Meet Ryan Naicker the motorsport star

Ryan Naicker is a 15-year-old Grade 10 learner at Crawford International College in Sandton. His love for racing and sports cars began when he was still a baby when he used to play video games using his dad’s PlayStation. He got into racing when he was about 12 years old.

“After I went to the Kyalami 9 endurance race in September 2019, I started nagging my dad to get me into motorsport and he eventually agreed.”

At the age of 14, he started at Rotax senior max karting where his dad purchased a second-hand 2018 CRG chassis from EMR karting at Zwartkops raceway. After months of practicing three times a week and with the support of his school and his team leader, the world’s champion Leeroy Poulter, he competed in his first regional race. He finished in 9th place in Gauteng. He went on to compete in four more races, finishing 6th, 8th and 10th respectively in Gauteng under tough circumstances with the chassis and engine not being 100%.

“Although I faced struggles, I managed to be in 3rd place in Gauteng,” said Naicker.

After his fifth race, Naicker was invited to participate in the Toyota GR Cup SA by Poulter. He didn’t know how to drive a manual car and it took him three weeks to finish his driving lessons.
‘I had to train vigorously. I finished the race in 5th place out of twelve cars and six in my class”.

Within his family, he’s inspired by his dad who pushed him toward his dreams and introduced him to sports at a young age. Lewis Hamilton also also inspires him with his passion and what he has achieved in the sport.

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