If you have ever wanted to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events, your window is closing quickly. The MasterDrive Driver Search 2026 closes entries on 6 March, leaving motoring enthusiasts from previously disadvantaged backgrounds just days to enter to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Free entry
One of the most compelling aspects of the Driver Search is that entering costs nothing. MasterDrive Coastal GM Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse says: “The aspiring drivers between the ages of 16 and 22 can enter for free at their nearest TGN Race Centre (thegamingnetwork.co.za), a sim racing company, or at a nominated Century Karting venue in Cape Town (karting.co.za) or Indy karting in Johannesburg or KwaZulu Natal.
“Interested youth only need to book a session by 6 March, complete a practice and timed run on either the iconic 1.9km Simola sim circuit or at the karting track. Once complete entrants scan their best times into an entry form using a provided QR code. No entry fees mean there are no barriers to entry — just an opportunity to illustrate a raw talent and a willingness to compete,” says Nourse.
What the future holds
In a landmark first for the Driver Search, 2026 will crown two winners — one male and one female from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: ”This decision reflects MasterDrive’s commitment to transformation and inclusion in South African motorsport.”
The top-placing male and female winners will each receive a fully supported pathway to compete in the 16th Simola Hillclimb, the world’s fastest Hillclimb. That preparation includes theoretical instruction, professional on-track sessions, and mentorship from previous MasterDrive Driver Search winners. They will receive everything necessary to compete alongside South Africa’s elite drivers with confidence.
Winners will join the MasterDrive team at the Simola Hillclimb in Knysna. “Held on a exhilarating 1.9km mountain route, Simola carries the title of the fastest Hillclimb in the world. It attracts top-tier drivers from across the globe but is traditionally the domain of a select few. The Driver Search is one of the few pathways that can help previously disadvantaged youth overcome these barriers.
“Simola is where talent meets pressure, speed meets precision, and passions are shaped. For the winners of this year’s Driver Search, it will be the chance to prove exactly what they are capable of when given the right platform and support,” says Herbert.
The entry process is straightforward and the opportunity is enormous. With support from partners, including Castrol, Motorsport South Africa, Race Drive SA, and Killarney Raceway, the 2026 Driver Search offers young South Africans a legitimate foot in the door of professional motorsport, an opportunity extremely difficult to access otherwise.
Entries close 6 March 2026. Head to your nearest TGN Race Centre or one of the nominated Karting venues today to ensure you enter the running. For more information, call 086 110 0618 or email ctadmin@masterdrive.co.za.
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