Young racing driver going places - at high speed

“Check your tyres and ensure they have sufficient pressure and tread wear,” says racing driver and Dunlop ambassador, Jonathan Mokgotsi.

“As humble as they come, this amazing young man is definitely going places,” says Riaz Haffejee, CEO of Sumitomo Dunlop, who keeps the tyres spinning for the professional racing car driver. “We are proud to have Jonathan as a brand ambassador for Dunlop. Not only is he a passionate driver, but he has also recognised that he has people that look up to him and as such he has a responsibility to educate the public on tyre safety.”

When asked what he does for fun, Mogotsi talks about his grass roots experiences leading to his career choice. “My favourite pastime is simulator racing on PC,” he says. “It is also what got me into motorsport in the first place.”

Despite being on the track as a professional driver for VW, having represented them in the VW Polo Cup for the past three years, Mogotsi has not lost his passion for driving and says a favourite off duty pastime is to get into his car, with his windows wound down, music off and drive through the city at night. “It is important to remember to keep racetrack shenanigans to the racetrack,” he says. “Obey the law and stick to safe driving on the road please.”

As a closing message, Mogotsi encourages the public to think beyond themselves and care about those around us, especially the elderly and the vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Please practice social distancing, wear protective equipment and sanitise regularly. Avoid unnecessary contact where possible,” he says. “And, lastly, when you hit the road, check your tyres and ensure they have sufficient pressure and tread wear.”

For more, visit https://www.srigroup.co.za/motorsport

^{About SRSA}

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA) is owned by Japanese-listed company Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (SRI), situated in Kobe, Japan. SRI is one of the leading premium manufacturers of automotive tyres and industrial rubber products in the world. The existing South African plant in Ladysmith (founded in 1973) currently produces passenger car, sport utility vehicle, light truck and truck and bus radial tyres, which are sold in South Africa and exported across Africa and other countries.