WRITTEN BY LEBO MJANGAZE
Demi Potgieter, a 14-year-old racer from Hudson Park High School in East London, is making waves in the 2024 go-karting circuit leading the Junior four-stroke class in the Border Karting club championship.
Potgieter, the only girl among six boys, has set a high standard in the competition and aims to take the trophy home in her class this year.
Racing a 212cc 4-stroke kart, Potgieter has faced her fair share of challenges, including two crashes that led to precautionary hospital visits. However, her determination and resilience saw her return to the track stronger than ever.
Potgieter’s passion for racing started at the age of six, inspired by her father’s stock car racing. Now, with two years of go-kart experience, she’s eyeing the world finals.
“My dad is my biggest inspiration and supporter. He does all the work on my kart. Whenever I ask him questions about my kart he says ‘you just get in and race. I’ll do the rest’. I am very grateful for that.
Potgieter’s mother, Liesel expressed immense pride in her daughter’s hard work and dedication, despite the challenges they’ve faced, including balancing school sports with racing.
“Potgieter is a mini version of her dad, so we were well prepared for when the words ’I want to race like dad’ came out.
“To other parents with kids as ambitious as Demi I would say, support your children’s dreams, they appreciate it more than what they say.”
Hudson Park High School and the Border Karting community have also voiced their support for Potgieter, while Border Karting Chairperson Andre Schrier believes Potgieter has the potential to become a great racer, praising her sportsmanship and calm demeanour.
Schrier said: “Motorsport traditionally used to be a male-orientated sport. We currently have three ladies competing in different karting championships and we are seeing increased participation into the sport from groups who were once excluded based on race.
“We would appreciate any support from the public or sponsors to help improve our facility as we aim to host National Championships in the future,”said Schrier.
As the championship continues, Potgieter remains focused on her racing journey, with two rounds left to solidify her lead. For Potgieter, racing is more than just speed — it’s an adventure filled with special moments and valuable lessons.
