Legend Tschops Sipuka to redefine the art of motor racing on Saturday
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/Arts Editor
This is definitely a race to watch out for , and not only because one of the teams is all black in a spot dominated by white participants, but also because the leader of this team is a legend in the art of motor racing.
The person leading this team is non other than , whom the motor racing community will be watchinh closely as on SaturdayTschops Sipuka will lead his all-black team to the Kyalami 9-Hour Intercontinental GT race, one of the most popular races in the art of motor racing.
This particular series, the Kyalami 9-hour race back in Kyalami, Midrand, will see Eastern Cape racing legend Sipuka and his all black team, made up of XolileLetlaka and Philip Kekana claim their spot in this highly contested predominantly white sport. Hosted by XolileLetlaka, he aims to bring inclusivity and diversity. After being one of the first people of color in history, alongside Sipuka, to win in South African motorsports, they strive to bring hope to all people of color across all backgrounds.
Perhaps the context is needed here. The art of motor racing is a complex one and quite exclusive, and historically black people were excluded from the sport by several factors, especially their social position. For example, the entry to this spot is more opne to those whose social standing is in the upper class, from an affordability point of view.
But Sipuka and his mates are changing the profile of this sport in general and the art of motor racing in particular.
Sipuka and his partners Letlakaas well as Philip Kekana are the first black team to compete at the Kyalami 9 Hour race challenge and it is a story of black excellence and triumph, from the rural villages of the Eastern Cape to the track. TschopsSipuka and XolileLetlaka are the first black teams to compete at the GT Challenge.
The Kyalami 9-hour race will be held on Saturday February 5, 2022, and thereforea piece of South African and global motorsport history will be made with the appearance of the first all-black, all African team of drivers on the grid.
Come Saturday, many eyes within the motor sporting fraternity, and without it, will be watching these guys closely to see how they will fair, especially given the historical exclusive character of the art of motor racing.