In its fourth year, the MasterDrive Driver Search has become a pragmatic and easily accessible launchpad for young, previously disadvantaged motorsport enthusiasts who would otherwise never get the opportunity. This year brings a landmark advancement: for the first time, two winners will be selected – one male and one female.
MasterDrive Driver Search was built on a clear and purposeful mission: to develop talent among young South Africans from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with the passion and potential but not the resources or traditional access. The MasterDrive CEO, Eugene Herbert, says: “It is a means of identifying and fostering motorsport talent, especially among youth facing substantial barriers to entry.
“The introduction of a dedicated category for female drivers, tackles one of motorsport’s challenges: the underrepresentation of women. Across all levels of the sport, women remain a small minority because the pathways into the sport are historically limited. Without accessible entry points, or structured support, many young women with genuine talent never even consider motorsport.”
MasterDrive’s Coastal GM Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse says this year, the competition encourages female drivers to enter. “It demonstrates our commitment to transformation and inclusion in South African motorsport. Actively creating space for female participants sends a powerful message to women that want to take the step into motorsport. Representation is not just symbolic; it is a catalyst for change.
For the first time we will select a winning female entry and provide the training to equip them to gain a podium place at Simola. When a young woman competes at the Simola Hillclimb, having earned her place through skill and determination, she is proof the door is open. She becomes the reason the next girl picks up a helmet instead of walking past the garage. It is a ripple effect that changes a sport, and MasterDrive is proud to be the ones to set it in motion.”
It is not a promise of a career in motorsport, but the chance to compete at one of Africa’s most prestigious motorsport events “It is an opportunity for female competitors to show what they are capable of with the right platform and support.
“That is ultimately what the MasterDrive Driver Search is about: lifting barriers and proving that the next great South African racing talent can come from anywhere — including a young woman who, until now, never imagined the sport had room for her,” says Nourse.
Both winners will earn the opportunity to compete at the iconic 16th Simola Hillclimb in Knysna from 30 April to 3 May 2026. It is recognised as one of the most legendary international Hillclimb events and the fastest in the world. To prepare them, winners undergo a rigorous program of theoretical instruction, practical on-track sessions, and mentorship from previous winners and key figures in the motorsport arena.
MasterDrive Driver Search is delivered in partnership with Castrol, Race Driver SA, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), Rose Foundation, TGN Racing Simulators and Indy Karting.
The entry period has been extended to 6 March 2026 to accommodate the increase in entries. For more information on entering click here.
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