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Following hot on the heels of the FIA Institute’s announcement of the opening of nominations for the Africa regional training and selection event of the Young Driver Excellence Academy, MSA is proud to announce that Kelvin van der Linde has secured MSA’s nomination to attend this event.

This followed a rigorous application process in which 25 applicants, between the ages of 17 and 23, were whittled down to a shortlist of five from which Kelvin was ultimately selected. The shortlisted drivers were interviewed by a panel which included multiple former South African motor racing champion, and ex-Formula One driver, Ian Scheckter.

MSA CEO, Adrian Scholtz, who was a member of the selection panel said, “The panel was unanimous in its decision that Kelvin would be best placed to represent South Africa at the selection event.” He added, “We are confident that the maturity, confidence, professionalism and humility demonstrated by Kelvin during his interview, in addition to his unquestionable racing ability, will stand him in good stead in his bid to secure a place in the elite Academy”.

Kelvin comes from a family steeped in South African motorsport, with his grandfather, Hennie, father, Shaun, and uncle, Etienne all being multiple South African champions. Kelvin, in his own right, is the youngest ever South African car circuit racing national champion, having succeeded his uncle Etienne to that honour.

He is currently leading the Volkswagen Scirocco R Cup German championship, following three wins and a third place in the four races held so far.

The training and selection event of the Young Driver Excellence Academy for the Africa region will be hosted and organised on behalf of the FIA Institute by Motorsport South Africa and is to be held at the end of September.