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Bio
Born and raised in the sun-soaked suburbs of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, my story begins amidst the beauty of nature and the trials of early loss. At just six years old, my world was forever changed when my father passed away at the age of 29. My mother, faced with unimaginable challenges, ensured that my siblings—my brother, sister, and I—found structure and opportunity despite our circumstances. We were enrolled in boarding schools, first at Richmond Primary School in the Natal Midlands and later at Stanger High School, where weekend visits with our mother became cherished moments of connection.
Life took a hopeful turn when my mother remarried, and we moved to the Durban suburb of Sea View. It was there, at Brettonwood High School, that I began to embrace the joys and adventures of childhood. School holidays were filled with excitement, as my brother, our new step-siblings, and I spent our days riding motorcycles through the vast sugar cane fields and neighboring farms. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, we became trailblazers in South Africa’s Junior Motocross scene, racing homemade motorcycles that carried us to unforgettable victories and lifelong passions.
Even as a child, I was captivated by the wonders of nature and the thrill of motorsports. I dreamed of becoming a park ranger, inspired by South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Those dreams were nurtured by weekends spent exploring friends’ farms in Richmond, where I felt a deep connection to the natural world. However, it was the roar of engines and the camaraderie of racing that truly ignited my spirit. My stepfather, Wally Dunn, was a racer himself, and his enthusiasm for motorcycles and sidecars became my own. By age ten, I was already competing in motocross, riding alongside my brother and friends on the dirt trails of our youth.
Motorsports became more than just a hobby—it was a calling. I meticulously documented local and international races in a scrapbook, capturing the magic of F1, MotoGP, and Indy through clippings and photos. Though that scrapbook has been lost to time, the memories remain vivid, fueling my lifelong dedication to the sport.
In 1982, a spirit of adventure propelled me into the unknown. At 28 years old, I made a bold decision to quit my job, sell my belongings, and set sail on a 50-foot trimaran named Windspray. The two-year voyage across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans was life-changing, marked by challenges, triumphs, and boundless discovery. Following the journey at sea, I embarked on a 17,000-mile road trip across the United States, driving a $400 station wagon. It was during this journey that I met my first wife, leading to a new chapter of life in Texas, where I moved in 1985.
In the early years of my new life in America, I indulged in hobbies that kept my hands and mind busy: building model ships and flying radio-controlled airplanes. The thrill of aerobatics with my favorite model, a 108-inch wingspan Extra 300s, rekindled my love for flight and adventure. Soon, my childhood dream of owning a Mazda RX7 became a reality, reigniting my passion for motorsports. By 1999, I was back in the driver’s seat with a 1987 Turbo II RX7, paving the way for a 12-year journey into professional drag racing.
With the support of RX7.com’s Chris Ott and Ari Yellon, I competed in the inaugural 2001 NHRA Import Drag Racing Series, pushing the limits of speed and precision. My journey included building a purpose-built, all-motor RX7 13B and later a turbocharged Modified RX8, leading to remarkable achievements: two runner-up national championships, eight NHRA “Wally” trophies, and numerous international victories. These accomplishments were not just about trophies but about perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
After my drag racing career, I transitioned to road racing, embracing the challenges of a new discipline while forming bonds with a fresh community of enthusiasts. Though less intense than drag racing, road racing brought immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose.
In 2019, I made a promise to my beloved wife Gail to retire from motorsports, ushering in a new chapter of shared adventures. Selling my race cars marked the beginning of a life centered on travel and discovery. Photography became a serious passion, allowing me to capture the beauty of our journeys across the United States and beyond. Through the lens of my camera, I documented the landscapes, wildlife, and moments that enriched our lives.
Retirement at the end of 2021 opened the door to unrestricted exploration. Together, Gail and I embarked on adventures that connected us with family, friends, and the world around us. Every journey became a story, every photograph a testament to a life well-lived and driven by passion.
My hope is that these stories and images inspire others to pursue their dreams, embrace life’s challenges, and find joy in the journey. From the sugar cane fields of South Africa to the racetracks of America and the wide-open roads of the world, my life has been a testament to adventure, resilience, and the pursuit of passion.