South African motorcycle racing is primed to make waves on the global stage as AJ Venter has secured an exclusive three-year, R4.2 million sponsorship from luxury automotive group FuturExotics, renowned for housing some of Africa’s most expensive and exclusive cars. With this backing, Venter will be the country’s sole representative at this year’s Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT), taking place between 31 May and 7 June 2025.
This high-profile sponsorship, funded by business mogul and philanthropist Zunaid Moti, will provide Venter with the support necessary to compete at the highest level in one of the most dangerous and prestigious road races in the world.
A partnership built on ambition
FuturExotics, a brand synonymous with rare, one-of-one luxury and exotic vehicles, has long been a leader in the world of bespoke supercars. The Venter sponsorship signals FuturExotics first major foray into motorsport, aligning with its ethos of pushing boundaries, embracing elite performance, and supporting world-class talent.
“What drives us at FuturExotics is the same thing that drives AJ – the relentless pursuit of perfection and the desire to reach new heights,” says Zunaid Moti, founder and co-owner of FuturExotics. “His courage, skill, and commitment to racing mirror the precision, innovation, and excellence we strive to bring to our brand. I’m obsessed with anything on wheels that’s fast and beautiful, and watching someone with this depth of talent who can master these incredible machines is truly something special.
“It will be an honour to support Venter over the next three years as he takes on the TT, which is one of the most exciting races on earth. By investing in South African riders like him, I know partnerships like this will prove that local talent, when backed with the right resources, can dominate even the most famous races in the world.”
AJ Venter: South Africa’s lone contender on the Isle of Man
Born in 1988, Venter’s long and successful career began when he first climbed onto a motorcycle at just three years old. Over decades of racing, he has excelled in local and international motorsport, securing a series of high profile wins, and earning his Protea and Gauteng colours.
With eight previous Isle of Man TT appearances under his belt and a podium finish to his name, Venter is now one of South Africa’s most accomplished road racers. His experience on the 37.73-mile TT mountain course – a circuit notorious for its highspeed straights and razor-sharp corners – has positioned him as a formidable competitor in the Superstock TT and Senior TT classes.
“This sponsorship is a game-changer,” says Venter. “Competing at the Isle of Man TT requires complete dedication, both physically and financially. Having Zunaid Moti and FuturExotics in my corner for the next three years means I can focus entirely on training and performance without limitations. This is the kind of backing that elevates a racer to the next level.”
A fully-transformed machine for the ultimate challenge
For his 2025 Isle of Man TT campaign, Venter will take to the track on a completely overhauled 2024 BMW S 1000 RR – a high-performance superbike that has undergone an extensive and costly transformation by his specialist race team. Every component has been fine-tuned for optimal speed, stability, and control to meet the extreme demands of the gruelling course. The modifications alone equate to the cost of the original bike itself, underscoring the precision engineering and state-of-the-art performance upgrades required to compete at this level.
Extensive custom modifications and upgrades include:
- K-Tech front and rear suspension – Specially designed race suspension for superior handling, precision, and control on high-speed corners and jumps.
- Mototec Software – Custom Electric Control Unit (ECU) tuning to extract maximum power and torque, calibrated specifically for the unique demands of the TT.
- Fairing kit – A full aerodynamic bodywork upgrade to enhance stability at speeds exceeding 300 km/h and reduce drag.
- Quick action throttle – Optimised throttle response for instant acceleration and race-level control.
- Lightweight lithium battery – Reducing weight while providing maximum electrical efficiency.
- Extended 24 ℓ fuel tank and upgraded fuel cap – Modified to increase endurance and allow for fewer fuel stops for a competitive advantage.
- Mototec GPS system – Real-time telemetry tracking and performance analytics to fine-tune race-day strategies.
The extensive modifications have turned this BMW S 1000 RR into a one-of-a-kind racing machine, purpose-built for the fast, technical, and physically demanding Isle of Man TT course.
With state-of-the-art engineering, cutting-edge electronics, and the unrelenting support of FuturExotics, Venter now has the ultimate platform to push his limits, challenge motorsport’s elite, and champion South African racing on the world stage,” Moti concludes. “We invite motorsport fans everywhere to follow AJ’s journey at the Isle of Man TT, as we shine a spotlight on the remarkable depth of South African talent.”
