MSA BEYOND THE TRACK – COMPETITORS UNCOVERED
South African racing sensation Kelvin van der Linde has once again showcased his world-class talent with a season packed full of major victories and championship titles across Europe’s premier GT racing categories.
The 29-year-old driver, originally from Johannesburg and now based in Bregenz, Austria, continues to be one of South Africa’s most successful drivers on the international stage. Competing in the GT World Challenge Europe, DTM, and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Kelvin’s 2025 season has been his most successful yet, marked by championship glory and historic endurance race triumphs.
A Season of Titles and Endurance Glory
Kelvin’s 2025 season began with a sensational result at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in June, where he and teammates Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn and Raffaele Marciello claimed overall victory in the #98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO for ROWE Racing. Despite challenging weather conditions and fierce competition, the team secured the win after a late-race penalty handed down to the leading car. The result marked Kelvin’s third career Nürburgring 24 Hours victory and BMW’s 21st overall win at the legendary event.
Following that success, Kelvin went on to dominate the GT World Challenge Europe season with Team WRT, partnering with Charles Weerts in the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The duo captured both the Sprint Cup Drivers’ Title and the Overall GT World Challenge Europe Championship, cementing their status as one of the strongest driver pairings in GT racing.
Their Sprint Cup crown was sealed at Valencia in September with a decisive Race 2 victory, while their combined performance across the Sprint and Endurance legs of the season delivered the Overall Title at the Barcelona finale. Multiple race wins at venues such as Zandvoort and Misano demonstrated Kelvin’s trademark consistency, racecraft and leadership on track.
Pride, Perseverance and South African Spirit
Growing up in a proud motorsport family, Kelvin credits his father and early racing influences for steering him toward international success. His rise from South African karting champion to a multi-time European title winner is a story of perseverance and determination.
“Never give up. There is no worthwhile outcome without sacrifice,” Kelvin says, a message he continues to share with young South Africans dreaming of a racing career.
Representing South Africa on the world stage remains a deeply personal source of pride. “It is always special to race knowing I am representing my country,” he adds.
Looking Ahead
With his 2025 season establishing him as one of the top GT drivers globally, Kelvin’s next chapter could see him step into the top tier of endurance racing. He has been selected to participate in BMW’s M Hybrid V8 Hypercar test in Bahrain, a move that may open the door to future opportunities in the World Endurance Championship’s premier class.
As he continues to build on a career that already includes multiple Nürburgring 24 Hours wins, ADAC GT Masters championships, and now dual GT World Challenge Europe titles, Kelvin van der Linde stands as one of South Africa’s brightest international sporting ambassadors and an inspiration to the next generation of local competitors.
