Racing takes young Namibian to France

Growing up in a motorsport family has motivated Chané Havenga (24) to also hit the tracks.

Starting long before she was allowed to drive on public roads legally, Havenga chained the more experienced and older racers at Tony Rust Raceway’s circuit racing.

Eventually, she got into the navigator’s seat during rallies.

“I was nine when my father, Andre, taught me how to drive. At the age of 12, I did my first gymkana, long before the Covid-19 lockdown, and at the age of 16, I started taking part in circuit racing,” Havenga says.

After that, she achieved podium finishes at the national championships in class E – in both second and third place.

“The bug bit me from then,” she says.

Havenga was invited by the Fédératione Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to attend a motorsport immersion programme in France alongside other young people.

“I was in tears when I received the letter from FIA to attend the two-week mentorship,” she says.

The programme aims to empower young racers between the ages of 25 and 35 to get more exposure in the world of international motorsport.

Applicants had to submit details on their motorsport careers and achievements.

The programme focuses on helping the younger generation improve in the sport – both locally and internationally, Havenga says.

“We will work closely with FIA over the next two weeks. We will meet the president of FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and other role-players in the industry.

“The idea is to work closely with other motorsport participants upon returning to see how we can make some changes and develop the sport,” she says.

Havenga says she also wants to join a FIA programme called ‘Women in Motorsport’ to better equip her to navigate challenges.

“Racing against the older and experienced men and women is actually motivating, since they share advice and encourage me to do better on the tracks.”

Havenga’s advice to younger women racers is to keep going.

“Never let go. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

Havenga will depart for France on 1 September, and the programme will run from 3 to 13 September.

She will also attend the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine from 5 to 7 September.