At a Glance
- South Africa has produced world-class racing legends across F1, MotoGP, rally, and motocross.
- Jody Scheckter remains the only African to win a Formula One World Championship.
- Motorsport dynasties and rising stars continue South Africa’s legacy on the global racing stage.
South Africa has long been a breeding ground for exceptional motorsport talent — from the roaring speedways of Formula One to the rugged terrain of the Dakar Rally and the unforgiving dirt tracks of motocross.
Over the decades, the nation has produced a remarkable roster of world champions, race winners, and record-breakers whose names have become synonymous with speed, skill, and resilience on the global stage.
While local fans often celebrate current stars like Brad and Darryn Binder for their MotoGP exploits, South Africa’s motorsport history runs far deeper. I
t’s a story of pioneers who paved the way in eras when breaking into the world’s most competitive racing circuits required more than just talent — it demanded grit, innovation, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.
These legends not only carried the national flag into foreign arenas but also redefined what it meant to be a South African in international motorsport.
From Jody Scheckter’s historic Formula One world title to Kork Ballington’s dominance on two wheels, and from Sarel van der Merwe’s versatility across rally and endurance racing to Giniel de Villiers’ Dakar Rally triumph, the country’s motorsport icons have excelled in disciplines as diverse as they are demanding.
Their achievements continue to inspire new generations of racers, proving that South African motorsport is not just competitive — it is world-class.
This legacy is not confined to individual talent.
Motorsport dynasties such as the Van der Linde family have shown that speed and precision can run in the blood, producing multiple champions across decades.
Meanwhile, female trailblazers like Desiré Wilson have broken barriers, proving that motorsport’s toughest arenas are not reserved for men alone.
Here’s a look at the South African motorsport legends who have left a permanent mark on the international racing scene — and continue to inspire a new era of homegrown champions.
Brad and Darryn Binder — MotoGP’s South African force
The Binder brothers are household names for South African MotoGP fans.
Brad, the 2016 Moto3 world champion, has claimed two premier-class victories with the KTM works team, while younger brother Darryn has also carved out his space in the competitive MotoGP paddock.
Their fearless riding style and relentless pursuit of victory have cemented them among South Africa’s most celebrated two-wheeled racers.
Jody Scheckter — Formula One’s African champion
Jody Scheckter remains the only African to win the Formula One world championship, taking the title with Ferrari in 1979.
Born in East London in 1950, Scheckter made his F1 debut in 1972 with McLaren before becoming the only South African to win the SA Grand Prix in 1974 with Tyrrell.
His 10 career wins, three pole positions, and 33 podiums secured his place among motorsport’s elite.
Today, Scheckter is a successful biodynamic farmer in the UK, having also supported the racing careers of his sons Toby and Tomas.
Sarel van der Merwe — The versatile ‘Supervan’
Sarel van der Merwe, affectionately nicknamed “Supervan,” is South Africa’s most versatile racing driver.
He holds a record 11 SA Rally Drivers’ Championships and has won titles in saloon and modified car racing. His international triumphs include victory in the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona and a third-place finish at Le Mans.
Awarded Motorsport South Africa’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002, Van der Merwe continues to contribute to the sport through events like the Spirit of Amarok competition.
Desiré Wilson — Motorsport’s trailblazing woman
Desiré Wilson is one of only five women to compete in Formula One and remains the only woman to win an F1 race of any kind, claiming victory at Brands Hatch in 1980.
Her career spanned endurance racing, IndyCar, and the US Porsche GT3 Cup, making her one of the most accomplished female racers in motorsport history.
Giniel de Villiers — Dakar rally champion
Giniel de Villiers dominated the SA Touring Car Championship before transitioning to off-road racing, where he won the 2009 Dakar Rally with Volkswagen.
With multiple Dakar podium finishes for Toyota, de Villiers has proven his adaptability and skill across vastly different racing environments.
The Van der Linde racing dynasty
From patriarch Hennie’s domination in modified saloon cars to the current international exploits of Sheldon and Kelvin, the Van der Linde family is South Africa’s most successful racing dynasty.
Sheldon currently leads the DTM championship in a BMW M4, while Kelvin has multiple endurance racing titles, including victories at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.
Wayne Taylor — Endurance racing master
Two-time 24 Hours of Daytona winner Wayne Taylor has also claimed the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series Daytona Prototype drivers’ championship.
Today, he manages his own competitive US-based sports car team.
Motocross World Champions — Greg Albertyn, Grant Langston & Tyla Rattray
Greg Albertyn became the first South African to win an FIM Motocross World Championship in 1992 and added two more titles before winning the AMA National Championship in 1999.
Grant Langston claimed the 2000 125cc world title and the 2007 AMA 450MX crown, while Tyla Rattray took the MX2 world championship in 2008 and enjoyed a successful AMA career.
Kork Ballington — Four-Time world champion
Ballington remains South Africa’s most decorated motorcycle racer, winning four FIM road racing world championships for Kawasaki between 1978 and 1979.
In 2018, he was inducted into the MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame.
Jon Ekerold — The privateer champion
In 1980, Jon Ekerold made history by winning the 350cc Grand Prix World Championship as a privateer, defeating factory-backed riders with a self-modified bike.
His victory remains one of the most remarkable underdog stories in motorcycle racing history.
South Africa’s motorsport legacy is far from over.
With the Binder brothers, the Van der Linde siblings, and a growing pool of young talent making waves internationally, the country is set to produce a new generation of champions — keeping the spirit of speed alive for years to come.
