Kgopotso Mononyane, affectionately known as KJ is rewriting the future of South African motorcycle racing. At just 17 he has re-signed with AGR Racing Team for the 2025 FIM JuniorGP season and is well on his way to reaching his global championships dreams!
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 November 2024) – The love and exhilarating thrill of motorcycle racing have always coursed through 17-year-old Kgopotso Mononyane’s veins.
Kgopotso, affectionately known as KJ, has been destined for greatness since he first swung his leg over a motorcycle.
With the unwavering support of his late father, Kgopotso, and his dedicated mother, Kgomotso, KJ has defied undeserved odds and is soaring to great heights.
The speed enthusiast is making exciting waves in the global motorcycle world, having just re-signed with his AGR Racing Team for the 2025 FIM JuniorGP season, according to Motorsport South Africa.
It was also reported that he picked up two points, finishing second in his debut season. All eyes will be on KJ to fly the South African flag high.
KJ is also competing in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup, which has been one of his all-time dreams.
He got his first break in 2017 after Neil Harran from the South African Motorcycle Racing Academy visited his school’s open day and was blown away by the talented 10-year-old.
KJ was soon enrolled into Harram’s academy and the ball was set in motion to have the racing prodigy compete in the short circuit road racing series in the NSF100cc Honda Cup.
Two years later, KJ won his first championship in 2019 and has since won multiple titles. These include being named Winner of the Clubman’s Championship, First in the 150-Cup Championship as well as First in the MRRSA Championship SUB 500 in the Motorcycle Racing Series South Africa.
His mother, Kgomotso has constantly been by his side, especially since the passing of his father.
“His dad believed so much in his potential – so much so that he wanted to see KJ race overseas. He signed a contract and submitted it to the team in Italy the day before he died.
“Signing this contract was the greatest achievement for him and he told me to always believe in our son. If he were alive now, he would be bursting with pride,” shares Kgomotso.
As KJ builds his promising career, he says that he remains committed to pushing his limits and striving for excellence.
“I am confident in my ability to keep improving. My ultimate goal is to compete in the MotoGP. Right now, I believe that I am on the right track and with hard work, patience and consistency, I am getting closer to making that dream a reality,” says the determined racing champ.
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