By the time most kids were still learning how to ride a bike, Jonathan “Jono” Vilaca was already tearing around karting tracks. Born into a household where motorsport was practically a second language—his father a devoted car and bike enthusiast—Jono’s path into racing was almost inevitable. “For my sixth birthday, my dad bought me a Yamaha PW50 motorcycle,” he recalls. “But I didn’t really take to bikes. A year later, he got me my first kart—and that’s when everything changed.”
Becoming a Red Bull Athlete
By the age of eight, Jono was racing competitively, and by eleven, he had caught the attention of Red Bull. Becoming a sponsored Red Bull Athlete at that age is rare and speaks to just how much promise he showed on the track. “Red Bull doesn’t just back anyone—they want the best,” he says. “At the time, I’d already earned my MSA Junior colours and won several championships. It was a huge step in chasing the dream of Formula 1.”His motorsport hero? None other than Ayrton Senna. “Senna showed me how to be competitive and never give up, even when the odds are against you,” says Jono.
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At 15, Red Bull wanted Jono to move to the U.S. to race full-time. But the Vilaca family made a tough call: stay in South Africa, finish school, and have a backup plan. “Had I left and things didn’t work out, I would’ve been older with no matric,” he explains. “So I studied mechanical engineering.” It turned out to be a career-defining pivot. “I think racing changed the way I approached engineering,” he says. “In both fields, you have to make quick, high-stakes decisions. There are no shortcuts—just hard work.”
Launching Vilaca Racing
In 2018, Jono combined his engineering knowledge and racing experience to launch Vilaca Racing. Initially, it was just a side hustle to fund his own racing ambitions, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger. “The goal was never to build a business,” he admits. “But I saw gaps in the market—parts that could be better, more reliable, more efficient.”
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One early challenge was earning trust in a space dominated by well-established international brands. “If one part fails, it could destroy an engine,” he explains. “We had to be flawless.” That pressure forced Jono to double down on his standards. “There’s never been a compromise on quality in anything I’ve done,” he says. One of the components he’s most proud of is a redesigned oil catch can that replaces a car’s PCV unit. “It’s simple but very effective—allowing better engine breathing and capturing oil vapour efficiently.” His engineering approach always prioritises performance and reliability. “Even if the product costs more to make, I’d rather have peace of mind knowing it won’t fail under pressure.”
Building South Africa’s Premier Time Attack Series
Post-COVID, Jono found a new passion: bringing car enthusiasts together through Time Attack racing. “Once restrictions eased, we hosted an event—and it blew up,” he says. “That was the birth of the Vilaca Racing Time Attack series.” Today, it’s South Africa’s top Time Attack competition, offering more than just high-speed laps. “It’s a full experience,” he says. “We’ve got DJs, vendors, kids’ areas, prizes, hot laps—it’s a vibe.” Unlike traditional racing, Time Attack is all about chasing the perfect solo lap. The day is packed with 15-minute qualifying sessions, followed by a high-pressure Super Lap Shootout for the top three drivers in each class. “Everything comes down to that final lap,” Jono says. “It’s intense. It’s thrilling. And it creates a real buzz.”
Advice for Aspiring Racers
For young drivers looking to get into Time Attack—or motorsport in general—Jono has a few words of wisdom. “Be humble—there’s always someone faster,” he says. “Ask questions, learn from others, and stay off the roads. The thrill of being on track beats a street race by a million times.” From karting champion to engineer to motorsport organiser, Jonathan Vilaca is building more than just fast cars—he’s building a community. And judging by the speed of his growth, he’s only just getting started.
