Local racer heads to the UK

HIGHWAY motorcycle racer and South African National Supersport champion, Blaze Baker is on his way to further his racing career in the United Kingdom (UK).

The 24-year-old will be racing in the 2022 Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup, a series within the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.

Baker grew up in Cowies Hill, matriculated at Westville Boys’ High School in 2015 and is currently living in Waterfall. He is working and studying, when he is not training and keeping fit for racing.

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Riding for Track Demons Racing, onboard a Ducati Panigale V2 955, Baker said, “this has all come about at short notice and is an opportunity of a lifetime to start racing internationally.”

However, that being said, Baker and his family are having to raise funds to enable him to get to the UK.

“There are so many costs involved just to get to the UK. Apart from the various licences the costs alone for the visas are very expensive and the expenses all add up very quickly,” he said.

He said he got his first minimoto motorcycle when he was three years old and started racing when he was nine. At 14, he started racing professionally and won his first South African National 600cc Supersport Championship in 2018 and again in 2019. He is also the KZN Road Racing Club’s 300cc champion.

He said he was very excited about his new venture in the UK and has been blown away by the support he has received to date.

“To all my supporters, you have done this for me. I am participating in this international championship for you and hopefully I’ll get to make you and South Africa proud,” said Baker.

He extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone who has come forward and contributed towards him realising his dream.

“A special thanks to my parents, John and Merryll, who have been behind me from the very beginning and every step of the way. Although they are sad to see me go their support goes beyond words,” he said.

Should you wish to contribute to Baker’s fundraising campaign please go to: backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/blaze-baker. The first round of the 2022 British Superbike Championship will take place at Silverstone on the Easter weekend from April 15 to 17.

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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.

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