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Crawford Sandton learner races as South Africa’s youngest GT3 driver
A learner at Crawford International Sandton College, Ryan Naicker, has taken the motorsport world by storm over the past few weeks, securing three podium finishes in various racing events.
As the youngest GT3 driver in South Africa, Ryan is not only making a name for himself on the racetrack but also balancing the rigorous demands of his academic life. Ryan’s love for motorsport began at an early age, thanks to his father’s passion for fast cars.
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“My dad would modify his cars to be faster, even when he could not afford high-performance vehicles.” Growing up, he attended motorsport events with his family and had his first significant exposure at the Kyalami 9-hour race in 2019.
“That event solidified my love for motorsport.” A pit walk, meeting drivers, and getting up close to the cars left a lasting impression that ignited his competitive spirit.
Ryan has achieved significant milestones in recent months, including a second-place finish at the Toyota GR Cup in East London on July 27.
He followed that with a third-place class finish at the South African Endurance Series at Kyalami on August 3, and another second-place overall result at the BMW Race Series Championship in Cape Town on August 10.
Balancing academics and racing, however, has not been without its challenges.
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Ryan admits that managing both takes significant effort. “My dad and I have an agreement, academics come first.”
While motorsport demands time and focus, he views it as an investment in his future rather than a sacrifice. This disciplined mindset helps Ryan maintain clarity and block out distractions. “It’s about pouring energy into what I love.”
Ryan’s journey in motorsport hasn’t been without setbacks. He recalls moments of doubt, particularly after crashing in his first race and enduring mechanical issues with his car. “I remember telling my family I was going to quit,” he said, reflecting on the tough moments. But through perseverance, he found the grit to keep going. His recent podium finishes have been both humbling and surreal, marking a turning point in his racing career.
As the youngest GT3 driver in South Africa, Ryan acknowledges that his age is not a barrier, but his work ethic is what truly counts. “Age does not matter; what matters is how hard I am willing to work for my dreams.”
With the support of his father, who ensures he has access to the best training and equipment, Ryan has been able to fast-track his development, competing in multiple race series to hone his skills.
Crawford International Sandton College has also played an instrumental role in Ryan’s success. Initially, his parents were concerned that the school’s rigorous academic programme might not accommodate his racing commitments. However, the school has shown incredible support by allowing flexibility around his race schedule, ensuring he can continue to excel in both arenas. “I am immensely grateful for the support from my grade counsellor, principal, and teachers,” Ryan shares.
Looking ahead, Ryan has his sights set on competing in the upcoming South African Endurance Series and Extreme Supercars events with his AMG GT3 EVO. His long-term goals include not only excelling on the international racing scene but also making motorsport more accessible to young talent across South Africa and Africa. “I want to live an exceptional life, winning in motorsport and giving back to communities,” Ryan concluded, embodying both the humility and drive that have propelled him to success.
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