A New Generation, a New Grid

There’s a moment every racing driver knows… the helmet clicks shut, the outside world disappears, and everything becomes instinct.

For a new generation of South African women in motorsport, that moment is no longer rare or distant. It is becoming familiar. It is becoming theirs. And for some, it started long before the grid.

For 16-year-old Chloe Stuart, the journey began in childhood, but it became real the first time she felt speed for herself.

“That’s when I knew this is my sport.”

Pablo Clark Racing Motorsport Development Program Driver, Chloe Stuart

“The first time I fell in love with racing was the first time I got into a go-kart, when I was seven years old… I had been asking my dad to join racing for such a long time.”

That first experience was not just exciting, it was defining. “I had a smile up to my eyes. I fell in love the very first time I felt that adrenaline rush – That’s when I knew that this is my sport.”

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For Stuart, racing is not just a hobby or ambition, it is a feeling she keeps returning to. “It is an indescribable surreal feeling. I get feelings of excitement and joy every time I sit behind my steering wheel.”

But passion alone does not protect young athletes from pressure. As one of the few young women in her environment, she has had to grow quickly. “It has been quite a challenge to be one of the few South African females trying to pursue a career in motorsport.”

And that challenge has often come in the form of doubt from others. “I have had to prove myself in a very male-dominated environment.” Still, her response has been discipline, not discouragement. “I’ve had to learn to keep my head up and focus on my goals, and stay determined to outperform the other drivers.”

The Motorsport Development Program has added structure to that journey. “Being a part of the Motorsport Development Program has been a huge milestone in my career,” says Stuart. “It has built a stronger confidence to carry myself off track.”

And perhaps most importantly, it has shifted her sense of belonging. “It has helped me realise that I deserve and belong to be in motorsport more than ever.”

For Stuart, the message to the next generation is simple: “Stay focused on your dreams and dream big. Never let anybody bring you down.”

For Morgan Jacobs, racing began as something she observed, before becoming something she entered fully. She believes: “We are all the same once the visor goes down.”

“I’ve always been in love with racing as a sport from the sidelines, watching my dad compete.”

Pablo Clark Racing Motorsport Development Program Driver, Morgan Jacobs

That proximity to the sport shaped her ambition early. “Building my own race car and finally being able to sit in the driver’s seat and drive it onto the track is where my love for racing grew even more.”

What followed was a transformation from watching to belonging. “Where you reach a zone, becoming one with your car.”

The emotional pull of racing is something she describes almost instinctively.

“Missing the driver’s seat from the moment you finish the last race of the day to the first practice session of the next race day.”

But like her peers, she is also aware that racing is not equal in perception, even if it is equal in practice.

“With challenges or no challenges, when the visor goes down and we drive out of parc fermé, we are all the same and just want to race.” That equality is central to how she sees her future.

“Being a part of the PCR Motorsport Development Program has been a huge step forward for me. It’s given me confidence in racing that I need, knowing I have a team behind me that supports and believes in me. I feel like I’m not only chasing a dream anymore, I’m actually building a career in motorsport.”

And she is careful to ground that ambition in perspective. “Racing comes with highs and lows as with any sport, but if you are doing a sport you love, you have already won.”

Her advice is simple but powerful: “Never stop doing what you love – Enjoy every moment and grab every opportunity with both hands.”

Vatiswa Mokhonoana states boldly: “I thrive under pressure!” For Mokhonoana, motorsport began with fascination, and quickly became a major focus.

“My passion for motorsport started as a fan, watching a lot of rallies and Gymkhana… That chaos of driving and legendary cars really caught my attention.” 

Pablo Clark Racing Motorsport Development Program Driver, Vatiswa Mokhonoana

That curiosity turned into action, and rapid progression. “Through that connection, I was able to get started in proper two-stroke national karting in June 2024.” 

“From there, things progressed really well, it led to me being given the opportunity to step up into the GR Cup with Toyota the following year, and then get scouted for a role at Pablo Clark Racing in their program.”

But acceleration in sport also comes with visibility and responsibility. “I take my representation of such a small demographic in motorsport as a privilege, but at times also a pressure.”

She describes a reality many young women in sport face but rarely say aloud. “When you are sometimes the only girl on the grid, there’s an unspoken expectation that you’re not just racing for yourself.”

Instead of resisting that pressure, she reframes it. “That pressure has definitely pushed me to become more resilient, focused, and confident in my abilities.” Her learning curve has also been internal. “It’s shaped me into a driver who thrives under pressure and uses it as motivation to do my best. And her philosophy remains grounded in balance.

“I’ve found the most joy in meeting new drivers, learning new skills, travelling, fixating on results only makes me stress more!” Her key reminder is deceptively simple: “When I’m a calm driver, I become a fast one too.”

Pontsho Malebese proudly states: 

“We are building the future of motorsport!”

Pablo Clark Racing MDP Sponsorships and Events Assistant, Pontsho Malebese

Behind the drivers is a structure designed to hold them and guide them. For Pontsho, the Motorsport Development Program exists to change access, not just outcomes.

“The focus is on the local future generation and building them up for success as professionals in the various positions within motorsport.”

Malebese is clear that the challenge is not talent, but opportunity. “A common struggle in motorsport is the lack of support when seeking an opportunity.” The programme responds with structured development across multiple areas. “Our drivers attend sessions with skilled experts who are part of the PCR team, which cover driving performance with data analysis, sponsorship acquisition basics, sport and performance psychology, and using social media as a tool.”

And importantly, it extends beyond driving. “Motorsport is a team sport. There is a lot that goes into getting the car to the track.” Success, for her, is not only about race results.

“An important measure to take is to sit with our candidates and have discussions about their goals, follow up on the steps they’re taking to get closer to the goals, and offer advice on how to get even closer to achieving them.”

And at its core, the philosophy is equality through capability. “Once the visor goes down, everyone on the field is a driver, and there’s no question of gender, it becomes a question of capability.”

Across all three drivers, a shared truth emerges. Motorsport is no longer just about access to a seat in the car. It is about access to belief.

Stuart speaks about belonging. Jacobs speaks about equality. Mokhonoana speaks about resilience. And together, they represent something bigger than individual progress, they represent a shift in who gets to imagine themselves in motorsport at all.

Because the grid is changing, visibly and at pace.

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Main Photo Caption: Pablo Clark Racing’s Motorsport Development Program is creating structured opportunity for a new generation of South African women in motorsport, with drivers Chloe Stuart, Morgan Jacobs and Vatiswa Mokhonoana building racing careers on and off the track alongside the full PCR team. All Photos: Supplied

Photo 2 Caption: Chloe Stuart, 16, represents a new generation of South African women making their mark in motorsport.

Photo 3 Caption: It’s a family affair, says 17-year-old Morgan Jacobs, who grew to love motor racing supporting her dad in the stands.

Photo 4 Caption: Vatiswa Mokhonoana, 17, is a Reserve Driver aiming for calm, which is where she says she finds her fastest racing.

Photo 5 Caption: Pontsho Malebese, 23, Pablo Clark Racing MDP Sponsorships and Events Assistant, champions opportunities for young women in South African motorsport.