Many of you know about my love for motorsport. Before family life took the wheel, I raced Formula Vees—and I’m proud to say I once competed on the old Kyalami Grand Prix circuit.

That chapter of my life taught me a lot, especially about preparation. The importance of being ready—truly ready—was something I learned firsthand. And recently, that lesson came rushing back when Henriette found my old South African motorsport scrutineering record book.

For those unfamiliar, scrutineering is the process of checking whether a car—and its driver—are fit to race. Think of the scrutineer as an underwriter: they assess your eligibility, not for insurance, but for participation. No scrutineer’s approval? No race.

Before every race, the scrutineer checked over my car and gear to ensure everything was safe. It was always a bit nerve-wracking, but I’m pleased to say I passed every time. I was cleared to race—not just because I wanted to, but because I was ready and qualified.

Looking at that book now, it reminds me how important it is—on and off the track—to be prepared, to be fit, and to be safe. In many ways, life has its own scrutineering process.

I hope you’re healthy and strong enough to pass your own checks—whatever form they take. And when the lights go out, may you be ready to race.