Twenty-four years after Nick von Bergen returned to Namibia to start Nick’s Racing, his tuning business is still standing strong, and shows no signs of withering.
Many may have heard of Nick’s Racing, but might not know the man behind it all. Von Bergen was born and bred in Namibia until he moved to the Cape to study mechanical engineering from 1977 onwards.
In the mid 80s, he started maintaining his own motorcycles. However, it wasn’t until almost a decade later when the idea of working on engines professionally came to him while designing high performance engines for Lotec in Germany.
But before we get there, let’s explore Von Bergen’s racing days. “I started off racing MX in Cape Town in 1977 then raced in South Africa and competed in the TransNamib series in the mid 80s.
I raced some Enduros in Europe and Group N in Scandinavia before moving to the USA where I raced off-road motorcycles, jet skis and off-road racing trucks as well as a bit of road racing cars and motorbikes,” the engine-tuner revealed.
Von Bergen added that he worked with some top racing teams including Lotec, Lancia, Yamaha, Kolstrupp Tuning and Cobb’s. Although he was an avid racer in his younger days, a motocross accident in 1993 made the young racer decide to go a different path.
“It was in Denver in 1993 that I realised I had to make a decision whether to grow roots in the USA or move on. As the saying goes, ‘oos wes, tuis bes’”. Von Bergen gained extensive knowledge on racing and engines in Germany, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan and the United States, and then decided to bring his knowledge back home.
However, some challenges still pop up here and there. “The biggest challenge is finding employees who have some experience coupled with a basic technical knowledge.
Our education system has collapsed to such an extent that qualifications count for nothing,” he said.
With that being said, Von Bergen still remains optimistic about the future of the business. “Over the past 24 years, we have concentrated on the utility/4X4 market in increasing performance whilst decreasing fuel consumption,” he said, adding that guarantees are provided.
“We have to admit that Namibia is in a serious recession making it even more important to have your vehicle modified for better efficiency and longevity. The Unichip and K&N Airfilter do this beautifully,” Von Bergen said.
“My products are in line with thinking ‘enhanced efficiency’ and reliability first.”
Nick’s Racing sells components and builds performance exhaust systems that don’t make much noise.
They also specialise in a range of DIY stainless steel bolt-on systems for the current crop of cars, so the hobbyist or out-of-town garage can fit these without needing anything but normal tools.
Von Bergen also does traditional head porting/gasflowing and cam grinding.
Nick’s Racing does not provide maintenance, as he reckons that would take away jobs from regular workshops. Von Bergen mentioned that if you think his work will only make your engine more powerful, then you are mistaken. “It will usually enhance reliability and reduce fuel consumption as well.”
Von Bergen mentioned the only certainty in life is change and he rolls with the punches – developing solutions to technology as it changes.
On that note, he admitted time might take its toll on him, and with nobody to inherit the business, he might have to sell it before getting too old, or losing the daily excitement of tuning.
