Every few weeks (or pretty much as often as possible) I try to profile South Africans that are doing extraordinary things right here and abroad. These stories are beautiful and I believe they are incredibly important and motivational too. They inspire hope and we need as much of that as we can get, right now. Seen the meme about spreading kindness like Nutella? I think we should try to spread it on thick and shine as much light on all the positive things happening around us and shining those same spotlights on our fellow South Africans who are doing good, representing us far and wide as well as making a difference in whatever field they’re in.
The next South African making waves yet again is our very own Evel Knievel, AJ Venter. I say this as AJ has already taken part in eight Isle of Man Tourist Trophies and to me making it through all of those sneaky twists and turns are huge stunts within themselves and completing that circuit once is a gigantic achievement so to be going in for a ninth time is absolutely incredible.
South Africa is well-represented in international circuit racing thanks to the amazing Binder brothers, Darryn and Brad, who race in the Moto2 and MotoGP World Championships respectively. Our next world-class sportsman who needs and deserves as much recognition and support has been pitting himself and his machine to the unbelievable strains and stresses of the 60.75km of town, country and mountain roads that make up that Isle of Man TT course. Venter is heading overseas and will be taking part from 31 May to 7 June and it’s all thanks to Zunaid Moti.
Our Protea and Gauteng colours holder had this to say: “Competing at the Isle of Man TT requires complete dedication, both physically and financially. Having Zunaid Moti and FuturExotics in my corner for the next three years means I can focus entirely on training and performance without limitations. This is the kind of backing that elevates a racer to the next level.”
The three-year sponsorship deal, worth R4.2 million, is a game changer and one Moti is very excited about. FuturExotics houses some of the continent's rarest, most expensive supercar collections and its owner is obsessed with all things speed and beauty. Putting your money where your mouth is definitely echoes the old “actions speak louder than words” phrase and here’s hoping more people are able to do just that.
Support for the arts and sport is extremely important in my opinion and this angel from FuturExotics with his invisible wings is making a difference not only to AJ’s life and career and to the motorcycling world but his foundation is responsible for building hospitals and schools throughout Africa which is awe-inspiring.
Our only competitor at the TT this year was born to ride. Born in 1988, a little AJ got onto his first motorbike at the age of three and all these years later is one of the most accomplished road racers to ever come out of South Africa.
Harry Fisher, Senior editor of ZA BIKERS (www.zabikers.co.za) says that in recent years, television coverage has improved and you can listen to live radio commentary from the races too. Of course, there are also multiple ways of following the action online including, of course, AJ’s own social media profiles. Do yourself a favour and tune in and support AJ; you won’t be disappointed.
Let’s get behind our man and his motorcycle and keep him in our thoughts as he tackles one of the most prestigious and most dangerous road races in the world. Go AJ.