some background

MORE THAN JUST SPEED: THE STORY OF RACING4CHANGE

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SPEED, INTEGRITY, AND SOCIAL GOOD

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH ABDUL, JOHANN AND LEON , THE FOUNDERS OF RACING4CHANGE

 

We sat down with Abdul Aleem Sayed from Racing4Change to learn about the organization he founded, a non-profit that is changing the face of motorsport. Racing4Change is a powerful movement that is using the world of racing as a platform for social good, dedicated to community upliftment and fostering a positive, inclusive environment in a sport often perceived as exclusive. Abdul Aleem Sayed, the driving force behind this unique organization, shares the story of how his personal passion for cars evolved into a mission to give back. He explains how Racing4Change operates on a model built on integrity and purpose, demonstrating that motorsport can be about far more than just speed and competition.

 

THE SPARK: A LIFELONG PASSION FOR CARS

 

Abdul’s journey into motorsport began in his childhood, a passion ignited by his father and late uncle. “They used to work on their own cars in the garage,” he recalls, explaining that this love for cars was a legacy passed down through generations. He said that both of his grandfathers were “practically minded” men ,who further influenced his hands-on approach. This environment instilled in him a deep-seated love for machinery and engines. He remembers reading books on the origins of companies like Toyota and admiring their core ethos.

Growing up, Abdul was captivated by what he calls the “golden age” of motorsport. He was a fan of iconic international drivers like Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher, but he also held a deep appreciation for local heroes. He admired South African driver the late Willie Hepburn for his approachability, a quality he found lacking in many other racers of the time. He also had immense respect for Farouk Dangor, who was known for his down-to-earth nature. Beyond the track, Abdul expressed admiration for Lewis Hamilton, not just for his driving prowess, but for his leadership and commitment to making a social change outside of the sport.

 

THE GENESIS OF RACING4CHANGE 

 

ABDUL ALEEM SAYED

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Abdul’s own racing career took off with circuit racing, but it was a journey fraught with challenges. “Racing is a very expensive sport,” he notes, which was one reason he eventually stepped back to focus on his business career. However, the primary reason was his frustration with the nepotism and politics he experienced within the sport. He felt that there was a lack of integrity and fairness, and he grew tired of simply complaining about it. This frustration ultimately planted the seeds for Racing4Change. He felt it was better to “stop complaining” and “do something about it,” which is how the organization came to be.

 

The idea for Racing4Change had been with him since his twenties. He envisioned using motorsport as a vehicle to help the community, teaching young people valuable skills like welding, panel beating, and engine building. The dream lay dormant until a conversation with his life long friend Oom Dirk Kruger about gymkhana motorsport , which reignited his passion. After getting involved with and eventually organizing gymkhana events, Abdul Aleem Sayed and a small group of like-minded friends—Leon, his wife Monique, Johann, and his wife Juanita—officially registered a non-profit called Racing4Change. 

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JOHANN SCHADE

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Johann Schade, to learn about his role and passion for the cause. Johann’s journey with engines began at a very young age. “From a very young age (13) I have been busy working and building engines on various motorbikes,” he shared. His love for engines later transitioned to cars, leading him to Killarney Race Track, which “very quickly became a second home.” He currently competes with Racing4Change, driving a Ford Fiesta Ecoboost.

As one of the co-founders, Johann is a vital part of the team. On race days, he works in the background, ensuring all the timing and sound equipment is running smoothly. This behind-the-scenes role is crucial for the events’ success. He also uses the team’s branded race cars the Ford Fiesta and a Lotus 7 as a means of outreach. This allows him to approach various entities, introduce them to Racing4Change, and invite them to join the journey. Through these efforts, the organization has been fortunate to gain a wide network of sponsors, from car detailing services to website developers. As Johann puts it, this network is “very powerful and privileged” and is proof that people from different races and backgrounds can unite for a common purpose. “We all have a vital opportunity to be part of a non-profit organization that strives to help the communities through a variety of things,” he notes.

When asked to recall a standout memory, Johann shared a deeply moving story. “One that really stands out head above shoulders is the time where we invited a very young boy fighting for his life battling cancer to come to the race track.” They gave the boy a spin on the track in one of their drivers’ cars, an experience that made a profound impact. He also highlighted the privilege of working with the A-Team to host a gymkhana event for Porsche South Africa.

Looking to the future, Johann’s hope is to see the Racing4Change formula replicated nationwide. He believes their model of using motorsport to help communities is unique and has the potential to grow far beyond its current reach.

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LEON ENGELBRECHT

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Leon’s background is as diverse as the motorsport world itself, with experience in a variety of disciplines. He has been involved in Gymkhana since 2004, competing with numerous different cars. His racing resume also includes Dirt Oval Go-karting, Rally (including rallycross), and even Motocross and ATV Racing, though he admits, “age is catching up.” Beyond traditional racing, he’s competed in Inflatable Boat Racing, Jet-ski Racing, and even participated in major bicycle races like the Cape Argus “just for fun.”

As a member of the governing board, Leon plays a crucial role in strategic planning and resource allocation. He credits his good friend Abdul Aleem Sayed’s “deep-seated dedication and commitment to empowering less privileged communities” as the root of the organization. For Leon, his most significant contribution is the way the organization has implemented various initiatives that address critical needs and create lasting impact through powerful partnerships. “The Racing4Change community as a whole shares the goals that align with the organization’s overall strategy and works toward the same objectives,” he explains.

Leon believes that Racing4Change is a family-oriented community with a shared love for racing. His favorite moments are centered on the companionship and sense of belonging that come from connecting people through events. He envisions Racing4Change leaving a legacy as an organization known for its community projects and positive social impact, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of fame or wealth, can make a difference through small acts of kindness and support.

 

“MORE THAN JUST MOTORING” AND A UNIQUE BUSINESS MODEL AND EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

 

Part of the organization’s outreach is the “More Than Just Motoring” podcast, a platform that allows Racing4Change to share its values with a wider audience. Abdul, who co-hosts the show alongside Anwar , emphasizes that it’s another medium to foster community and make a positive impact. The podcast also brings in guests from the motorsport world and other prominent figures in the automotive world, helping to showcase a different, more human side of the industry.Abdul wanted to give a big shout out to Chris and Danny for taking care of all the background activities.

Racing4Change operates on a unique model. It is not a business, and its team members, including Abdul Aleem Sayed, do not take salaries. The organization’s revenue comes primarily from the entry fees of competitors at gymkhana events, with a large portion of the proceeds donated to various charities and organizations. Racing4change with the help of Goolam has reached out into the drag racing fraternity too. To date, Racing4Change has given away more than R250,000 to various causes. Abdul believes that if the organization were driven by monetary gain, it would not have succeeded and would have struggled to find traction. He feels their purpose is a “cause” that people want to be a part of. The organization has received support from well-known brands that were drawn to their mission. Our sponsors are partners who believe in the vision, not just advertisers or clout chasers. 

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LONG-TERM VISION AND ADVICE FOR THE YOUTH

 

Their long-term vision is to see Racing4Change expand nationally, becoming synonymous with the social responsibility aspect of motorsport. He hopes to get car manufacturers involved, not for their money, but to collaborate and co-brand with the organization to grow the cause. Just recently we were tasked with the responsibility of organising and managing a gymkhana for the Porsche club of South Africa. He and his team are also focused on developing leadership skills in the younger generation, bringing youngsters to events to job-shadow marshals and officials, and exposing them to the inner workings of a professionally run event. He believes in mentoring the next generation to be responsible and driven leaders.

When asked for advice for the younger generation, Abdul stressed the importance of hard work, integrity, and discipline. He cautioned against a life driven by social media validation, stating that “we’ve forgotten the human aspect—the caring, the loving, the helping.” He emphasized that nothing worthwhile in life is easy and that a strong character is built on solid values. He also highlighted the importance of reading books, stating that it is a different experience from watching videos and requires active attention. “The knowledge you gain from a book is timeless,” he says.

 

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

 

Beyond the track, Racing4Change is actively involved in community upliftment and empowerment. Abdul Aleem Sayed mentioned a partnership with Triumph Skills Development Center  where in collaboration they started a welding school and free computer classes run by IHATA. They provide free courses in basic computer skills like Word and Excel, and they sponsor students who cannot afford the welding courses. He also works with IHATA, an organization that helps abused women and children. The vendors at Racing4Change events are not charged, and most choose to donate to the organization out of their own goodwill. He believes that if everyone works together, the organization can continue to grow and make a tangible difference in people’s lives, proving that motorsport can be a powerful force for good.

 

NO ‘I’ IN TEAM

 

During our discussion, Abdul stressed that the organisation’s success is not due to a single individual, but rather a collective effort and full support from his family.He emphasized that the team is the most crucial asset, stating, “It’s never about me; it’s always about the team, and we have an A-Team.” Much appreciation and respect to our marshalls, officials and the youth that “job shadow” them on race day. This is all done on a voluntary basis He used a racing analogy to illustrate his point, explaining that a racing team cannot win with just the driver—the pit crew is equally, if not more, important.

 

REMEMBER THE NAME

 

Abdul’s journey from a frustrated racer to a passionate founder proves that motorsport can be a catalyst for meaningful social change. With a passionate team behind him Racing4Change isn’t just about the thrill of competition; it’s a testament to the power of community, integrity, and a shared purpose. By using the sport they love as a tool for upliftment, The Racing4Change team are not only shaping the future of racing but are also inspiring a new generation to build a better, more compassionate world. Their story is a powerful reminder that with the right intention, any passion can be transformed into a force for good.

“Always remember, everything comes from The Almighty, we are but the pawns in this game of life”

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