Two-time Formula 1® world champion Mika Häkkinen has accepted the latest Johnnie Walker Gentleman’s Wager from South African rally driver and television presenter Gugu Zulu that could see Zulu win the chance to drive one of Häkkinen’s favourite cars of all time – the Mercedes 300SL Roadster.
Mika Häkkinen
In association with superior luxury whisky brand Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Zulu wagered Häkkinen that if he could accomplish a near impossible feat, Häkkinen would need to hand him the keys to an immaculate classic racing car.
Gugu Zulu
To win the wager, Zulu would have to achieve a singular feat: successfully train businessman and international public speaker Vusi Thembekwayo – a racing enthusiast with no experience – in a limited amount of time, to set a lap time at Kyalami Race Track within five seconds of Häkkinen’s best Kyalami track time, in a car of Zulu’s choice.
Vusi Thembekwayo
Thembekwayo will be taking on the challenge at Kyalami Race Course, in front of several safety crew and witnesses, in April. Häkkinen and Thembekwayo will each be racing three sets of timed laps around the track, starting with Häkkinen setting the time that Thembekwayo has to chase.
Zulu wagered Häkkinen at a private meeting at Kyalami in Johannesburg last week. Häkkinen responded, mildly amused, with these words: “Ok, firstly, it will take a lot for a novice to set a good time around Kyalami, and secondly, to then expect him to be within 5 seconds of my best time, well, that I’ve got to see… so, yes, you’re on…” Thembekwayo stepped up to meet Häkkinen before the trio sealed the deal with a Gentleman’s handshake.
Häkkinen and Gugu met at a car festival in Durban in 2013, when the retired Finnish racing legend swept into the Moses Mabida Street Race Course in a classic Mercedes-Benz, 300SL Roadster. It was at this event that the car caught Gugu’s eye as one he wished to drive one day.
After completing a display lap Häkkinen parked it in the pits and embarked on a tuk-tuk race with Zulu, who narrowly defeated the double F1® champion. Häkkinen spent the rest of the day with Zulu, cementing their new friendship.
After hearing that Häkkinen would be in South Africa, Zulu posted footage from their 2013 race on Facebook and reminisced about the car. The post caught Johnnie Walker’s eye – setting in motion a series of events that led to the wager involving Thembekwayo.
After Häkkinen accepted the wager, Zulu immediately set in motion a gruelling training programme for Thembekwayo. “My aim is not only to train Vusi on the finer points of driving but to get his mind and body to function as one seamless super-responsive unit. That’s why Vusi is getting augmented driver training to get within five seconds of Mika’s fastest time,” said Zulu, the 2000 Isondo Sports Champion.
‘I have achieved many things in my life but I have always found that I am inspired by those who always want to learn and so it has been in my life. I am always curious to learn and achive new things. So while I aim to win, the journey is more important than the destination’ Vusi says.
Zumi Njongwe
“The #walkerwager campaign ultimately celebrates personal progression, achievement and the attainment of true rarity and success through hard work and commitment. We wish Zulu and Thembekwayo the best of luck with this wager and hope they have great fun with this once in a lifetime experience. We know that their hard work will pay dividends in the end” said Johnnie Walker South Africa’s Whisky Portfolio Manager, Zumi Njongwe.
The results of the race will be revealed on 20 May 2015 on DSTV channel, Mzansi Magic.
To find out more about the #walkerwager visit the Johnnie Walker Facebook and follow the luxury brand on Twitter for updates.
Enough formalities, here’s my take on the press event:
The actual press conference was started with a bang, as media personalities were taken for a helicopter ride above Midrand and the Sandton area.
There’s major developments around the Waterval area, just have a look at the luxurious mansions spotted from above. Kuyaphilwa e’Mzansi!
A snapshot of the quarry which is used as a source of the sand for most of those constructions.
A bird’s eye-view of the Sandton CBD.
One for drama…Mika Häkkinen pulled a grand entrance arrival, with the lights switching on ahead of the dashing Mercedes 300SL Roadster.
After the guest of honour arrived, we sat down for the formalities, errythang about the #walkerwager.
Kaya FM’s Tbose Mokwele was MC and ran the program as suave as only he can.
Maps Maponyane was also there. Apart from Nomzamo Mbatha, what does he do again? Tsk, tsk…
Entrepreneur Lebo Gunguluza was in attendance, supporting fellow businessman and friend Vusi Thembekwayo. The glasses gatto go Sir, not indoors!
A closer look at the Prize! Ain’t she a beaut?
Auchhh! Poor Mika. I think it’s finally sinking in, that the Merc Roadster is gone!
A big ‘Thank You’ to Nwabisa Madliki of Atmosphere Communications for the invite and hospitality.
By: Kabelo Moroka
Photos: Picay Photography