training is a constant for KJ. His self-tailored training programme is from WMS Motorsport in Italy and he is managed by a Swiss sports management company.
“I want to work harder to further my motor racing career, with an ultimate goal to reach a level of Redbull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Europe. I would love to watch Fabio Quartararo in action one day and spend a day with him learning a few tricks. I am also inspired by our very own MotoGP icons, Brad and Darryn Binder,” KJ said.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
