SA racer AJ Venter scores R4.2m boost for dangerous Isle of Man TT

THE Isle of Man TT race is probably the toughest and certainly the most dangerous motorcycle race in the world.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

Taking place on the island's public roads at the end of May each year, this adrenaline-pumping contest not only showcases speed but also tests the limits of human endurance and skill.

With an average speed of 205km/h zigzagging through some 200 corners over a challenging 60.5km track, riders enter a realm where the thin line between exhilaration and danger blurs as the sound of motorbikes can be heard reverberating everywhere for 13 days.

To give you an idea of how dangerous the race is, 265 deaths have been recorded in the 102 races that have taken place since 1907; 1982 was the only year that there were no fatalities.

Special breed

So to mount a motorbike and scream around for six laps in the elite senior TT takes a special breed of racer.

Such a man is AJ Venter, who will be competing for the ninth time and will also be the sole South African and African representative at the prestigious event.

Big money

However, this year marks a remarkable turning point in his racing career, as he has secured a life-changing sponsorship of R4.2 million from luxury automotive group FuturExotics, a pivotal partnership that will unfold over the next three years.