Motor Action Media interviews Women’s Runabout World Champion, Shante Bukes, the powerful racer from South Africa.
Motor Action Media: Shante, could you give me a little back story as to how you got involved in racing?
I started by racing motorcross at first, I had a bad injury and thaught its not worth having broken bones all the time. I’ve always been riding my pwc on the river with my friends and my dad gave me this excellent idea to start racing with my pwc. We got some more information about how it worked and thats how I started racing.
MAM: Were you always interested in racing Runabouts? Have you ever tried your hand with stand ups?
I totally fell in love with runabouts being a little girl and I think it will always be my first choice. Although I still train on my stand-up to prepare for the races. I haven’t found that love for it yet, but who knows.
MAM: I heard that you won both the 2013 World Finals and also the 2013 King’s Cup in the Women’s Runabout class! Could you tell me what you did in order to prepare for those races, and could you also tell me how you felt after those victories? That is amazing!!!
I train mostly 5-7 times a week in the gym and living next to a river gives me no excuse not to train on the water. For all the big races it took a lot of determination and motivation to get fit and push myself to improve on skills. Becoming the Woman World Champion in runabout racing felt like I was dreaming at first. It opened a lot of doors and gave me the confidence to persue my dreams.
MAM: Do you have any tips for young girls who might be interested in racing runabouts?
There is no need to be scared. Just start racing a runabout and know how the game works. Don’t let other people’s opinion effect your dream or goal. Go for it and most of all have fun!!
MAM: What is team South Africa like? What’s it like hanging out with The Motz brothers and Jared Moore?
I can describe the South African team in 3 words.. energetic, laughter and motivators. Having the Motz brothers and Jared on the team is like having my own brothers racing with me. They always have stories to tell from back in the day with the Jetski racing life, that makes me want to dream BIG about Jetski racing and achieving my goals. They always remind me that “If your dream doesn’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough.”
MAM: I also heard that you raced the 2014 Mark Hahn Memorial 300, could you tell me about your weekend at that event?
Racing the Mark Hahn memorial 300 was a total different experience than normal pwc racing. World Champion Nick Thompson was my teammate in the race, motivating me and of course we had such an awesome time racing. Having that endurance to push through with a dry mouth and freezing fingers was definitely something else. It’s something I can tick off my bucket List.
MAM: I also understand that you recently became part of the Kommander Industries team!! (Welcome, by the way!) What is it like working with the legendary Steve Webster and his crew?
What an honour being part of such a strong team! Racing with Steve Webster as team manager, you know we have a lot of fun off the track, enjoying his humor. When things get serious you can always count on Steve, because he’s GOT this!
MAM: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would love to thank my parents and boyfriend for the biggest support ever. My teammates, The Kommander Industries crew for making racing fun. Burn Industries, Rockstar Energy and Villon clothing for making me look styling. And last but not the least our Heavenly Father for this talent.