tawandamusarurwa
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
WITH hindsight, signs that Elroy Shamuyarira was destined for life literally on the fast lane were always there.
After all, the young racing prodigy downloaded his first video game on a smartphone when he was only two years old.
His obsession with speed was clearly evident, even back then, especially when his parents look back at the games that piqued his fancy.
“When Elroy was still very young, even before he turned two, he was so fascinated with race cars and bikes,” said the young racer’s father, Kudakwashe Shamuyarira.
“On his second birthday, we bought him a cake that had edible pictures of two racing cars and a track, and he loved it.
“By then, he was already downloading and playing video games without adult assistance.
“It was at that time that I decided that we should channel all this love and passion in the right direction,” he said.
He then got his first taste of life in the fast lane on his sixth birthday, when his parents bought him his first bike.
“When he turned six, I saw a quad bike, on Second Street Extension and Churchill Road, and thought that it would make the ideal present for my son,” went on Elroy’s father.
“I had to hire someone to teach Elroy how to drive the bike, and his tutor went through the basics on his first day.
“Before he came back for the second lesson, Elroy was already skidding and reversing with the quad bike.
“The coach was impressed, told me that we need to get him a two-wheel motorbike and take him for motocross.”
That was two years ago, and Elroy has since taken to the sport like a fish to water.
He is now one of the brightest prospects in both motocross and kart racing.
Last year, he represented Zimbabwe in the 50cc category at the FIM Motocross Africa National Continental Championships, which were held in Uganda.
“The Uganda circuit was a learning curve.
“He raced against experienced riders at the African championships and finished 12th out of 37 riders.
“We do, however, expect fireworks at the upcoming championships to be held in South Africa later this year.
“He will be racing in the same 50cc class from last year in Uganda,” added Shamuyarira senior.
Not only is his father anticipating the racing sensation to do well in motocross, he also strongly believes he will make a name for himself in kart racing.
Elroy was among the top performers in the last ROK kart race at the recently installed track at the National Sports Stadium.
He beat favourite and experienced drivers like Devin van De Linde in the club competition and came second in the ROK Championship race.
“If he pushes well and gets some more financial help, he has the potential to go far,” said the proud father.
“But I must express my gratitude to businessman Scott Sakupwanya; he has been so supportive, both financially and morally, towards the motocross event.
“Hopefully, he will help us in kart racing.
“He has kids who do motocross, and he has also invested a lot towards the maintenance of the tracks at Donnybrook.”
Although quite a number of parents are now encouraging their children to take up motocross, and kart racing to some degree, the huge financial burden associated with the sport has been a major drawback.
An ordinary second-hand bike costs not less than US$1 500.
Online Reporter