Fifteen-year-old Ghazi Motlekar is setting his sights on the highest levels of motorsport. Originally from South Africa, he moved to Italy to train with the prestigious IM4 Academy, taking a critical step toward his dream of becoming a professional racing driver. With an intense training regimen and deep passion for the sport, Ghazi shares how his journey, from karting to single-seater racing, is shaping his future.
Ghazi is more than just a promising driver; he represents a new wave of talent in motorsport. Inspired by the legendary Ayrton Senna, he has dedicated himself to mastering the art of racing.
“I mean, racing in general is super demanding; you have to train as much as possible, and it’s just an extremely physically demanding sport,” he explains.
His move to Italy wasn’t just about racing, it was about immersing himself in an environment that lives and breathes motorsport.
Italy is home to some of the most prestigious racing institutions in the world, making it the perfect training ground for Ghazi. The IM4 Academy provides him with top-tier coaching, ensuring he refines his technique while adapting to the high-pressure demands of professional racing. His decision to train in Italy highlights how location can be crucial in shaping an athlete’s career.
SMread: District Six Community Gathers for Mass Iftar on ‘Boeberaand’
When Did Ghazi’s Passion for Racing Begin?
Ghazi’s love for racing started at a young age, heavily influenced by Ayrton Senna’s legacy. Watching Senna’s precision and fearlessness inspired him to pursue motorsport with the same dedication. Now, as he transitions from karting to single-seaters, he embraces the sport’s challenges, both physical and mental, knowing that resilience is key to success.
Motorsport is often underestimated in terms of physical exertion, but Ghazi makes it clear that racing is an endurance sport. From the forces acting on his body at high speeds to the necessity of maintaining peak fitness, every aspect of his training is geared toward handling extreme conditions. Additionally, the mental game is just as crucial.
“All I can say is you have to be honest with yourself and be realistic and work hard… you can’t think with emotions because when you have to make a split-second decision, emotions get involved,” he advises young drivers.
SMread: Beating the Ramadan Slump: The Final Push
Balancing Faith and Racing During Ramadan.
As a Muslim athlete, Ghazi faces the additional challenge of maintaining peak performance while observing fasting during Ramadan. This period tests his discipline even further, but he embraces it as part of his journey, emphasising how faith strengthens his mindset. His ability to balance both his spiritual and professional commitments adds another layer to his already demanding career.
With a relentless work ethic and a clear vision for his future, Ghazi is on track to make a name for himself in the racing world. His journey is not just about personal success, it’s about breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow their dreams, regardless of background.
“I always try to tackle every obstacle with honesty and good intentions and to just be truthful, you know, because that’s just who I am,” he says.
As he continues training, competing, and pushing his limits, one thing is certain: Ghazi Motlekar is racing toward greatness, and the motorsport world is taking notice.
