SA star to join the British Racing Drivers’ Club Rising Star Programme
South African racing drivers have repeatedly proven that they have the talent and the grit to compete against the best in the world, and for this young man the intention is to cement his name in the international record books.
Seventeen-year-old Jarrod Waberski is about to join the exclusive British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Star Programme.
The BRDC operates from the Silverstone Circuit and is home to some of the most successful racing drivers from Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
Adrian Scholtz, CEO of Motorsport South Africa (MSA), says in order to be selected to participate in the programme, the drivers have to be aged 24 and under. From all four-wheel racing disciplines, the Rising Stars represent the BRDC in a wide variety of championships worldwide, and from the races contested while wearing the scheme’s unique ‘blue roundel’ it is hoped the Rising Star will graduate to the ranks of full membership.
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are but just two of its success stories.
“It is no wonder Jarrod has been scouted for the programme. He is such a talented young man. Starting off in karting, he has been a multiple karting champion, walked off with regional titles in 2013, 2017 and 2018, and the South African title in 2018. In 2020 he began competing in the Formula 1600 Championship South Africa where he once again achieved multiple podiums and race wins,” says Scholtz.
“I think it is definitely a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get the year started with everyone at the BRDC,” says Jarrod.
He will be competing in the GB3 Championship, the premier single seater series in the United Kingdom. The series is massively competitive with other drivers from F1 academies and F4 champions competing. He says initially it is going to be extremely tough as there are many differences when it comes to competing overseas. “There is a lot to learn and I find I’m always learning and striving to do better and better! But in preseason testing we have been very competitive, so hopefully, we can have a very successful year,” says Jarrod.
“For these young drivers like Jarrod Waberski competing overseas is often extremely difficult. They are away from home for most of the year and competing at this level takes total commitment, not only from the young drivers, but from their families as well. It is also extremely difficult to obtain South African sponsors as they don’t sometimes have the understanding or budgets to leverage the massive marketing opportunities international motorsport has to offer,” says Scholtz.
Jarrod is nevertheless confident that South African drivers can and will shine on the international stage. “I definitely think we have a strong calibre of drivers in South Africa who are capable of competing globally.”
“My ultimate goal is to become a F1 world champion! “I’ll be going out there working as hard as I can to achieve that goal,” concluded Jarrod!
Source: Cathy Findley PR
