KARTING | Rookie Cornofsky Confident Ahead of Vereeniging Regional ROK Opener
National and Northern Regions Kid ROK Champion Kayde Cornofsky returns to Vereeniging for the 2024 Northern Regions ROK Karting Championships opening round. Initially scheduled for February, the organisers postponed the event, which will occur this weekend.
In his rookie season, Kayde has already competed in two Mini ROK events: the African Karting Cup, where he finished sixth overall, and the opening national ROK Cup round, where he claimed eighth overall. While the result does not reflect this, Kayde was a regular podium contender throughout the national, something he hopes to build on, as he explains.
"The season's first two events, which had the country's best racers on the grid, were certainly a baptism of fire. The fact that I could hold my own and challenge for the podium was definitely a confidence booster. So, this weekend, there is no reason why I cannot compete for the victory. I know I have the skill, and I know I have a great team backing me. I also have the best supporters in the world that keep me motivated."
The regional championship will again be contested over six rounds, with drivers competing at circuits that include the Formula-K Raceway in Benoni, the Vereeniging Kart Circuit in Vereeniging, and, still to be finalised, a circuit at Red Star Raceway just outside Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province. Championship winners will be crowned at the season's end and eligible for regional colours.
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit is one of the oldest and is also utilised as a short motorcycle circuit. It is situated in Vereeniging, just off the R59, and offers spectators a complete view of the circuit from almost anywhere. It hosts club, regional, and national events. Rental karts are also available for corporate/private functions.
Practice takes place on Friday, followed by a full day of racing on Saturday. Entry to the circuit is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend.
Kayde thanks Canario Cornofsky Attorneys, Calisto's Restaurant, Allegiance Properties, Smith Garage, the 357 and the Xtreme Racing Team.
KARTING | Antunes to Kick Off 2024 Regional Mini ROK Season in Vereeniging
Diego Antunes recently competed in the ROK Cup National in Cape Town
Round 1 of the Northern Regions ROK Karting Championships will finally get underway this weekend in Vereeniging. Initially postponed due to safety concerns at Formula-K Raceway, Benoni, the 2024 ROK regional karting competition is set to commence in Vereeniging.
In what will be his first full season of Mini ROK racing, Diego Antunes takes to the Vereeniging circuit on the back of a challenging national at Killarney Kart Circuit in Cape Town a few weeks ago. While Diego finished 11th in the 2023 Northern Regions championship, he only competed in three of the six rounds, scoring a podium at the last round in Vereeniging.
The regional championship will again be contested over six rounds, with drivers competing at circuits that include the Formula-K Raceway in Benoni, the Vereeniging Kart Circuit in Vereeniging, and, still to be finalised, a circuit at Red Star Raceway just outside Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province. Championship winners will be crowned at the season's end and eligible for regional colours.
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit is one of the oldest and is also utilised as a short motorcycle circuit. It is situated in Vereeniging, just off the R59, and offers spectators a complete view of the circuit from almost anywhere. It hosts club, regional, and national events. Rental karts are also available for corporate/private functions.
Diego said, "I am excited to race on a track that I am more familiar with. I have achieved good results there, especially in the final round in 2023. So I hope that we can have another successful day on Saturday."
It all starts on Friday with practice before a full day of racing on Saturday, where drivers will qualify ahead of three race heats to determine the overall winner.
Diego thanks TrevPar World and his team at NBR Racing.
KARTING | De Wet to Face Tough Mini ROK Vereeniging Debut
Luhan De Wet finished third overall in the final Kid ROK round of 2023
2023 National Cadet Champion Luhan de Wet returns to the Vortex-powered karting championship this weekend for Round 1 of the Northern Regions ROK Kart Championships in Vereeniging.
Having competed in a single Kid ROK event at the end of the 2023 season, he secured third overall on the day. This weekend, however, the Centurion-based driver will debut in the super-competitive Mini ROK class. Following the postponement of the opening round earlier this season, which was initially earmarked for the Formula-K Raceway, Benoni. Luhan makes his first Vereeniging appearance of 2024.
The regional championship will be contested over six rounds, with drivers competing at circuits that include the Formula-K Raceway in Benoni, the Vereeniging Kart Circuit in Vereeniging, and, still to be finalised, a circuit at Red Star Raceway just outside Delmas in the Mpumalanga Province. Championship winners will be crowned at the season's end and eligible for regional colours.
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit is one of the oldest and is utilised as a short motorcycle circuit. It is situated in Vereeniging, just off the R59, and offers spectators a complete view of the circuit from almost anywhere. It hosts club, regional, and national events. Rental karts are also available for corporate/private functions.
It all starts on Friday with practice before a full day of racing on Saturday, where drivers will qualify ahead of three race heats to determine the overall winner.
"I look forward to the challenge of racing in Mini ROK this weekend. It is known as one of the hardest-fought and closely contested classes in South Africa and the perfect place to cut one's teeth. While we don't have huge expectations on debut, we will undoubtedly gain valuable experience, and I'm certainly up for the challenge," stated Luhan.
De Wet thanks De Wet Auto Service & Repair, Alunite Pretoria, Motorsport Fanatix and his team at WORR Motorsport.
KARTING | Bezuidenhout Claims Top-5 National Finish
Mikel Bezuidenhout left Capt Town last weekend, having clinched a top-five Senior MAX finish at the opening national round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) Championship.
Mikel, in only his second full season of karting, impressed with his racecraft and decision-making, something he needed to avoid the carnage in the hotly-contested Senior MAX class.
After qualifying in 11th on Friday (22 March), the Johannesburg teenager put in an impressive performance, making up eight positions to finish third on the circuit. Unable to avoid an incident at the start of the race, Mikel picked up a five-second penalty for a Nose-Cone Infringement and was classified fifth.
Starting from second and third on the grid in Heats 2 and 3, he completed the races in seventh and ninth place after losing a couple of positions. With his fifth overall classification, the 2024 Investchem Formula 1600 rookie started fifth for the wild card African Open that sees the winner gain automatic entry to the RMC Grand Finals. Following a solid start, Mikel maintained his fifth position before dropping back to 22nd after an incident on Lap 3. While he worked his way back up to 14th by the end of the race, he gained another position following the allocation of post-race penalties.
“I haven’t had much luck in Senior MAX, to be honest. It was a tough introduction to karting last season with a class filled with former and current champions and drivers with international experience. So, to finish fifth in a national is certainly rewarding. My African Open challenge, on the other hand, didn’t work out so well, having been pushed off and down the order,” said Mikel.
Mikel returns to the kart circuit on 6 April for the start of the Northern Regions ROK Kart Championships, where he will compete in the OK-N class at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
KARTING | Little-known Singh Dominates SARMC Cape Event
WORR Motorsport's Aaryan Singh astonished many with his dominance in the Mini MAX class this weekend following his clean sweep at the combined South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) National and African Open hosted at the Killarney Kart Track, Cape Town.
Born in Johannesburg, twelve-year-old Aaryan relocated to Dubai with his family in 2022. Around the same time, he took up karting for the first time and has since joined GGM Motorsport, where he competes in IAME competitions. Along with his newest accolade of Mini MAX African Open Champion, his success includes the titles of 2023 IAME Middle East Cup Champion and 2023 IAME Summer Cup Vice-Champion.
On Friday, March 22, Aaryan secured a seventh-place qualifying position before winning the opening heat, marking the first of his four victories. Heat 2 on Saturday would see him take a lights-to-flag victory ahead of his third win in the final national heat, having started in fifth. Having achieved the overall victory for the opening national round, he gave himself the best chance at winning the coveted African Open title after starting from pole position. While made to work hard during the initial stages of the final, he showed impressive race craft, skill and determination to take the chequered flag more than two seconds ahead of his closest rival. The win saw him earn a ticket to compete at the RMC Grand Finals in Italy as a member of Team South Africa.
"It has been a tremendous weekend, considering we only decided to participate about a week ago. Teaming up with WORR Motorsport was an obvious choice after a few chats in Dubai about returning to South Africa to race in the African Open. While I race in IAME competitions in the Middle East, I'm a South African at heart and wanted to race at home. I could not have asked for a better result, and I am looking forward to representing Team SA in Italy later this year. Thank you to WORR Motorsport and everyone for their support. I hope to be back soon," stated Aaryan.
You can follow Aaryan on his Instagram page by tapping on the link below:
https://www.instagram.com/aaryan.singh117/
KARTING | Coetzee and Shisinwana Shine for Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy
Tshepang Shisinwana (Mini MAX)
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy's (TGRJA) young talents showcased their skills at the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) Karting Championship and African Open, held at the Killarney Kart Circuit, Cape Town, from 22 to 23 March.
The academy's mission is to nurture the next generation of racing drivers and pave their way to success in the motorsport arena. The academy's efforts to cultivate the talents of the next generation of drivers contribute to the growth and development of the motorsport industry, supporting its continued success and sustainability.
The championship, renowned for its fierce competition and high stakes, provided the perfect platform for these budding racers to test their mettle against some of the best in the country. Under the guidance of Leeroy Poulter, the drivers were primed and ready to tackle the challenges of the Cape circuit on a national stage.
Jason Coetzee (DD2)
Leading the charge for the academy was Jason Coetzee, whose stellar performance in the DD2 class earned him a heat win and the overall national runner-up spot. At the same time, stable-mate Karabo Malemela regularly placed within the top seven to finish seventh overall. Coetzee claimed another podium in the African Open when he finished third, with Malemela in seventh.
Karabo Malemela (DD2)
While Senior MAX driver Kent Swartz started his weekend off strongly with a fourth-place qualifying position, his weekend was marred by several incidents, which saw the reigning National Junior MAX Champion finish 16th overall. Swartz registered a DNF in the African Open heat to add insult to injury.
Kent Swartz (Senior MAX)
Both Junior MAX pilots, Emma-Rose Dowling, and Reagile Mailula, struggled with poor results after being caught up in on-track skirmishes, which have become commonplace in the Junior MAX class. Mailula's weekend was further wrecked following his exclusion from the final national heat result due to a technical infringement and a DNF in the African Open final. Similarly, Dowling recorded a DNF in the final heat of the national competition before recording a 12th-place finish in the Open.
Emma-Rose Dowling (Junior MAX)
Not to be outdone, Tshepang Shisinwana, competing in the Mini MAX class, was a regular podium finisher with second and third place to claim the overall runner-up spot in the national round. A tough African Open heat saw him finish ninth.
Reagile Mailula (Junior MAX)
While the results did not go as expected for some, the academy's unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement served as a testament to its holistic approach to driver development, focusing not only on raw speed but also on race craft, sportsmanship, and mental fortitude. As they prepare for the next chapter of their journey, one thing is sure – the future of South African racing looks brighter than ever, thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy to nurturing the stars of tomorrow.
KARTING | Odendaal Returns to Challenging Junior MAX National & African Open
Caleb Odendaal, a promising young talent from the Eastern Cape, made his debut Junior MAX appearance at the opening national round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) Karting Championship and 2024 African Open held at the iconic Killarney Kart Circuit in Cape Town this past weekend.
A late decision to participate in the event was made, and the young champion arrived as a privateer, with dad Laren assisting with his Parolin kart. Coincidentally, it was also the same brand of kart that saw Caleb win his first national championship before changing to another brand to win two further national championships.
Despite being his first major event of the season since the 2023 RMC Grand Finals in Bahrain, Caleb was unable to prepare as well as he would have liked following a brief respite from the sport. After qualifying in 10th on Friday, Caleb took on the feisty 21-kart field, where after a tough 15 laps, he was classified in 19th after receiving a Nose Cone Infringement Penalty (NCIP).
Heat 2 would see the Legend Motors-backed driver make up an impressive nine positions to claim a top-10 finish before a final heat incident saw him drop back but recover to finish 15th. Caleb finished 12th in the overall standings.
Starting from the sixth row of the grid for the wildcard African Open, Caleb, a two-time competition winner, was caught up in a midpack tussle and crossed the finish line in 13th.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further information on Caleb Odendaal's racing journey, please contact:
Raymond at Motorsport Fanatix™:
raymond@motorsportfanatix.co.za
082 497 1850.
KARTING | National Top-5 and Fourth in African Open for De Oliveira
Six-year-old karting prodigy Alonzo de Oliveira participated in the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) National and African Open held at Killarney Kart Track in Cape Town over the weekend. Despite making his karting debut in 2023, he exceeded many expectations and proved himself a promising young driver. Alonzo was the youngest driver at the event but showed incredible talent and potential as he started his national campaign.
Alonzo qualified fifth on Friday and moved up a position to finish fourth for the opening heat later in the afternoon. After making up three positions, he repeated the result in Saturday's second heat, whereas in the final national heat, he finished sixth, securing a fifth-place overall classification.
Alonzo, racing out of the NBR Racing stable, hails from Johannesburg and has shown glimpses of talent in the few races he competed in during 2023. Eager to stamp his authority on this season's championship, the Portuguese racing talent headed into Saturday afternoon's African Open heat full of confidence. Unable to match the pace of the local drivers, the Karting - It All Starts Here ambassador improved one position to finish fourth, narrowly missing out on the podium.
Alonzo is supported by Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Motorsport Fanatix, Karting It All Starts Here, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery and Amigos Portugueses.
Round 2 of the SARMC National Championship resumes on 3-4 May at iDube Raceway, just outside Pietermaritzburg.
KARTING | Rookie Steyn Endures Tough Micro MAX National, Claims African Open Podium
Adriaan Steyn, the reigning National Bambino Champion, astonished spectators at the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) opening national round held at the iconic Killarney Kart Track in Cape Town over the weekend. Adriaan, who hails from Centurion, Gauteng, was one of many Micro MAX competitors from the Rand Kart Club based at Zwartkops Raceway, competing for national honours and the title of African Open Champion.
Adriaan, a rookie in 2024, commenced his weekend campaign by qualifying in the eighth position on Friday, setting the stage for an exciting few races. Despite a setback in the opening heat that saw him receive a five-second nose-cone infringement penalty, the Greensky-backed driver showcased his resilience and perseverance to overcome obstacles.
Saturday's Heat 2 witnessed his rise to prominence. He claimed an impressive third place, marking the first of his two podium finishes over the weekend. With precision and skill, the Centurion resident demonstrated his prowess on the track despite being a rookie in the class.
Steyn continued to showcase his competitive spirit in the third and final national heat on Saturday, securing a commendable sixth-place finish. His consistent performance throughout the weekend underscored his status as a formidable contender for national championship honours.
The fourth heat, serving as the final for the African Open, unfolded with heart-pounding intensity. Steyn surged through the ranks, running as high as second at one stage, before dropping back to sixth and then fighting his way back up to clinch a thrilling third-place finish.
With the next round of the SARMC National Championship scheduled for 3-4 May at the iDube Raceway near Pietermaritzburg, Steyn's stellar performance in Cape Town foreshadows an exciting season ahead. Steyn remains a favourite for top honours as he continues to hone his craft and push the boundaries of his capabilities.
Adriaan thanks Q4 Fuel, Greensky, Parolin Racing South Africa, and MS Technic - Sparco Store Africa for their support.
KARTING | Despite Strong Pace Rookie De Wet Luckless in Cape Town
Luhan De Wet, a Louis Leipoldt Primary School student in Centurion, Gauteng, recently participated in the two-event South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) in Cape Town. Despite a lack of top results, De Wet performed admirably, demonstrating skill and perseverance throughout the event. The WPMC and Killarney hosted the opening national round alongside the wildcard African Open, which sees drivers qualify for the RMC Grand Finals in Italy.
Throughout the weekend, Luhan had his work cut out, racing against the more favoured local drivers who regularly compete at Cape Town's only karting circuit. Despite the stiff competition, Luhan showcased his talent, earning respect amongst his peers and proving himself a formidable championship contender.
Luhan kicked off the weekend by qualifying in ninth position on Friday, setting the stage for an exciting opening heat. Despite a five-second penalty for a nose-cone infringement, Luhan showed the resilience he has become known for, finishing seventh after the penalty was applied.
Saturday's second heat proved challenging. The WORR Motorsport driver encountered misfortune on the opening lap after being spun around and dropping to the back of the pack, finishing last. Luhan, however, saved his best performance for the final national heat of the double-header event. With a stellar display of racing prowess, he secured an impressive fourth-place finish, boosting his confidence ahead of the African Open Final.
As is the case every year with the winner-takes-all heat, the intensity heightened for the African Open. Having earned the eighth starting position, Luhan's kart initially failed to start as it sat on the grid. As the field took off on their warm-up lap, an unsettled Luhan got the kart going but had to start from the back of the field. However, Luhan battled fiercely and secured a commendable seventh-place finish, making up nine positions.
With the next round of the SARMC National Championship scheduled for 3-4 May at the iDube Raceway near Pietermaritzburg, Luhan is undoubtedly poised to continue his pursuit of excellence on the track. As he refines his skills and strategies for the rest of the season, De Wet remains a name to watch in the Micro MAX class.
De Wet Automotive Performance Service and Repairs and Motorsport Fanatix back Luhan.
KARTING | TGR Junior Academy Looking to Dominate at Killarney
Kent Swartz (Senior MAX)
Prepare for a thrilling showcase of talent and determination as the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) gears up to compete in the opening national round of the 2024 South African Rotax MAX Challenge Championship and African Open at the picturesque Killarney International Raceway with the majestic Table Mountain providing a stunning backdrop.
With a mission to hone the racing skills of promising karting talents, the academy serves as a stepping stone for drivers eyeing a future in motorsport, whether in formula racing or saloon cars. This weekend, a stellar lineup of drivers is set to represent the academy across various karting classes.
Former national champion Tshepang Shisinwana leads the charge in the Mini MAX class, followed by Emma-Rose Dowling (Junior MAX), who recently returned from international duties. She is joined by another former national champion, Reagile Mailula, in the assertive Junior MAX field. Kent Swartz, the reigning National Junior MAX Champion, takes on the challenges of the Senior MAX class for the first time at the national level, while Formula 1600 drivers Jason Coetzee and Karabo Malemela showcase their skills in the DD2 pack.
Under the watchful eye of team principal Leeroy Poulter, a successful karter himself, the academy drivers will aim to make their mark at this season's Killarney karting spectacle.
Don't miss a moment of the action as these rising stars showcase their potential and prowess on the track. All the action is set to commence on Thursday, and more information is available on the link below:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
KARTING | Bezuidenhout Looking to Maintain Cape Momentum
Hold onto your seats as Mikel Bezuidenhout, a talented teenager from Johannesburg, gets set to make his mark in the South African Rotax MAX Challenge Championship at Cape Town's exciting Killarney Kart Track this weekend! With international racing experience in the OKN class already under his belt, Mikel's journey toward a bright motorsport career is in full swing.
Racing under the respected NBR Racing stable, Mikel embodies grit and determination despite being relatively new to the karting scene. His stint on the global stage and his unwavering perseverance put him in contention for podium honours on Saturday against 26 other competitors.
With the backing of sponsors MTN Cosmo-Net and Vivo Mobile South Africa, Mikel is driven by a burning desire for victory and is excited to take on the competition, as he explains:
"We were here at the start of the month and returned last weekend to compete on the main circuit for the first time. I'm back in the kart this weekend, and I hope to continue the good form I've had here in 2024. Undoubtedly, it will be tough with such a large and talented field of drivers. But you must beat the best to be the best, so let's see how the weekend unfolds.
All the action kicks off on Thursday with practice. Tap on the link below for more information:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
KARTING | Odendaal Takes Aim at Rotax Double-Header
Caleb Odendaal on his way to winning the 2022 African Open
As the two-stroke engines are about to roar to life at the iconic Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, all eyes will be set on the three-time national Rotax karting and two-time African Open champion Caleb Odendaal. This weekend marks a significant milestone in his racing journey as he steps into the highly competitive Junior MAX class for the first time at a national, eager to carve his name among the elite.
Despite being a rookie, Caleb's reputation precedes him. Widely recognized as one of the sport's rising stars, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to the grid. With victories etched in the history books at Cape Town's renowned circuit, Caleb is no stranger to the winner's circle and is determined to make his mark once again.
Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Caleb is one of the few drivers representing his region in this championship. Amidst 21 talented competitors across South Africa, his presence adds a unique dynamic to the grid, showcasing the diversity and depth of talent in the karting scene. Wesley Patterson joins Caleb this weekend as his engineer and will guide the East London pupil through the twists and turns of Killarney's karting circuit. His expertise and support will be instrumental in the young racer's weekend.
As the countdown to the opening national round of the SARMC Championship begins, anticipation runs high for what promises to be an exhilarating showcase of racing. For Caleb, this weekend isn't just about competing; it's about seizing every opportunity to shine and reaffirm his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of karting.
All the action kicks off on Thursday. Tap on the link below for more information:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
KARTING | Exciting Killarney Debut Awaits Bambino's Alonzo De Oliveira
Prepare to witness the dawn of a new racing sensation as Bambino rookie Alonzo De Oliveira gears up for his inaugural showdown at the South African Rotax MAX Challenge Championship's national opening round and African Open, set with the world-famous Table Mountain in the background.
As a burgeoning talent within the motorsport realm, Alonzo's entry into the fiercely competitive Bambino class marks the emergence of one of the sport's most promising stars. Hailing from Johannesburg, Alonzo races out of the esteemed NBR Racing stable.
Backed by a formidable lineup of sponsors, including Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Motorsport Fanatix, Karting It All Starts Here, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, and Amigos Portugueses, the six-year-old is keen on a strong showing this weekend.
This momentous event signifies Alonzo's maiden race outing in Cape Town and his first encounter with nine other formidable drivers across Africa. With adrenaline coursing through his veins and determination burning bright, Alonzo is poised to make his mark on the circuit, ready to navigate the twists and turns of Killarney Kart Track with precision and flair.
All the action kicks off on Thursday. Tap on the link below for more information:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
KARTING | Champion Steyn to Make National Micro MAX Debut
Get ready to witness the debut of a rising star as Adriaan Steyn gears up to hit the circuit at the opening round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) Championship at the prestigious Killarney Kart Track in Cape Town.
As a newcomer to the Micro MAX class, Adriaan brings a wave of anticipation and excitement. Despite being a rookie, he is no stranger to the winner's circle. Hailing as the reigning MSA National Bambino Champion, his skill and perseverance are set to shake up the competition and make his mark on the 2024 season.
Racing under the banner of Shane De Beer Motorsport, Adriaan carries the weight of expectation on his shoulders. “Adriaan is equipped with the tools and backing to excel this season,” says Deon, Adriaan’s father. Supported by a powerhouse lineup of sponsors, including Q4 Fuel, Greensky, Parolin Racing South Africa, and Sparco, Adriaan will compete against 15 other drivers from Africa over the weekend.
With the adrenaline-pumping action set to unfold on Thursday, all eyes will be on the Centurion-based driver as he embarks on this thrilling journey in the SARMC Championship. For more information on the event, please follow the link below:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
KARTING | Rookie De Wet Takes on Double SARMC Cape Challenge
In the heart of Cape Town's motorsport hub, the Killarney International Raceway, anticipation is brewing for the opening round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) National Championship this long weekend. It will also form part of the 2024 African Open, which sees the champion walk away with an entry to the RMC Grand Finals.
Among the contenders poised to make a mark is Luhan De Wet, a name already synonymous with speed and promise. Despite being a rookie in the fiercely competitive Micro MAX class, De Wet arrives with the weight of a champion on his shoulders, having clinched the 2023 MSA National Cadet Championship.
Representing the esteemed WORR Motorsport stable, De Wet brings raw talent and meticulous preparation to the track. His journey from Bambino karting to the Micro MAX class has been swift, fueled by a relentless pursuit of excellence. All eyes will be on Luhan as he navigates the twists and turns of Killarney's Kart Track, which will start on Thursday. For more information please tap on the link below:
https://kart.co.za/events-results/national-round-1-2024-rmc-african-open-killarney/
De Wet Automotive Performance Service and Repairs and Motorsport Fanatix back Luhan.
POLO CUP | Robinson Cup Campaign Dealt Blow After Opening Race Retirement
Tyler Robinson experienced a stroke of misfortune during the opening round of the 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship in Cape Town over the weekend. Although she demonstrated impressive speed and skill during the qualification session on Friday, where she secured fourth place, her championship bid suffered a hefty blow as things turned for the worse on Saturday.
During Race 1, Tyler had an accident, which caused her car to be stranded in the kitty litter of Killarney International Raceway's Turn 1. Suffering severe damage to the car, she could not continue, and the car was retired from the race meeting. This was a disappointing moment for Tyler and her team, who had worked hard to prepare for the race and were looking forward to a successful day. Despite the setback, Tyler remained positive and determined to bounce back stronger at the next round.
"Words cannot describe how I am feeling at the moment. I'm gutted. Having worked so hard to get through to the SuperPole Shootout yesterday only to end my weekend like this is disappointing. Regardless, we still have an entire championship, and I need to focus on the next event now. Thank you for all the support and to my team for a stellar job," stated Tyler.
Tyler thanks Universal Racing, AF Fans, Freem, Apex Gaming and RKT Motorsport. Round 2 of the championship will resume on 12-13 April at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
VW Rookie Cup | Goosen Claims Second on Debut
The second season of the VW Rookie Cup got underway this past weekend at the Killarney International Raceway, where Pretoria teenager Jayden Goosen claimed the overall runner-up spot.
Goosen, who has vast karting experience but less main circuit know-how, showed why he is a serious contender for the title, which will see this year's winner get a fully sponsored drive in the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup Championship.
After qualifying third on Friday afternoon, Goosen made up some ground in Saturday's opening race despite a slow getaway. Once settled into his rhythm, he set after the leader, closing the distance before running out of laps to cross the finish line in second. The second race would, however, see a better start from the INEX Legends racer. Fighting for position over the first few laps, Goosen would be passed and delegated to third, where he would eventually finish.
"It was not the perfect weekend for us, but it was also not a complete disaster. There is still loads of work ahead, but the motivation is there, and I'm eager to keep improving. We will look at all the data and have an in-depth discussion on where I can improve. Looking ahead, we will be at Zwartkops next, which I am looking forward to. Thank you to my sponsors for making this all possible."
Round 2 of the championship will resume on 17-18 May at Zwartkops Raceway.
FORMULA 1600 | Bezuidenhout Claims Respectable Top 8 Debut Finish
Investchem Formula 1600 rookie Mikel Bezuidenhout impressed on debut, finishing in a commendable eighth overall at the weekend's opening round of the National Extreme Festival in Cape Town. Killarney International Raceway hosted the first of two rounds as part of the national tour, and spectators came out in numbers to support South Africa's most popular motorsport tour.
After spending the best part of Friday familiarising himself with the circuit and the car's handling, Bezuidenhout qualified 12th on a greasy surface after some overnight rain. Despite his inexperience, the Johannesburg driver made up several positions during the opening phase of the race before making up another towards the end to finish a remarkable eighth. Race 2, however, was somewhat uneventful, with Bezuidenhout maintaining his position throughout the race to finish ninth.
"I am pretty satisfied with the weekend's results. As a rookie I wanted to leave here unscathed with the car in one piece, focus on learning the circuit and to understand the car better. I believe we have accomplished that and we will now focus on the next goal. Thank you to everyone for the support and to the Killarney fans," stated Bezuidenhout.
While Bezuidenhout prepares for the upcoming national karting weekend, the following Formula 1600 Championship round is set for an exciting return to the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 12-13 April 2024.
Formula 1600 | Formidable Season Opener for Ensor-Smith
KC Ensor-Smith's Investchem Formula 1600 Championship bid got off to a strong start at the weekend, with the 2023 rookie claiming third overall at Killarney International Raceway. South Africa's premier single-seater class took to the Western Cape circuit for its opening round in warm and windy conditions as part of the National Extreme Festival tour that makes two stops in Cape Town.
Ensor-Smith was confident heading into Saturday's qualifying session after topping the timesheets in most of Friday's practice sessions. Overnight rain had also added an element of the unknown, with drivers opting to qualify on slicks rather than chance wet weather tyres on a drying surface. The Witbank teenager recorded the third quickest time to start the opening race from the second row.
Despite a slow start from the pole-sitter, Jagger Robertson, Ensor-Smith was forced to drive around his competitor before fending off the challenge of Jason Coetzee into Turn 2. The multiple-karting champion then set off after fellow 2022 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finalist Shrien Naidoo before coming up short to take the runner-up position. Ensor-Smith, however, set the new lap record, becoming the first driver since the inception of the Formula 1600 class to lap the Cape circuit in under one minute and fifteen seconds.
In the second race, he demonstrated his pace again by briefly taking the lead. Content to sit behind the leader, Ensor-Smith bided his time as the laps counted down. Suddenly and without warning, the gearbox selected a false neutral, causing him to lose two places. While the two drivers behind managed to avoid a collision, Ensor-Smith could not close the gap sufficiently to launch an attack to reclaim the lost positions. He finished fourth.
"Despite finishing third overall, I am somewhat disappointed that we couldn't capitalise on our strong pace here. We had the speed and the car to win today, but the second race calamity ruined any chances of that. Regardless, the team did great, and I must thank them. Thank you also to the Killarney faithful who supported us today," stated Ensor-Smith.
The next round of the championship is set for an exciting return to the iconic Kylami Grand Prix Circuit on 12-13 April 2024.
KC is supported by African Heating, Vitro Frameless, Master Stairs and Sparco.