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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
YOUNG motorcycle racer Ricky Whyte has crossed the first hurdle.
He feels hauling four awards including the prestigious Zimbabwe Motorcycle Champion of Champions trophy for the year 2022 can help pave his way to greatness.
The teenager, who started racing when he was barely four-years-old in 2008, has taken the local racing circuit by storm.
He dominated proceedings in the 2022 season and he was deservedly the toast of the show during the awards ceremony held in Harare last weekend.
He walked away with the Champion of Champions trophy (overall) and the Champion of Champions for motorbikes after his impressive performance in the 125cc motocross and road racing events last term.
The youngster was also 1st in the 600cc road racing championship.
Whyte (18) is already looking forward to a fruitful 2023 season where he is also eyeing international success.
He feels indebted to his parents who are always behind him in this sport.
And it is his dad, Shaun, who inspired him to take up racing as a sport.
Apparently, Shaun is one of the greatest personalities to emerge out of motorsport circles in this country.
Debuting in road racing back in 1987, Shaun scored several successes both locally and internationally. He won the Champion of Champions trophy, which Ricky captured only last week, back in 1993 when outshining a competitive field of racers riding in the 250cc class.
So passionate was Shaun in this sport that he started to race in South Africa while based in Zimbabwe. He would travel to the neighboring country as and when there were races and came back home after the contests.
“I really loved this sport and I still love it so much that I am considering making a rebound this year. I raced in South Africa for 15 years.
“I would travel to South Africa for races and come back home after those competitions. I did that out of passion. I love this game and I always look back at those years with pride.
“The good thing about motorsport is that it is both enjoyable and also promotes healthy living. It is a very good sport that I can recommend to anyone looking for a healthy way of life.”
Shaun’s highlight achievement in South Africa was winning the national Superbike championship, a feat attained in 2006.
He had settled for silver the year earlier and he notched second place in the same race in 2007 and 2008. Shaun returned to race in the local circuit in 2010 before he stopped racing.
And the retirement could be temporary as he has revealed plans to make a return in motocross this year.
He said he is elated to see his son following in his footsteps.
“I should say the 2006 Superbike national championship I won in South Africa was the peak of my powers. I was competitive and passionate at the same time.
“I only returned to local racing in 2010, then I quit the sport. By the time I stopped, my son Ricky was making strides in the sport (of motorcycling). I am very proud to see him winning these accolades.
“As a father, I cannot ask for more than what Ricky has done. I am very proud of his achievements. He is still just 18-years-old.
“There are so many talented racers, including Emmanuel Bako and the Nyamupfukudza siblings, Tadiwanashe and Victor.
“That means the future looks very bright for the country. I am ready to provide the necessary support for Ricky to attain his goals.”
Ricky said it is because of his father that he is where he is right now.
“There cannot be any better inspiration than sharing the same roof with a man who has seen it all in this sport who is also my father,” said Ricky.
“I am trying to follow in his footsteps. He was a world class rider during his heydays and I am trying to be as good as he was back in the days. If he decides to come back into racing then I will be very happy. I should continue to make him proud.”
Ricky said he wants to participate in the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Championships which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in August this year.
The continental jamboree is scheduled to be held at the famous Zone 7 track in Cape Town from August 11-13.
Online Reporter