MOTOR RACING: Jefferies hopes for support, sponsorship

04 Jan, 2015 - 00:01 0 Views
MOTOR RACING: Jefferies hopes for support, sponsorship AXcil Jefferies

The Sunday Mail

AXcil Jefferies

AXcil Jefferies

Motor racing sensation Axcil Jeffries is hoping for better financial fortunes this year after last season’s promises turned to be disappointingly empty.

Speaking from South Africa, the 21-year-old said inability to secure sponsorship he had been promised from different corporates in Zimbabwe hampered his GP2 championship challenge.

“Beginning of the year (2014) there were promises made, which I’m sure a lot of the readers have know about.

“However we did not receive any support. It was a bit of an embarrassment for us and the country because the promises were made public and the whole world was expecting us to compete in the whole GP2 season.

“Unfortunately it did hinder our plans and we could not finish the GP2 championship season,” Jefferies said.

With the GP2 pursuit, in which Jefferies raced in front of Formula One teams and bosses hampered, he headed to the United States to compete in the Indy Lights Series where he was appointed and sponsored as a UNAIDS Ambassador.

Stepping in with no practice and ten races behind, Jefferies managed to finish fourth. One of Jefferies’ highlights was earlier in April last year, when he made history by becoming the first Zimbabwe and only African to represent the continent in the feeder series to Formula One, GP2 in Bahrain.

A Formula One hopeful for Zimbabwe and the African continent, Jefferies said despite the challenges he has faced in securing financial support, serving the country was his priority.

“My duty is to serve this great country we call Zimbabwe. Between myself and my dad, we always endeavour to paint a positive image on Zimbabwe and encourage international tourists to ‘Visit Zimbabwe’ and sell Zimbabwe as a county ripe for investment.

“My father has always taught us that the success of a nation is hinged on the patriotism of its youth. I realise that I represent the dreams of not only Zimbabweans but the whole continent of Africa for Africa to be represented in Formula One.

“I hope and pray every day that the authorities and the corporate world come through for us and take advantage of the platform at our disposal. We are witnessing a positive transition in Zimbabwe so I am excited about our prospects,” said Jeffries, who is managed by his father Suhail.

A four time national karting champion, who was awarded one of three Formula BMW scholarships, Jefferies has resumed training for the 2015 season after a holiday spent in South Africa.

In 2012, the 175cm tall driver became the first Zimbabwean to compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship managing eight Top 10 finishes.

He has to his credit the “Driver’s Driver”, “Star Driver of the Future” and “Sportsman of the Year” awards, won before he stepped into the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2012.

“My aspiration in life is to make it all the way to Formula One. It may be a dream but with dedication, passion and commitment to reach my dream, it is certainly attainable,” Jefferies, who enjoys rock climbing among other hobbies said.

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