For over five decades, John Pauling has been a steadfast figure in KwaZulu-Natal’s off-road racing scene. His passion for the sport has carried him from rider to race organiser, and today, as Chairman of KZN Racing, John continues to play a vital role in keeping the province’s off-road community thriving.
From Rider to Race Day Leader
John’s path into motorsport leadership began in true motorsport fashion, unexpectedly. “I got invited to attend an SCMSC committee meeting,” he laughs. “I went to the toilet, came back, and found out I had been voted chairman.”
That humorous twist sparked a lifelong commitment. Having done his first race back in 1973, John brings unmatched experience and enthusiasm to every event he helps run. “It’s good to give a bit back to the sport,” he says. “I really enjoy course setting, and I have made many good friends along the way.”
A Weekend on the Move
For John, a race weekend begins long before anyone revs an engine. “I usually arrive the day before to check both senior and junior courses,” he explains. “We add markings if needed, set up pits, check with farmers and caterers, make sure safety barriers are up, and inform the locals that a race is happening so everyone stays safe.”
Come race day, John is one of the first on site and one of the last to leave. “I help set up registration, brief the riders, help sort out start positions, and make sure to thank our landowners, sponsors, and marshals. After that, the riders line up, the race starts, and then I follow up with marshals on the race progress and if needed help recover any broken bikes or stranded competitors.”
Once the dust settles, John does what every official earns the right to do: sit back, share a laugh, and enjoy a cold one with friends.
Challenges, Cheers, and Changing Gears
Officiating in KZN comes with its unique challenges. “People often don’t realise what goes into setting a course or how different our terrain is from the rest of the country,” he says. But the reward far outweighs the work. “When a rider, whether a front-runner or a weekend warrior, says ‘thanks for a great event,’ that makes every bit of effort worthwhile.”
His motivation remains simple. “I like riding my dirt bike, but I’m a bit too old to race now, so setting good courses comes a close second,” he jokes.
Lessons from the Track
Decades in the sport have taught John patience and perspective. “I have learned to bite my tongue quite often,” he admits with a chuckle.
Still, John keeps things light hearted. “I treat every event as a chance to have fun. I try to keep the atmosphere easy going because that’s when people really enjoy it.”
And when he is not setting up a course or marshalling an event, there is only one other place you will find him: out riding his bike.
A True Motorsport Spirit
For John, being part of Motorsport South Africa means being part of something bigger than the races themselves. “It is great to see how the sport has grown and how much appreciation there is for our volunteers and officials,” he says. “KZN has a really special motorsport community, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Officials and volunteers like John are the heartbeat of South African motorsport, keeping the wheels turning, the courses challenging, and the spirit alive.
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Happy Officials and Volunteers Month!
