Breaking Barriers in Africa: All-Female Team and Youngest Driver Ignite 24-Hour ‘Lemons’ Race Showdown

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is a pioneering motorsport event in Africa featuring an all-female team and the youngest known driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. The race is unique as it caters exclusively to “Lemons” vehicles, with a price tag of less than R55k, and attracts a diverse mix of vehicles and teams. This event shatters stereotypes and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in motorsport, pushing the limits of what is considered possible.

What is the MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna?

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is a pioneering motorsport event in Africa featuring an all-female team and the youngest known driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. The race is unique as it caters exclusively to “Lemons” vehicles, with a price tag of less than R55k. The event encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in motorsport, pushing the limits of what is considered possible.

A groundbreaking historical event is on the horizon for motorsport fans in Africa, as the MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna will feature an all-female team and the youngest known driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. Hosted at the Redstar Raceway near Delmas, this endurance event attracts a diverse mix of vehicles and teams, pushing both drivers and cars to their limits.

A Varied Assortment of “Lemons”

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is a unique event, catering exclusively to “Lemons”—vehicles with a price tag of less than R55k. With 74 clunkers in the lineup, the race will exhibit an eclectic range of rust buckets, from retired tow trucks and crumbling Datsuns to corroded Toyotas and more. Embracing the event’s eccentric character, teams such as Boetfighters, Nucking Futs, Sax & Violins, and crowd-favorite Princess Asstina the Fifth will compete side by side in a 24-hour, nonstop battle.

A Classic Le Mans-style Kickoff

The race is set to begin with a traditional Le Mans-style start, where drivers sprint across the track to their vehicles at 12:15 pm on Saturday. The contest will rage on until the finish line on Sunday, with drivers emerging exhausted and battered after an intense 24-hour face-off.

A Historic All-Female Endurance Team in Africa

Among the competing teams is the first-ever all-female 24-hour endurance team in Africa, the Pink Arrows. BeauAnn Hegyi, Jo-Anne Gibbon, Lea-Anne Massey-Hicks, and Natalie Weston make up the team, who will compete in an aged Mercedes SLK. The Pink Arrows’ mission is to smash stereotypes and inspire other women to challenge themselves in motorsport. Team captain BeauAnn expressed her hope that their entry will motivate more women to defy expectations and enter the world of motorsport.

A 24-Hour Main Circuit Race With the Youngest Driver

Another groundbreaking achievement will take place as 15-year-old Nikki Vostanis joins the event, becoming the youngest driver to participate in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. Vostanis started karting in 2021 and has since earned podium finishes in the Toyota Academy’s inaugural Yaris Cup and a top-five finish in his Polo Supercup debut. Nikki will be teaming up with Asiento Rapido, driving their Seat Leon.

A Magnificent and Reckless Odyssey

The third annual MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is regarded as the most magnificent and reckless undertaking drivers will engage in all year. The event is proudly backed by Dunlop tires, Havoline oils, and Insurisk wealth management. Motorsport enthusiasts can track the race on Facebook or Instagram, ensuring they catch all the thrilling action.

Shattering Stereotypes and Pushing Boundaries

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna not only offers an entertaining and challenging motorsport event but also serves as a platform for breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. By providing an opportunity for the first all-female endurance team in Africa and the youngest driver to compete in a 24-hour Main Circuit race, the event encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in motorsport, pushing the limits of what is considered possible.

A Promising Future for Motorsport in Africa

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is more than just a race; it is a testament to the growth and potential of motorsport in Africa. As the event gains recognition and support, it is certain that many more talented drivers and teams will emerge from the continent, challenging the status quo and reshaping the world of motorsport.

1. What is the MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna?

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna is a pioneering motorsport event in Africa featuring an all-female team and the youngest known driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. The race is unique as it caters exclusively to “Lemons” vehicles, with a price tag of less than R55k.

2. What type of vehicles participate in the race?

The race caters exclusively to “Lemons” vehicles, with a price tag of less than R55k. This means the race will exhibit an eclectic range of rust buckets, from retired tow trucks and crumbling Datsuns to corroded Toyotas and more.

3. How does the race begin?

The race begins with a traditional Le Mans-style start, where drivers sprint across the track to their vehicles at 12:15 pm on Saturday.

4. Who is the first-ever all-female 24-hour endurance team in Africa?

The first-ever all-female 24-hour endurance team in Africa is the Pink Arrows. BeauAnn Hegyi, Jo-Anne Gibbon, Lea-Anne Massey-Hicks, and Natalie Weston make up the team, who will compete in an aged Mercedes SLK.

5. Who is the youngest driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race?

Nikki Vostanis is the youngest driver participating in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. He is 15 years old and will be teaming up with Asiento Rapido, driving their Seat Leon.

6. Who sponsors the race?

The race is proudly backed by Dunlop tires, Havoline oils, and Insurisk wealth management.

7. What is the goal of the race?

The MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna not only offers an entertaining and challenging motorsport event but also serves as a platform for breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. By providing an opportunity for the first all-female endurance team in Africa and the youngest driver to compete in a 24-hour Main Circuit race, the event encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in motorsport, pushing the limits of what is considered possible.

8. What does the future hold for motorsport in Africa?

As the MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna gains recognition and support, it is certain that many more talented drivers and teams will emerge from the continent, challenging the status quo and reshaping the world of motorsport. The event is a testament to the growth and potential of motorsport in Africa.