Online Reporter
Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE drivers and riders are ready, the machines are prepped, and the chase for glory continues!
The 2026 motor racing National Championship series takes centre stage again next weekend with the hosting of the Peter Parnell Race Day & John Love Memorial Race Day.
This “double header” will be held on Saturday October 3 at Bulawayo Motorsport Park and this latest round of the National Championship series will feature most of the country’s top motor racing drivers and motorbike riders.
And all eyes will be on Harare-based driver Onismo Mhute who is heading back to Bulawayo Motorsport Park after setting it alight during his last appearance there on June 27.
On that day, Mhute, who was born and bred in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mabvuku, was simply sensational.
Mhute buried himself in glory when he recorded his biggest victory of his fledgling motor racing career when he swept the opposition away to win the Bulawayo 100 Race Day.
Racing against some of the country’s seasoned motor racing drivers, Mhute showed no ghost of inferiority complex as he sped past the chequered flag in first place in his Toyota RunX in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
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. And this announced the arrival on the grand stage of the Harare-based driver who only joined main circuit racing last year.
Mhute was into drag racing before he turned his hand to the much more exciting main circuit racing after he was “poached” by one of the country’s top motor racing drivers Mano Zevgolis.
In fact, Mhute is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Zimbabwean main circuit racing series.
And the 41-year-old, who grew up watching the legendary Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher of Germany on television, confirmed yesterday that he will take part in next Saturday’s race meeting in Bulawayo.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday, Mhute said he was “ready and waiting” to burn the track again at Bulawayo Motorsport Park.
He will be competing in the B Class in his Toyota RunX.
“Am preparing to race in Bulawayo again although I have no new tyres, I’m going to give it my best shot and hopefully get a place on the podium at the business end of the day next Saturday,” Mhute said.
As of the last race, Mhute is sitting pretty at the top of the National Championship’s Group 3B (up to 2000cc no forced induction) Standings with 53 points
He is seven points clear of his nearest rival Denzil Bhana.
Mhute’s “mentor” Zevgolis is in third place with 36 points, four ahead of fourth-placed. Quinton Holder after four rounds of action.
Vernon Lapham (20 points) and Kevin Steenkamp (16 points) are in fifth and sixth place respectively.
And it will be interesting to see how Mhute will handle the pressure when he hits the track at Bulawayo Motorsport Park next Saturday.
His main focus will be on delivering another good performance and fighting for more National Championship points to maintain his lead in his Class.
As the National Championship battle continues, Mhute will be looking to make the most of every opportunity at Bulawayo Motorsport Park, knowing what it takes to win around this venue, having done so brilliantly during the Bulawayo 100 Race Day on June 27.
He will arrive in Bulawayo next weekend hoping to build on the encouraging pace shown the last time out on June 27, and armed with a fresh set of ideas.
