MOTORING NEWS
On career and personal growth At only 20 years old, you’ ve already made history with this win. Where do you see your rally-raid career heading from here? I believe I’ m the youngest winner in the SA Rally-Raid Championship. But the focus is on the season ahead, the World Championship and then Dakar in January. All the preparation and testing kilometres are building towards Dakar. Our results show how far we’ ve come, and I’ m happy with the progress.
What inspired you to pursue rallyraid racing, and who have been your biggest role models in the sport? My dad. From day one I grew up watching him race. I was at every event, and it’ s in my blood. He’ s taught me everything, from karting through to rally-raid. Looking back at how far I’ ve come, it really feels like a dream come true.
You’ re driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing- what does it mean to you to be part of such a world-class team at this stage of your career? This is my fourth year with Toyota Gazoo Racing. They trusted me from a young age and gave me incredible opportunities- to be the youngest factory driver, the youngest Dakar competitor, and the youngest in SA track racing. Having Toyota, one of the most powerful brands in the world, backing me is amazing. We’ re working hard, the results are coming, and we’ re only going to keep pushing.
ON MINDSET AND ADVICE
Rally-raid racing demands focus, fitness, and resilience. What do you do to prepare yourself mentally and physically for races? I train every day, cardio, weights, neck and shoulder training and even boxing. Physically it’ s tough, but mentally you also need to stay strong. You always have to arrive at each event with your head in the right place and bring your A-game.
What advice would you give to other young drivers who dream of competing and winning at this level? Dream big, work hard, and never think it’ s impossible. Dedication is everything.
Looking ahead to Round Four in the Western Cape, how are you approaching the challenge of a brand-new event on the calendar? It’ s a new round for me, so it’ ll be something different. The goal is to win but with the championship lead we also need to be consistent. We’ ll give it everything as always.
Archie Rutherford, CEO of SA Rally-Raid, congratulated Variawa on his breakthrough victory concluding,“ Saood’ s performance at the Vaal 400 was nothing short of outstanding. To achieve this at just
20 years old shows the incredible talent and maturity he brings to the sport. He represents the next generation of rally-raid champions, and his win is an inspiration to every young driver dreaming of competing at the highest level. We look forward to watching his journey unfold, both here at home and on the international stage.”
Fans can follow the SA Rally Raid Championship on the RallySafe App, available as a free download from the iStore and Google PlayStore or on Facebook: https:// www. facebook. com / sarallyraidchampionship; Instagram: https:// www. instagram. com / sarallyraidchampionship / and: Youtube channel- @ SouthAfricanRallyRaidSARRC for exclusive previews, driver interviews, live route updates and more
WORDS IN ACTION 46 SEPTEMBER 2025