Young and talented Zimbabwean Motorsport racer, Axcil Jefferies, who is well known in this field as “The Axe” has got all who know of him and those who have heard about him, agree that his future shine so bright. Jefferies (15) won his first championship title in 2001at the Zimbabwe Cadet National Championships when he was just six, racing against drivers double his age. Since then, victory has been his life. In an exciting interview with Grace Chirumanzu, he tells The Zimbabwean on Sunday of his dream to become the youngest Formula One champion, in years to come. GC: How did you start your racing career and how did people appreciate you at that young age?
AJ: Well, when I was 2 years old, I watched a video of a karting race and I just got hooked on motorsport. At 5 years old I begged my dad to buy me a kart which he did for my 6th birthday and when I first drove it, it just seemed natural for me. I started out at Donnybrook where I won two national championships, then raced in South Africa and won three championships there. I got fortunate enough to besponsored by Toyota and Castrol South Africa. I then went on to race for two years in Europe where I also won many races... I enjoyed it and everyone there was just surprised along the way to know I was from Zimbabwe.
GC: Who is Axcil in personality and what has given you the motivation along the way?
AJ: Well, I am just an ordinary guy like most guys of my age. I wish I had it all. I just work very hard and want to succeed in my dream. I have been lucky, but it’s because I believe I can make it… So I guess I make my luck.
GC: (Smiles) Formula One is widely considered to be the pinnacle of motorsports, how do you take it considering you are much into Kart-racing?
AJ: All formula one drivers started their careers in karting. It is like the primary school of motorsport. So like all of them, my goal is Formula one. The basics of driving are very similar; karting is a down scale of F1… Lots of fun.
GC: What makes you nervous before a race?
AJ: Honestly, I don’t get nervous anymore; I leave that to my Mum andDad. I have had a few accidents, but the sport is really safe these days, so fortunately no injuries. It is much safer than driving on ordinary roads.I just love the excitement that comes with the race, the challenge, the professionalism, the speed; I just want to be the best. I love this sport, if I’m not racing, I will rather be fishing just to relax.
GC: Your team manager from Eurasia Motorsport, Mark Goddard, always speak so highly of you, Suhail, has been there for you and even other racers such as Leeroy Poulter , who won the 2008 Rotax DD2 World Championship believe your future shine so bright. Poulter once said, "If any driver in South Africa has the ability to make it on the international scene, its Axcil Jefferies."
AJ: Yes I am very grateful; I believe God blessed me with the talent and a family that have faith in me. As long as I keep working hard and being true to myself, I think the future is bright. I love sharing it with everyone. I hope to be in Formula one in 4 years time and break many records in the next 10 years. I want to be the youngest F1 world champion.
GC: How have you manage to balance school and sport?
AJ: I am home schooled because of all the travelling. But I made a deal with my dad that I will always work hard at school and do my best. I study a lot at airports and on the plane.
GC: Tell us of the race that you have enjoyed most?
AJ: There are plenty races that I enjoyed, of note was winning in France in the wet weather and my recent in Malaysia, which was my first Formula BMW race. I just wished my mum and sister were there.
GC: What are the challenges you have faced so far?
AJ: I have to be really fit, always. So I work out 2 hours a day in the gym and run 5 kilometers every day. Most of the time I can’t be with my friends and sometimes I see the sacrifices my family make for me. One day I will repay them.
GC: How is it like working with the Eurasia Motorsport team?
AJ: They are so professional, I feel special knowing that a team of 20 men are all there just for me. They are great, they are always there for the motivation and guidance, and I have learnt a lot from them.
GC: With the difficult economic situation in Zimbabwe, it’s impossible to be in motorsport without financial aid. Who are the people behind your success?
AJ: I have been lucky, the last 3 years Toyota/Castrol South Africasponsored me, and this year BMW Germany have come in with sponsorship. But I am most grateful, Pioneer Corporation Zimbabwe have come on board and are nowsponsoring me as well. It is all thanks to these people I am able to race.
GC: What’s your favorite car in the sport?
AJ: I love Ferraris, one day I hope to buy one for myself.
GC: Just something to make us laugh, what is the craziest thing “The Axe” has ever done?
AJ: (Laughs) I have done a few crazy things so far; but I think one of them was travelling to South Africa alone for a race when I was only 8 years old.
FACTfile
AJ: Well, when I was 2 years old, I watched a video of a karting race and I just got hooked on motorsport. At 5 years old I begged my dad to buy me a kart which he did for my 6th birthday and when I first drove it, it just seemed natural for me. I started out at Donnybrook where I won two national championships, then raced in South Africa and won three championships there. I got fortunate enough to besponsored by Toyota and Castrol South Africa. I then went on to race for two years in Europe where I also won many races... I enjoyed it and everyone there was just surprised along the way to know I was from Zimbabwe.
GC: Who is Axcil in personality and what has given you the motivation along the way?
AJ: Well, I am just an ordinary guy like most guys of my age. I wish I had it all. I just work very hard and want to succeed in my dream. I have been lucky, but it’s because I believe I can make it… So I guess I make my luck.
GC: (Smiles) Formula One is widely considered to be the pinnacle of motorsports, how do you take it considering you are much into Kart-racing?
AJ: All formula one drivers started their careers in karting. It is like the primary school of motorsport. So like all of them, my goal is Formula one. The basics of driving are very similar; karting is a down scale of F1… Lots of fun.
GC: What makes you nervous before a race?
AJ: Honestly, I don’t get nervous anymore; I leave that to my Mum andDad. I have had a few accidents, but the sport is really safe these days, so fortunately no injuries. It is much safer than driving on ordinary roads.I just love the excitement that comes with the race, the challenge, the professionalism, the speed; I just want to be the best. I love this sport, if I’m not racing, I will rather be fishing just to relax.
GC: Your team manager from Eurasia Motorsport, Mark Goddard, always speak so highly of you, Suhail, has been there for you and even other racers such as Leeroy Poulter , who won the 2008 Rotax DD2 World Championship believe your future shine so bright. Poulter once said, "If any driver in South Africa has the ability to make it on the international scene, its Axcil Jefferies."
AJ: Yes I am very grateful; I believe God blessed me with the talent and a family that have faith in me. As long as I keep working hard and being true to myself, I think the future is bright. I love sharing it with everyone. I hope to be in Formula one in 4 years time and break many records in the next 10 years. I want to be the youngest F1 world champion.
GC: How have you manage to balance school and sport?
AJ: I am home schooled because of all the travelling. But I made a deal with my dad that I will always work hard at school and do my best. I study a lot at airports and on the plane.
GC: Tell us of the race that you have enjoyed most?
AJ: There are plenty races that I enjoyed, of note was winning in France in the wet weather and my recent in Malaysia, which was my first Formula BMW race. I just wished my mum and sister were there.
GC: What are the challenges you have faced so far?
AJ: I have to be really fit, always. So I work out 2 hours a day in the gym and run 5 kilometers every day. Most of the time I can’t be with my friends and sometimes I see the sacrifices my family make for me. One day I will repay them.
GC: How is it like working with the Eurasia Motorsport team?
AJ: They are so professional, I feel special knowing that a team of 20 men are all there just for me. They are great, they are always there for the motivation and guidance, and I have learnt a lot from them.
GC: With the difficult economic situation in Zimbabwe, it’s impossible to be in motorsport without financial aid. Who are the people behind your success?
AJ: I have been lucky, the last 3 years Toyota/Castrol South Africasponsored me, and this year BMW Germany have come in with sponsorship. But I am most grateful, Pioneer Corporation Zimbabwe have come on board and are nowsponsoring me as well. It is all thanks to these people I am able to race.
GC: What’s your favorite car in the sport?
AJ: I love Ferraris, one day I hope to buy one for myself.
GC: Just something to make us laugh, what is the craziest thing “The Axe” has ever done?
AJ: (Laughs) I have done a few crazy things so far; but I think one of them was travelling to South Africa alone for a race when I was only 8 years old.
FACTfile
Fullnames: Axcil Jefferies
D.O.B: 19 April 1994
P.O.B: Slough, England
Nickname: The Axe
Team: Eurasia Motorsport
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