Lifestyle/Community
Faster is better as Lazarus drives hard
Jewish motorcar racers with South African origins, have produced some outstanding champions. The most famous is of course Jody Scheckter, 1979 Formula One champion. But there have been many others, including Jody’s brother Ian, Peter Lindenberg, Eddie Keizan, Arnold Chatz, Stan Levine, Clive Massel and others.
ILAN HERRMANN
So it is among this esteemed list, that 28-year-old Ross Lazarus finds himself, after 11 years in motor racing and can already lay claim to numerous trophies, medals and podium appearances.
Lazarus, who hails from Pretoria, has over the years proven himself to be one of the leading motor racers in South Africa and has already built up an enviable reputation.
He has been racing since the age of 16 and for four years prior to that, he raced speed boats. He has been mentored in both sports over the last 16 years by legendary Peter Lindenberg, who is also Lazarus’ team partner at races. Originally Lazarus raced Junior Powerboats, then went on to Formula 30 before moving to Sascar racing.
This year at the Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, in a race called the Classic Car Friday, Lazarus came first in his class, third overall and was the winner of the time trial. Then there was the Piper Series, a very popular historical race with drivers from all over the world including Holland, the UK and Germany. It comprises various long-distance races.
At the Killarney race track in Cape Town, Lazarus came in at number one in the 45 minute main attraction event; in the TT challenge he came second overall.
Lazarus’ favourite track is Kyalami in Johannesburg and for speed – something he can’t get enough of – it is of course East London with its long stretches of track, as well as for its beautiful surroundings.
As financial director at Lazarus Motors in Centurion, he has worked alongside his father Colin, who together with his wife and the rest of the family, support Ross 100 per cent in his aspirations and attend his races whenever they can.
For a 28-year-old, Lazarus junior can’t expect to get into Formula One, but he has other ambitions. “Lamar in the States would be great. I’d also like to do the Australian V8 race and if Nascar ever comes my way, that would be something!”
Lazarus is a racing fanatic and watches everything there is to view – from F1 to Nascar, Motor Corp, through to motorcycle racing. His favourite driver of all time is Michael Schumacher. On the current Formula One circuit he says Fernando Alonso is a great driver, but his favourite is Nico Rosberg.