This youth month, MasterDrive is highlighting a community initiative that gave a young motorsport enthusiast a chance to make their dreams a reality. They hosted the MasterDrive Driver Search (MDDS) where a young driver who would not ordinarily have the opportunity, competed to win a spot on the 2025 MasterDrive Simola Hillclimb team.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says motorsport is an incredibly difficult industry to break into for the youth. “If you are not ‘born’ into the industry or do not have the wealth available to fund your entry into motorsport, racing is an impossible dream for many.
“The Driver Search initiative gave a deserving individual an opportunity to transcend these barriers, allowing them to compete in a leading motorsport event. MasterDrive had the honour to develop raw talent among young drivers that might otherwise remain undiscovered, not just during youth month but over several months,” says Herbert.
GM of MasterDrive coastal regions, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse, CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, and MDDS winner Tarique Zeitsman
Young drivers also walked away with skills that will remain with them for life. MasterDrive’s General Manager of coastal regions, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse, says: “It represented a crucial initiative that breaks down financial and social barriers. The competition not only provides access to the sport but to professional mentorship, technical training, and valuable industry connections that can help them become competitive drivers.
“By actively seeking out and nurturing young, underprivileged talent from diverse communities, the initiative ensured motorsport excellence was not limited by economic circumstances. This enriches the sport with fresh perspectives and untapped potential while giving deserving young people a unique opportunity,” says Nourse.
MDDS winner 2025, Tarique Zeitsman
The winner of MDDS 2025, Tarique Zeitsman, says it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Like any young driver aiming to make a career in motorsport, I grabbed this opportunity with both hands. It was an incredible start in what I hope to be a successful motorsport career. Additionally, I was exposed to experiences that will forever stay with me.
“The initiative also helped me evolve as a person, with the competition and training pushing me out of my comfort zone. As a young person I can now easily interact with many people from different backgrounds. I have grown socially, coming out of my shell, gaining confidence in myself.”
The growth Zeitsman saw was demonstrated at the Hillclimb when he finished first place in his class. “Standing on the podium was an overwhelming experience. I was excited to stand in the first-place position at only 19-years-old after having overcome so much to get there.
“The race was incredible, truly an experience I will never forget, from the nerves to the adrenaline rushing through your veins as soon as the flag drops. It was an amazing experience being surrounded by so many iconic racers and cars,” says Zeitsman.
We were proud to give a young, talented driver the opportunity to take the first step in a career that would otherwise not be possible.