What surprised Bobby Nitro (in a really good way) when he spoke to this organiser of a petrolkop charity outreach, was not only that he is just 16 years old, but that at such a young age he already has the motivation to do some good in the world and nogal gets it done.
And then he’s even got the media savvy to get hold of a very impressed Bobby Nitro and get this story told.
Young Tariq Paulse of Pelican Park is one of those rare ones, a teen with a vision to be of assistance in his community, and he sees himself in a decade as being the founder of a registered NPO doing charity work on a much larger scale, perhaps even assisting Gift of the Givers.
Yet, like all good things, Tariq is starting small, and his club Petrol Dubs consists now of himself, his mom, his brother’s girlfriend and another friend.
Recently they partnered with Jap Outlawz and Caddy Nation to make little Zahir Brown’s day. The three-year-old lost his dad in a tragic murder late last year, just a week before his birthday.
Zahir had wanted a park-off but it didn’t happen, so Tariq made sure he got his dream last weekend.
Tariq says: “It’s amazing that such a small kid is so into cars. He was so enthusiastic, but got a little bit fearful when one of the Jap Outlawz cars was playing with the air suspension.
“We collected some basic goods for the family and especially some luxuries for Zahir to take to crèche with him.”
The club was started in December 2020 with a VW Stance outlook, but Tariq says that changed to a focus on charity after they did a small collection run for the family of Miche Samuels, who was killed on Ottery Road allegedly by her husband in March.
Tariq says: “We have now decided to go universal, all cars are welcome and our vision is to give back and pave the way forward for the next generation.”
And Tariq shows a sensitivity to what has become a big problem in our society, that of children growing up without fathers. He says: “We’ve got a run coming up on Father’s Day, in aid of kids who have no fathers.”
He says petrolkoppigheid has been in his family, as his uncles ride bikes. But for him, it’s four wheels and he likes static shows. He says: “I’m all about low profile tyres and lowering kits, great audio and good looks, I’m not that much into performance.”
What interests him about Cape car clubs can be summed up in the straightforward motto: “Where friends become family, and where quality is valued over quantity.”
If you are interested in joining Petrol Dubs, call Tariq on 063 331 8972.
Bobby was so impressed with this teenager and the way he is making things happen already. Go for it Tariq.