MasterDrive ready for Simola
The Simola Hillclimb started today and MasterDrive anticipates another successful racing event.
Image supplied by MasterDrive South Africa
This year they will not only be providing the safety car support but will also be entering two vehicles. One of these vehicles will be driven by the winner of MasterDrive’s Driver Search programme. This will be the young driver’s first foray into professional racing.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says 2023 is an ideal time to take the next step in the Hillclimb. This will be by entering a car representing the MasterDrive team with the CEO behind the wheel.
“As we grow our Hi-Performance offering, it seems fit to enter our own vehicle into this racing event that has such a rich history in South African Motorsport."
“The second driver is the winner of the MasterDrive Driver search, Bevin Harris. After winning the search he underwent intensive training with RBSA, Performance with Page and MasterDrive. RBSA focused on equipping him with the necessary racing skills from racing lines to learning how to drive in different weather conditions and everything in between. MasterDrive provided the safety perspective and how to excel within essential safety parameters.”
MasterDrive’s General Manager for Costal Regions, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse, says providing an opportunity for a young driver such as Harris is a milestone not just for MasterDrive but for motorsport as well.
“It is a chance to bridge the gap between those who can and those who cannot, irrespective of their skills. Motorsport remains an area with major potential to help young drivers kickstart their careers, particularly those coming from a disadvantaged background."
“It is the pure love of motorsports that is a driving force in helping Harris secure one of the 86 coveted spots to participate in the Hillclimb. Without introducing diversity, it could potentially limit future growth and curb the enjoyment of watching new talent within the sport.”
This is the first year MasterDrive hosted the Driver Search and entry into the Hillclimb.
“The pilot project was limited to the Western Cape this year but we look forward to expanding the reach to more provinces in South Africa next year. We would also like to encourage a greater variation in entries – yes ladies, we are encouraging you,”
says Nourse.
The MasterDrive team looks forward to what this weekend will bring.
“We have provided a well-known platform for an aspiring driver to be seen and recognised. From there, we eagerly anticipate keeping an eye on Harris’ career and how he will use it to reach greater heights,”
says Herbert.
