At just 14, Josh Moore, a Grade 8 learner at Global Leadership Academy (GLA) in Jeffreys Bay, has joined the VW Rookie Cup as the youngest race car driver to race at six different locations throughout the country.
Since his parents, James and Kerryn, have raced motorbikes and participated in various kart racing competitions; Josh and his younger brother, Jack, have been exposed to the thrill of racetracks from a young age.
Eager to try out racing themselves, their parents agreed to allow the brothers, who were 8 and 6 at the time, to begin kart racing at the Celso Scribante track in Gqeberha. The two also later obtained their Motorsport South Africa (MSA) licences for karting.
“Track racing allowed us to race as a family, which we all enjoyed,” said Josh.
To keep busy at times when they did not have much to do during the COVID-19 pandemic, the St Francis Bay brothers began participating in various go-kart competitions, and were fortunate enough to represent South Africa at their first international competition in 2021, at the ROK Cup Superfinals in Italy.
The two went on to participate in the prestigious international competition again in 2022 and 2023.
During their participation in October 2023, Josh was placed third in the u/13 Trophy Cup finals, an achievement he is very proud of.
In addition, he has won multiple national championship events in karting.
Furthermore, in 2020, Josh tied for first place in the MSA Kid ROK National Championships, and in 2023 he finished second in the MINI ROK National Championship.
While attending a kart racing event in Vereeniging last year, Josh met the head of Volkswagen Motorsport, Mike Rowe, who introduced them to the VW Rookie Cup, and gave them a tour of the VW race car which he was immediately drawn to.
James said the VW Rookie Cup is generally aimed at children between 14 and 16 years old; however, for the first time, with permission from MSA, this year they introduced children as young as 13 years old, on condition that they turn 14 by June this year.
He said the VW Rookie Cup is a stepping-stone for young go-kart drivers to experience car racing.
At 13-years-old Josh signed up, and was chosen as the youngest South African race car driver to join the VW Rookie Cup and race on the main circuit.
Five other children were also selected to join the programme.
“Since Josh had prior go-karting experience he was chosen to join the VW Rookie Cup one year earlier,” said James.
“The VW Rookie Cup provides the young race car drivers with a gentle step into proper race car driving, which is a good initiative from VW.”
As part of the programme, James said the race car drivers have two coaches, and are provided with a VW vehicle fitted with full electronics, race bars, roll bar, head protection, and a head restraint, among other features.
He said they are also given full fireproof suits.
“The VW Rookie Club is pedantic about safety, which gives parents peace of mind,” said James.
He further said that the drivers participate in six events throughout the year, with two in Gqeberha, two in Cape Town, and two in Pretoria.
In addition, children attend multiple training camps throughout the year.
Josh’s next race will be on June 27 and 28 at Aldo Scribante Race Circuit in Gqberha.
James said Rowe has been very good at managing the VW Rookie Cup series, while chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group Africa, Martina Biene, has been supportive and has spent time with the six children chosen for the programme.
Through the VW Rookie Cup, he said that Josh has learned so much about road safety.
“The children learn skills that will last them a lifetime. They learn how to make very serious decisions in a nice and fun environment. It is a very good form of character-building,” said James.
Josh said go-karting provided him with an opportunity to gain experience about the rules of the racetrack, which was a good foundation. Since joining the VW Rookie Cup, he has learned more about driving and racing.
“I was shocked when I received confirmation that I was chosen for the VW Rookie Cup. Not many children my age know much about driving, but I have been fortunate to learn not only about driving, but about racing as well,” said Josh.
He further said he has been fortunate to learn so much since joining the VW Rookie Cup, including learning about the mechanics of a vehicle while interacting with the auto mechanics at the pits.
“The smile on my face when I jump in a race car is an amazing feeling,” said Josh.
When asked if he would consider becoming a professional racing driver, he said he is aware that it is very difficult to make it to Formula 1, the highest platform for international racing, especially as a South African.
Josh said there are, however, opportunities for people who are interested in professional racing, and many South Africans have excelled in other international classes of motorsport.
Since it costs a lot of money to become a professional driver, he said it would be great if he is scouted and sponsored.
Further elaborating on the opportunities for South African drivers, James said MSA has been doing a lot to create opportunities for young drivers.
Thus far, Josh has been fortunate to receive sponsorships from Puma SA, Fleet Dynamics Group, BPW Axles, and VW Motorsport.
Since Josh travels often for racing, James said GLA was their top choice for a high school, because the school is known for its academic strength and was willing to accommodate their busy travel schedule.
“As part of the school’s policy, when Josh is travelling and not physically at school, he is required to complete his online programmes and keep up to date with Google Classroom and e-books,” said James.
