With his heart and mind set on representing South Africa in professional motorsport one day, Rudi Schüssler, a 15-year-old go-kart racer, is giving it his all!
South Africa (29 August 2023) – Rudi Schüssler has his sights set on the 2023 Volkswagen Rookie Cup, a car circuit event set to take place in mid-September at tracks around South Africa. He will also represent South Africa at the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup in Valencia, Spain from 21 – 24 September 2023, after competing in the SA Tillotson series where he came second, he is excited to take this next step in his motorsport career.
Turning 16 years old in October 2023, this year is the last time Rudi will be eligible to take part in this division of the Rookie Cup as it aims at karting racers from 14 – 16 years old. The hope is to enter and win the Volkswagen Rookie Cup, which will earn him a fully paid spot at the Polo Cup in 2024, which will be a huge step up in his career.
“This is an exceptional opportunity as the sponsored seat in the Polo Cup is a very big prize and not one that is easily obtainable. Our hope is for Rudi to win this competition and therefore moving up in his Motorsport journey where he wants to be a professional racing driver.” – Grethe Doubell Schüssler
Most professional racers start within the go-karting industry and work their way through the motorsport ranks in competitive racing events worldwide. This is one of Rudi’s dreams, one he is determined to achieve. Having started racing in 2021, he is showing that he can out-race his fellow competitors and work towards that coveted podium place.
The family faced a significant loss last year when Rudi’s Father, Mike, tragically passed away after a very short battle with cancer. He left a trust behind for Rudi; however, he can only access the funds once he reaches the age of 24.
“The next few years of his Motorsport rise will be crucial if he wants to stand any chance of pursuing his dream to race professionally.”
Rudi is looking for sponsorship opportunities to help keep his racing dream alive. He does have a crowdfund which helps cover more minor racing expenses, but his goal now is to add sponsors to his team that will stand beside him as he makes his way onto the professional circuits. The first goal is the Volkswagen Rookie Cup and then continuing in the Rok Cup with his 2-stroke kart.
If you are keen to learn more about Rudi’s goals and abilities, be sure to reach out to Grethe via email here or check out his website here.
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