Namibia’s legendary rally driver Lucas Hipondoka died yesterday at age 73. The late Hipondoka, who will be remembered as one of the country’s first black rally racers, died at a Walvis Bay hospital.

One of his prodigies, coastal businessman and one of the country’s top rally drivers, Johnny ‘JJD’ Doeseb, yesterday described the late Hipondoka as a pioneer and trendsetter, who inspired all in the local motor racing fraternity – especially at the coast. 

“Uncle Lucas was my mentor, a great friend and a father figure in my life. In fact, he is the one who inspired me to get into motor racing and take it serious. He taught me everything I know about racing, from operating the car’s controls and setting up the car ahead of big races. He was always exemplary and as the first rally driver for Namibia at that time, he did his part in laying a strong foundation for all of us. We are what we are because of him. I ended up buying a large piece of land here at the coast to build a race track because of him. That’s the sort of person he was, always pushing others to do great and bigger things. Namibia has lost a great man, a man who played his part of the motor racing fraternity. We will all miss his jokes and inspiring words,” said Doeseb.