He's also a genuinely nice guy who managed to squeeze time out of his demanding training schedule for a decidedly 'not-so-quick' chat.

In the saddle since three:

Clint has been in the saddle since the age of three, and in 2010, at just 23, he claimed his first endurance title in America. It was there that he met his idol, Kevin Schwantz. Kevin's advice and support helped transform Clint from a fast but frequently falling rider into a consistent, winning champion. To this day, Clint still uses the back brace Kevin gave him after one of his own was broken in a fall.

More than just a hobby:

In South Africa, listing 'motorcycle rider' as your occupation on a form is uncommon and often misunderstood. 'You'll get a guy who says he has a friend who's also a racer and finished second in some race, only to realise the guy is actually doing track days or club racing,' Clint explains.

Twelve national championships and counting:

Since returning to South Africa in 2011, Clint has been winning national championships: 12 titles so far and counting. Not even a move from the open national classes on his Honda CBR 1000 RR to the ZX10 Masters Cup in 2024 could slow him down. The decision to enter the ZX10 Masters Cup, alongside competitors such as AJ Venter (Isle of Man TT rider), Graeme van Breda and Jayson Lamb, to name a few, was a deliberate one.

ZX10 Cup:

The ZX10 Cup is a professionally run championship that levels the playing field through strict regulations on bike modifications, tyres and scrutineering. Clint's continued success put to rest rumours that his previous dominance was due to heavily 'tricked-up' machinery loaded with extremely expensive parts. The switch maximised returns for sponsors such as King Price, Liqui Moly and NGK Spark Plugs, thanks to stronger media exposure. Beyond passion and talent, money and resources remain some of the biggest factors in career-defining decisions.

The winning mindset:

Winning riders tend to share a similar mindset: there's no room for blame, consistency is critical, confidence must never tip into arrogance, emotional regulation is essential, and social isolation is often accepted due to demanding training schedules and, at times, professional envy. Many of these traits are honed only with age, something Clint reflects on when asked what six-year-old Clint would say to 39-year-old Clint.

'He'd probably ask, "Why aren't you a World Champion yet?"'

And what would 39-year-old Clint like to say to six-year-old Clint?

'Work harder earlier. A normal job is really hard. Talent alone is not enough.'

FAST FILE:

Fast 1: Is it Clint, Clinton or Clintie?

"Clint, definitely Clint. Not that I am too concerned about that."

Fast 2: Favourite local track?

"Killarney, Cape Town definitely. It is fast, really fast. No other track gets the adrenaline rushing like Killarney."

Fast 3: Which rider brings out the best in you?

“Marc Márquez"

Fast 4: Which rider brings out the worst in you?

"I never really thought about it. But it must be Franky Morbidelli. During the 2019 Sepang 8-hour [race], in the rain, with only 20 minutes left, he rode into my side and forced me off the track. That is how I ended up 12th, whilst fighting for a top 10 finish. And even today he still does unnecessary things."

Fast 5: Marmite or Bovril?:

"Can I say neither? I'd rather stay without toast then."

• Keep an eye out for him when round one of this year's championship kicks off in Cape Town, on his favourite track, Killarney, on 13 and 14 March.