Online Reporter
Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HE was simply sensational!
Onismo Mhute buried himself in glory when he recorded his biggest victory of his fledgling motor racing career when he swept away the opposition to win the Bulawayo 100 Race Day at Bulawayo Motorsport Park on Saturday afternoon.
Racing against some of the country’s seasoned motor racing drivers, the Harare-based driver showed no ghost of inferiority complex as he went through the chequered flag in first place in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The 41-year-old Mhute, who only started main circuit racing last year, could not hide his excitement as he punched the air with delight after this sensational victory . . . his biggest win of his promising motor racing career.
There was an air of excitement as Mhute claimed the first step on the podium after the final handicap race of the day — the Bulawayo 100 Race Day — on Saturday afternoon.
He was definitely the star of the show on Saturday; winning his class, setting his personal fastest time, and winning the main race of the day, beating veterans Jim Perry and Denzil Bhana, who came 2nd and 3rd, respectively. This was, in fact, a landmark victory for Mhute, who was born and bred in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mabvuku and grew up watching the legendary Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher of Germany on television.
Mhute was simply irresistible . . .
He came out with all guns blazing and was in a league of his own during Saturday’s race meeting.
Saturday saw the Bulawayo Motoring Club holding its first National race meeting, the Bulawayo 100 Race Day at the Bulawayo Motorsport Park.
The race day comprised of two National races, a fun race and the main race being the Bulawayo 100 Race Day, which was a 10-lap race. And the event was won by Mhute, who had some consistent times in his Toyota RunX.
Mhute only joined main circuit racing last year, having been a drag racing national champion back in 2018 in his VW Golf MK1.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub after the race, an excited Mhute, who works in Mozambique, said, “I went for free practice, and in my head was to push and start ahead of Quinton Holder, as we are racing for national championship in our class and I’m leading by two points.
“So once Quinton starts in front, eish, he is like “the Minister of Defence,” it’s difficult to pass him.
“On free practice I ran 1:34.380, and it was hard while my main opponent Quinton Holder led, running 1:33:651.
“Surprisingly, last year my best time ever racing in Bulawayo was 1:30.0 something I knew I had to dig deep and drop a few seconds.
“And in the second official practice and qualifying, I told myself to try something different, save my tyres and go last minute when there is less traffic.
“Luckily we had 20 minutes to play around, went in after 10 minutes, and started pushing.
“My fan belt didn’t kick in, but as usual, we always check the temperature when racing.
“We came back to the pits, and we opened the bonnet all was good, and ‘kaboom,’ the water bottle exploded . . . I was like game over.
“I checked my qualifying time, and I was shocked. I ran 1:27:749. I was over the moon and not even worried if the car blew.
“Racers are quite helpful, a lot came to check on the car, and got a lot of assistance from Ronaldo, Vernon and Des Morris with his team.
“Marshals also came, and we figured out the problem, and boom, next race we went in but we had one sensor switched off.”
Mhute is a keen motorsport enthusiast, having taken part in drag racing pre-2020 as well as consistently participating in public go-karting.
He is currently leading his class, being the National Saloon Class B, and is showing consistent improvement.
Mhute added: “I would like to say thank you to my wife and family for the unwavering support, although it drains the pocket.
“Thank you to the organisers and the organising committee for continuing to arrange for such events, words cannot express how grateful we are.
“Also thanks to all racers who welcomed me with warm hearts and sharing their experiences as well for me to become better.
“Also a special thank you to Mano Zevgolis for believing in me and making this dream come true. He knew a small boy from the ghetto would make it so far in the racing world.”
Saturday’s race meeting attracted a good field of 13 cars — seven from Bulawayo and six from Harare.
