Mackie destined for glory

Growing up on the race track, Mackie Adlem, 33, is now one of Randfontein’s local track legends and competes in the South African Sports and GT Motor Sport Series when ever he gets the chance.

According to Adlem his career as a race car driver started in 1994 when he first got into cart racing.

After excelling in this discipline, Adlem made history when he became the youngest race car driver to compete in the West Bank V8 series. He entered his first race in this formula in 1999.

“During the 1999 series I drove an Opel Calibra and placed in the top five during my first year as a V8 racer,” says Adlem.

After the 1999 series Adlem left the motor sport scene for several years to focus on his studies, but in 2002 Adlem returned with a vengeance and made his mark in the West Bank V8 Series.

“Although I achieved an overall seventh place in the National V8 Championship this year, I was not yet able to take the championship title,” says Adlem.

For the next two seasons Adlem turned heads during every race he entered, but since 2009 he explains that he only enters certain races due to a lack of permanent sponsorships.

During Adlem’s fruitful career, he achieved various awards. These include the Star of Tomorrow Award, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Driver and the ‘Fastest driver ever around the historical East London Grand Prix Circuit’ to name a few.

He explains that he is currently the record holder for the fastest lap around the East London Grand Prix Circuit.

“I set up this record during the 2005 season in a time of 1,17 minutes,” says Adlem.

“I was also the record holder for the fastest lap on the Pakisa Free State Circuit for two consecutive years after recording a lap time of 1,33.8 minutes during the 2003 season.”

During Adlem’s most recent race on the historical East London Circuit, he rubbed shoulders with the likes of local racing legend Ben Morgenrood.

Adlem took pole position during this race but after colliding with Morgenrood in the first race of the day, his race day was over due to gear box problems.

“Seeing that I have to rely on private funding to compete in the Sports and GT Series, I possibly will take part in the Pakisa race on 2 August and the Swartkopz race on 30 August,” says Adlem.

Adlem contributes his success in life to his Saviour and adds that God’s grace is sufficient for him. He adds that any sponsor who wants to become part of his dream to take the title in the future, can contact him on 011 693 3196 or 082 292 2571.

“If I can get a permanent sponsorship, I can ensure a spot on the grid during every race and can then do my best to take a future sports and GT Motor sport title,” Adlem concludes.