The death of motorsport star and Chemical Logistics Racing figure Robert Wolk has left a deep sense of loss among those who knew him both on and off the racetrack.
Wolk, 41, was shot dead in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening in what police are investigating as a murder.
Chemical Logistics paid tribute to Wolk in a post on its official Facebook page, describing his death as a heavy day for the company and the motorsport community.
“Robert was a force to be reckoned with on the track, an incredible competitor and someone who will be deeply missed both on and off the circuit,” the company said.
It described his passion, talent and presence in South African motorsport as having left a lasting impression on many people.
But the tributes have also come from another part of Wolk’s life, the trucking and logistics industry.
SA Trucker was contacted by former and current truck drivers who worked with Wolk at Chemical Logistics and wanted to pay tribute to the man they knew away from the racetrack.
June, who worked with Wolk at the company in 2011, remembered him as someone who understood the challenges faced by drivers.
“I worked with Rob when I was still employed by the company in 2011. He was a very good man who understood drivers’ needs. This is a huge loss to the industry,” June said.
For Bheki, Wolk’s impact was more personal.
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Bheki said he remains grateful to Wolk for giving him another opportunity at Chemical Logistics after taking him back into the company in 2024.
He described the opportunity as a second chance, something he says he will always remember.
The tributes paint a picture of a man whose influence extended beyond motorsport and into the working lives of people within the logistics industry.
Wolk was a prominent figure in South African motorsport, competing at national level for many years and securing multiple championship successes. He was closely associated with the Chemical Logistics racing programme and remained active in the sport until his death.
His death followed an alleged road-rage confrontation after a collision in Kempton Park.
CCTV footage circulating on social media appears to show a man being shot as he attempts to flee from the confrontation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a 41-year-old man was shot dead. Sebenza police found the victim with gunshot wounds and he was declared dead at the scene.
An Audi believed to belong to the victim was also found at the scene.
No suspect had been arrested at the time of the police update and the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
As tributes continue to pour in, Wolk is being remembered not only for his achievements behind the wheel, but also by people who shared the road and workplace with him.
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