At just 16 years old, Dhivyen Naidoo from Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, is leaving a significant mark on the motorsport scene. His journey began at the age of six when his older brother and mentor, Shrien Naidoo, introduced him to go-karting—a sport that would soon become a family passion.
“Every Friday after school, my mom and dad would take me to practice at the iDube Raceway, which I thoroughly enjoyed,” Dhivyen recalls fondly.
His earliest automotive memory involves a ride in his grandfather’s Alfa Romeo GTV6 at the tender age of four, igniting a lifelong love for cars. However, it was his brother who became his driving force.
“He believes in me and my skills, always pushing me to my limits on the race track,” Dhivyen shares with a smile, “though we do have friendly debates about who’s the better driver!”
With a decade of racing experience behind him, Dhivyen’s career highlights include representing South Africa at the FIA Motorsport Games in Marseille, France, at just 14—the youngest among his compatriots. He also clinched his first national go-karting victory in 2019 and was named the KZN Kart Club’s Driver of the Year.
In 2023, Dhivyen shone in the inaugural VW Rookie Cup, demonstrating his prowess at the Killarney International Raceway during the National Extreme Festival. This year, among six talented drivers, he aims to further solidify his reputation.
The VW Rookie Cup serves as a launchpad for young drivers aged 14 to 16, nurturing their skills in race fitness, teamwork, data analysis, and media training—areas where Dhivyen has excelled.
His race preparation regimen includes rigorous weight training and simulator sessions, especially since Durban lacks main circuit tracks.
“Motorsport allows me to find peace,” Dhivyen reflects. “When I’m driving, everything slows down—I become one with the vehicle and the track.”
Beyond motorsport, Dhivyen balances his time with sports like soccer and hockey, and enjoys playing the drums and saxophone on stage.
As an aspiring endurance driver, Dhivyen encourages others to experience the thrill of motorsport.
“It’s a unique sport, offering high-speed, wheel-to-wheel racing where every position is fought for,” he enthuses. “I encourage everyone to give it a try—it’s incredibly enjoyable!”
Dhivyen Naidoo’s journey exemplifies dedication, skill, and a deep-seated passion for motorsport, promising a future filled with thrilling races and remarkable achievements.
