Back to Benoni: TGRJA Drivers Gear Up for Formula-K Showdown
Kent Swartz leads the TGRJA charge as the Senior MAX championship points leader.
With the curtain closed on the national championship season, attention now turns to the regional stage as the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship enters its decisive phase.
Round 5 returns to Formula-K Raceway in Benoni this weekend, the same circuit that staged the season opener back in March. For the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA), the regional campaign remains crucial, with several drivers still firmly in contention for silverware.
Senior MAX: Swartz Leads the Charge
Former national and regional champion Kent Swartz heads into the weekend as the clear title contender, holding the championship lead thanks to his consistency across the season. Swartz will be looking to repeat his strong early-season form at Formula-K, where he took victory during the opening round.
Teammate Georgia Lenaerts, currently seventh in the standings, is eager to convert her pace into results after a season of mixed fortunes. Lenaerts recorded her best heat finish of the season at Formula-K during the opening round, a runner-up finish.
Junior MAX: Dowling and Shisinwana on the Hunt
In Junior MAX, the academy boasts two drivers in the thick of the battle. Tshepang Shisinwana lies second in the standings, just 15 points adrift of the leader. His pace has been evident throughout the year, and he will be determined to close the gap this weekend. Emma-Rose Dowling, who missed the opening round, is not far behind in fourth, having shown her ability to win races at both national and regional levels. With two rounds left, both drivers remain genuine championship threats.
Mini MAX: Kaiyamo Twins Continue Their Growth
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have made huge strides since joining the academy at the start of the season. Competing against Gauteng’s best, Nande currently sits seventh in the points, while Mandume is 12th. Their determination, despite balancing extensive travel and schooling commitments, continues to highlight the academy’s focus on long-term driver development.
Team Principal Leeroy Poulter is optimistic about the weekend’s prospects:
“Formula-K has always been a circuit that demands precision and bravery. Our drivers showed great pace here earlier in the season, and with some championships still open, we’re expecting another strong showing across the classes.”
Round 5 promises another intense day of Rotax competition, with qualifying and three heats deciding the overall winners. Entry for spectators is free, and fans are encouraged to come and support the next generation of South African motorsport stars.
Back to Benoni: TGRJA Drivers Gear Up for Formula-K Showdown
With the curtain closed on the national championship season, attention now turns to the regional stage as the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship enters its decisive phase.
Round 5 returns to Formula-K Raceway in Benoni this weekend, the same circuit that staged the season opener back in March. For the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA), the regional campaign remains crucial, with several drivers still firmly in contention for silverware.
Senior MAX: Swartz Leads the Charge
Former national and regional champion Kent Swartz heads into the weekend as the clear title contender, holding the championship lead thanks to his consistency across the season. Swartz will be looking to repeat his strong early-season form at Formula-K, where he took victory during the opening round.
Teammate Georgia Lenaerts, currently seventh in the standings, is eager to convert her pace into results after a season of mixed fortunes. Lenaerts recorded her best heat finish of the season at Formula-K during the opening round, a runner-up finish.
Junior MAX: Dowling and Shisinwana on the Hunt
In Junior MAX, the academy boasts two drivers in the thick of the battle. Tshepang Shisinwana lies second in the standings, just 15 points adrift of the leader. His pace has been evident throughout the year, and he will be determined to close the gap this weekend. Emma-Rose Dowling, who missed the opening round, is not far behind in fourth, having shown her ability to win races at both national and regional level. With two rounds left, both drivers remain genuine championship threats.
Mini MAX: Kaiyamo Twins Continue Their Growth
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have made huge strides since joining the academy at the start of the season. Competing against Gauteng’s best, Nande currently sits seventh in the points, while Mandume is 12th. Their determination, despite balancing extensive travel and schooling commitments, continues to highlight the academy’s focus on long-term driver development.
Team Principal Leeroy Poulter is optimistic about the weekend’s prospects:
“Formula-K has always been a circuit that demands precision and bravery. Our drivers showed great pace here earlier in the season, and with some championships still open, we’re expecting another strong showing across the classes.”
Round 5 promises another intense day of Rotax competition, with qualifying and three heats deciding the overall winners. Entry for spectators is free, and fans are encouraged to come and support the next generation of South African motorsport stars.
Alonzo Aims to Break Formula-K Duck in Regional Bambino Return
Alonzo de Oliveira returns to Benoni’s Formula-K Raceway this weekend for Round 5 of the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship. Fresh off being crowned the South African Bambino National Champion, the Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador and Stretto Racing driver will now turn his focus back to the regional series, where he leads the standings with a strong cushion.
Despite dominating much of the season, Formula-K remains unfinished business for Alonzo. At the season opener in March, he was denied a heat win by mechanical misfortune, settling for a podium instead. This time around, with his confidence bolstered by national success, he will be eager to add a Formula-K victory to his 2025 record and further consolidate his regional championship lead.
The action takes place on Saturday, 27 September, with qualifying and three race heats set to decide the overall winner. Spectators are welcome to attend, with free entry promising fans an exciting day of wheel-to-wheel racing.
Newly Crowned National Champion Luhan De Wet Returns to Regional Fight
Fresh from being crowned the South African Rotax MAX Challenge Micro MAX Champion, Centurion’s Luhan de Wet heads back into regional competition this weekend with Round 5 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship at Benoni’s Formula-K Raceway.
The Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador will arrive with momentum on his side but faces the challenge of reducing the gap to current points leader and on-track rival Adriaan Steyn, who, after suffering a recent injury, is not expected to compete.
With two rounds remaining in the season, Luhan sits second in the standings after scoring consistently across the campaign, including multiple heat victories and podiums. Having already proven his ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver decisive wins on the regional stage, he now turns his attention to consolidating his position and fighting for the championship lead.
The Formula-K Raceway has already been a positive hunting ground for Luhan, having secured a heat victory here earlier in the season. With qualifying and three heats scheduled for Saturday, the stakes are high, and consistency will be key in keeping his title hopes alive.
Round 5 promises plenty of action with a strong entry list and competitive grids across all classes. Entry is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend and support the young talent as the regional season nears its climax.
Tyler Robinson Clinches Overall Victory at Killarney
Round 6 of the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup saw the championship return to the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, the same venue that hosted the season opener. AF Fans-backed Tyler Robinson, one of South Africa’s brightest young female talents, delivered a standout performance that earned her the overall round victory.
Friday’s qualifying session placed Tyler fourth overall, but she improved to third in the SuperPole Shootout to secure a strong starting position just behind the front row. In Saturday’s opening race, she capitalised on her pace and racecraft to cross the line in second place, marking a confident start to her weekend. Race 2 saw her finish fifth, keeping her well within contention.
The third race produced more excitement as Tyler fought her way into second place on track. Although she was later demoted to third following a post-race infringement, her combined results across the three heats were enough to see her clinch the overall win for the day – her second major career highlight of the season, following her landmark victory at Kyalami earlier this year.
The former FIA Women in Motorsport Girls on Track: Rising Stars participant continues to prove her ability to compete head-to-head with South Africa’s best. Alongside her national exploits, she has also broadened her horizons by competing internationally in the Clio Cup Europe.
“To come away from Killarney with the overall victory is incredibly special. This circuit has always been one of my favourites, and to win here against such tough competition means a lot. Even with the challenges, we kept pushing, and I’m so proud of what we achieved as a team this weekend,” said Tyler.
The championship will conclude at Zwartkops Raceway on 24-25 October.
Dawie Fights Back at Killarney After Early Setback
Round 6 of the South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup Championship brought mixed fortunes for Dawie at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town this past weekend.
Still chasing the perfect setup in qualifying, Dawie managed to secure the fifth-fastest time on the grid. However, his opening race was cut painfully short. Heavy contact on the first lap forced him to retire with damage, ending his chances of a strong result in Race 1.
The setback meant Dawie was left to start from the back of the grid for Race 2. Undeterred, he produced one of his strongest drives of the season. Fighting his way through the field with determination, he recorded some of his fastest laps of the weekend and closed in on the leading trio, matching their pace in the closing stages. In a show of resilience, Dawie crossed the line in fourth place, a remarkable recovery that transformed what looked like a disastrous weekend into a respectable result.
Reflecting on the event, Dawie said:
"It was a tough weekend, especially with the retirement in Race 1. But I’m proud of how we turned things around in the final race. The car felt really strong, and to be able to match the leaders on pace from the back was encouraging. Huge thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa and Fast Developments for their support and hard work, without them, this fightback wouldn’t have been possible."
The final round is set for Zwartkops Raceway on 24-25 October.
Bezuidenhout Dominates as MSA4 Makes Cape Town Debut
The Investchem MSA4 Championship made its long-awaited debut at Killarney International Raceway this past weekend, and Mikel Bezuidenhout seized the spotlight with a performance that underlined his growing stature in South Africa’s premier single-seater category.
For the 17-year-old Sandton resident, the weekend could not have been scripted better. The teenager snatched pole position in qualifying and went on to deliver a commanding performance, remaining unbeaten across both races. His clean sweep not only secured maximum points but also reaffirmed his position as one of the brightest rising stars in the field.
The combination of raw pace, composure under pressure, and consistency behind the wheel ensured Mikel left Cape Town with his best result of the season so far. It was a statement performance that firmly establishes him as a title contender as the championship heads back up north in a few weeks' time.
Reflecting on his triumph, Mikel commented:
"This weekend was really special. To take pole and then back it up with two wins at such an iconic circuit means a lot to me and the whole team. We’ve been working so hard, and it’s great to see the results starting to come. A big thank you to Corsa dei Gemelli for giving me a perfect car, and to everyone supporting me, this is just the beginning."
With momentum firmly on his side, all eyes will be on Bezuidenhout as he looks to carry this winning form into the next rounds of the Investchem MSA4 Championship. Red Star Raceway will host the championship on 3-4 October before the final round at Zwartkops Raceway on 24-25 October.
Corsa dei Gemelli Shine in Cape Town with Pole and Victory Sweep
The Investchem MSA4 Championship made its long-awaited debut at Killarney International Raceway this past weekend, and Corsa dei Gemelli seized the spotlight with a performance that underlined the team’s growing stature in South Africa’s premier single-seater category.
For 17-year-old Mikel Bezuidenhout, the weekend could not have been scripted better. The Sandton teenager snatched pole position in qualifying and went on to deliver a commanding performance, remaining unbeaten across both races. His clean sweep not only secured maximum points but also reaffirmed his position as one of the brightest rising stars in the field.
“It feels incredible to get pole and then convert it into two wins,” said Bezuidenhout. “The car was absolutely on point, and huge credit goes to the team for giving me the tools to perform. Winning at Killarney, such an iconic circuit, is really special and I hope we can carry this momentum into the rest of the season.”
The team’s second driver, Kian Spies, faced a much more challenging path. Thursday’s practice was marred by a gearbox issue that cost him valuable track time, and qualifying brought fresh frustrations when a technical failure relegated him to the very back of the grid. Undeterred, the 21-year-old showed his determination, battling through the field to salvage strong mileage and crucial experience at a circuit he was visiting for the very first time.
“It was definitely one of those weekends where everything seemed to be against us,” admitted Spies. “Starting at the back is never easy, but I just focused on making up as much ground as possible and learning every lap. I’m grateful to the team for working so hard to get the car back out – now it’s about building on this and coming back stronger.”
The weekend marked a milestone for both the championship and Corsa dei Gemelli. The Cape debut delivered thrilling racing and offered the team another opportunity to showcase their progress in what has already proven to be a fiercely competitive inaugural season. With Mikel’s flawless display and Kian’s fighting spirit, the team left Killarney with momentum and renewed confidence heading into the next rounds of the campaign.
The next round will see the championship join the regional Extreme Festival roster at Red Star Raceway on 3-4 October before the final round at Zwartkops Raceway on 24-25 October.
Huawei Mobile, MTN CosmoNet, Mix 93.8FM back the team.
Mikel Bezuidenhout Aims to Narrow Gap in MSA4 Title Hunt
Mikel Bezuidenhout is set to make his long-awaited Killarney International Raceway debut in the Investchem MSA4Championship this weekend (7–8 March) in Cape Town.
Although it will be his first competitive appearance in the country’s premier single-seater category, the Corsa dei Gemelli driver is no stranger to the iconic circuit. In 2024, he raced at Killarney during the Investchem Formula 1600 Championship. He returned earlier this year at the Extreme Festival Presented by Coca-Cola, where he impressed in the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA GR86 series.
The Sandton teenager has already made headlines in 2025, scoring both a race victory and a pole position in his opening MSA4 outings. With the championship fight heating up, Mikel is focused on closing the gap to the current points leader and adding another trophy to his growing résumé.
“Cape Town has always been a track I enjoy racing on,” Mikel said. “It’s fast. Having driven both a Formula 1600 and a GR86 here gives me confidence going into my first MSA4 weekend. The goal is simple, push hard, be consistent, and challenge for the win.”
Round 3 of the Investchem MSA4 Championship forms part of the national tour's return to Killarney. The event kicks off with official practice on Friday, before the action intensifies with two races on Saturday. Fans can expect close racing, big crowds, and another crucial chapter in what is already shaping up to be an exhilarating season.
For more information, visit www.extremefestival.co.za.
MSA4's Corsa dei Gemelli Set for Killarney Debut
The Investchem MSA4 Championship makes its long-awaited debut at the Killarney International Raceway next weekend, marking the first time South Africa’s premier single-seater series visits the Cape Town circuit.
Unable to join the rest of the National Extreme Festival presented by Coca-Cola tour for its opening round earlier this season, organisers decided to delay the debut of the new MSA4 cars until Round 2 of the tour.
Leading the charge for Huawei-backed Corsa dei Gemelli is Mikel Bezuidenhout, who has enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025. With three podiums, including a memorable victory, the 17-year-old has established himself as a front-runner and occupies second in the points standings. Mikel also brings valuable circuit knowledge, having previously competed at Killarney in Formula F1600 and the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86 Cup.
For teammate Kian Spies, the weekend represents new ground. The 21-year-old will be making his first competitive appearance at Killarney, adding another layer of challenge to what has already been a tough debut season. Mechanical woes plagued his early outings, but recent progress by both driver and team has seen Kian start to find his rhythm in this fiercely competitive category.
With the Investchem MSA4 Championship still in its infancy, the Killarney round promises to be an exciting test for both Corsa dei Gemelli drivers. Mikel is aiming to consolidate his front-running form, and Kian is eager to turn his improving pace into results.
Huawei, MTN CosmoNet, Motorsport Fanatix and Mix93.8FM proudly partner with the team.
The action gets underway next Friday with several practice sessions ahead of qualifying and two races on Saturday. For more information around the event, please visit https://extremefestival.co.za/capetown250913/
Should you want to know more about the team, please visit https://www.corsadeigemelli.com/
Sole Toyota Entry Van der Merwe Ready to Take on Volkswagen Field
Dawie van der Merwe heads to the penultimate round of the South African Touring Cars SupaCup Championship holding fourth in the points standings. The Killarney International Raceway once again plays host, the very venue where the season kicked off, and where Dawie will look to build on his campaign.
Competing in the Fast Developments-prepared Toyota Gazoo Racing SupaStarlet, Dawie remains the only non-Volkswagen entry on the grid. Despite the challenges of running as the sole Toyota competitor against a field of more developed Volkswagens, Dawie has continued to extract every ounce of performance from his car, earning a reputation for resilience and determination. Three fourth-place finishes are the best results so far for the young Mbombela businessman, who will be aiming to clinch his first podium of the season. With only two rounds left in the season, Dawie will be aiming to close the gap to the front-runners and cement his place in the championship fight.
“Killarney is one of those circuits I really enjoy, anything can and usually does happen here. That unpredictability is what makes it so exciting, and I’m ready to give it everything,” said Dawie.
The action gets underway on 12 September with several practice sessions before two races are set to entertain the local crowds on Saturday. For more information, please visit https://extremefestival.co.za/capetown250913/
Tyler Robinson Returns to Cape Town with Eyes on More Polo Cup Success
The Astron Energy Polo Cup heads back to Cape Town next weekend for the penultimate round of the 2025 season, and all eyes will once again be on young Tyler Robinson. The Killarney International Raceway holds special memories for the rising star, as it was here earlier this season that she secured her first podium of the campaign.
Currently sixth in the championship standings, Robinson has enjoyed a breakout year in South Africa’s longest-running one-make saloon car competition. She has already stood on the podium three times this season, highlighted by her historic triumph at Kyalami, where she became only the second female, and the youngest, to win a Polo Cup race in the championship’s 29-year history.
While her domestic campaign has been impressive, Robinson has also broadened her horizons internationally, competing in the Renault Clio Cup abroad as part of her long-term pursuit of a professional racing career. Balancing her international ambitions with the intense competition at home, she has quickly become an inspiration for many.
“Every time I step into the car, I remind myself that I’m not just racing for me, but for every young girl who dreams of breaking into motorsport,” Robinson says. “If my journey proves that it’s possible, then I’ve done more than win races, I’ve opened a door.”
Robinson, supported by AF Fans, is gaining significant momentum as the season approaches its climax. Robinson's impending return to Cape Town is anticipated to contribute another compelling chapter to her rapidly advancing career.
The action gets underway on 12 September with several practice sessions and qualifying before three races are set to entertain the local crowds on Saturday. For more information please visit https://extremefestival.co.za/capetown250913/
Elation and Heartbreak: SARMC Finale Delivers a Classic
The 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) season drew to a thrilling close on 30 August at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, Pretoria. Competitors from across the country, joined by drivers from Namibia, Mozambique, and Kenya, came together for a decisive four-heat showdown. Each heat presented a unique set of challenges, testing the drivers' skills and endurance. With national titles and entries to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Bahrain on the line, the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion to an already unforgettable season.
In the Bambino class, the sport’s youngest talents delivered racing as intense as any on the programme. Qualifying went to Yerhu Malabie, but it was Alonzo de Oliveira who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. After taking a narrow victory in the second heat and two further runner-up finishes, he sealed the overall round win. Consistency across the season crowned him the 2025 National Bambino Champion, adding to his African Open title and making history as the first driver to hold both titles in the same season.
The rivalry between Adriaan Steyn and Luhan de Wet defined the Micro MAX battle. Steyn, who claimed the African Open a few weeks earlier, struck first with pole position and a dominant win in the opening heat, adding another in Heat 2 with the fastest lap of the weekend. Yet it was De Wet who carried the advantage of a season’s worth of victories into Zwartkops. His performance over the final weekend saw him add another overall round victory to his season, which was more than enough to clinch the national crown, his second in karting, and secure his ticket to Bahrain.
The Mini MAX field, arguably the most fiercely contested, offered a championship fight that encapsulated the drama of the weekend. African Open winner Ronaldo Koen dominated the round by setting the early pace with a brilliant pole lap before winning the opening, third and final heat, resisting pressure from championship rival Brodi Dowling, newly crowned Mini ROK champion, Max Boshoff, and an in-form Declan Jurgens. The intense competition in this class kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the weekend. But it was Dowling, last year’s vice champion, who struck back in Heat 2, narrowly beating Jurgens in a tense finish. Over the four heats, Dowling’s consistency shone through, and he finally achieved the breakthrough that had eluded him in previous seasons. His efforts secured the 2025 Mini MAX National Championship, with Jurgens, Boshoff, and Koen all emerging as standout performers in one of the most competitive classes seen in years.
Junior MAX produced a finale worthy of its billing as the most unpredictable category, with four different drivers taking wins. Pole position, however, belonged to Caleb Moss, who converted it into victory. Emma Dowling and Reagile Mailula pushed him to the limit, rounding out the podium. Sebastiano Human claimed a well-deserved Heat 2 win, while Moss salvaged fourth. Dowling took the third heat, while 2025 OK-Junior Champion Jack Moore clinched the final heat. When the points were tallied, Moss emerged as champion, adding his name to the list of Eastern Cape drivers who have emerged as champions and gone on to represent South Africa internationally. Dowling’s raw speed and multiple fastest laps confirmed her as one of the standout drivers of the weekend, while Human and Moore further underlined the depth of talent in the class.
The Senior MAX grid featured the most experienced drivers and some of the most assertive racing of the weekend. Former Junior MAX Champion, Kent Swartz, set the pace in qualifying, but it was multiple karting champion Muhammad Wally who converted his front-row start into a commanding Heat 1 victory. Gianna Pascoal and Charl Visser chased him home, with Swartz forced to settle for fourth. The second heat produced a shuffle at the sharp end as former Senior MAX Champion, Visser, and Swartz engaged in a fierce duel, with Jonno Wilson briefly leading before Swartz reclaimed the top spot to win both Heats 2 and 3. Visser won the final heat, and consistent performances throughout all heats and the season gave him a decisive advantage. The Capetonian secured yet another national championship title and will return to the RMCGF after competing in the 2024 event.
If Senior MAX was about consistency, DD2 was about domination. Jason Coetzee was untouchable all season and needed nothing more than a few podium finishes to claim the title. Already crowned African Open Champion earlier in the season, the Capetonian added the 2025 DD2 National Championship to his résumé. The fight for second in the championship, however, intensified with the runner-up earning the RMCGF ticket. Despite his dominant display in the final round, winning all four heats, Jamie Smith was unable to make a significant impression on the championship standings, as he saw former DD2 Champion Sebastian Boyd earn yet another RMCGF entry.
Cristiano Morgado, a five-time RMCGF winner, secured another entry to the RMCGF by claiming the DD2 Masters title this past weekend.
As the dust settled at Zwartkops, six new champions were crowned. Each earned not only the prestige of a national title but also the honour of representing South Africa at the "Olympics of Karting" in Bahrain in late November.
The 2025 SARMC season will be remembered for its over 500 entries across the season, international participation, intensity, depth of talent, and unforgettable racing. For the champions, it marks the beginning of an even greater challenge on the global stage. For everyone else, it is the closing of a chapter in what was one of the most competitive national karting seasons in recent memory.
Steyn Ends National Micro MAX Campaign in Heartbreak After Injury
Adriaan Steyn’s 2025 national Micro MAX season concluded dramatically at Zwartkops Kart Raceway this past weekend. While the Centurion driver finished the championship in fourth place overall, his title bid ended prematurely after an unfortunate accident in the penultimate heat.
The former National Bambino Champion showed his class early on, dominating qualifying with pole position and converting it into two commanding heat victories in the opening races. Backed by Greensky, Steyn also set the fastest lap of the event, underlining his raw pace around the Pretoria circuit.
Heat 3 saw Adriaan lose the lead but stage a determined comeback before disaster struck. Caught in an incident while making his way back up the order, he sustained an injury that forced him to withdraw from the final heat. Despite this setback, his earlier points haul kept him inside the championship’s top four.
Although the odds of clinching another national crown were slim heading into the finale, Adriaan nevertheless showcased why he is considered one of South Africa’s most promising young talents. His speed, composure, and relentless fighting spirit were evident throughout the season, adding to an already impressive résumé that includes the African Open title he won earlier this year.
Greensky, Q4 Fuels, and Sparco proudly back Adriaan.
Double Title Dream Narrowly Missed as Max Boshoff Secures Mini MAX Runner Up
Cape Town’s Max Boshoff finished his 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge campaign as the National Mini MAX Vice Champion after a tense final round at Zwartkops Kart Raceway on Saturday.
Fresh from securing the National Mini ROK Championship just a week earlier, Max arrived at Zwartkops tied at the top of the Mini MAX standings. With record grids of young racers taking to the circuit throughout the season, the stage was set for a four-heat showdown that would ultimately decide the title.
Max opened his weekend with solid pace, qualifying third quickest behind championship rivals Ronaldo Koen and Brodi Dowling. In Heat 1, Max briefly led in the early laps before finishing fourth. He followed this up with another solid drive to fifth in Heat 2, ensuring he remained in the thick of the title fight.
The afternoon heats saw Max continue to push hard against the front-runners. He claimed another pair of fourth-place finishes in Heats 3 and 4, battling for the off-podium placings. When the points were tallied, Max secured a fourth overall on the day, which crucially placed him second in the national championship standings.
Despite falling just short of a historic double national title, Max's 2025 campaign remains a remarkable achievement. He clinched the National Mini ROK crown earlier this month and pushed the Mini MAX title battle all the way to the final chequered flag.
“Of course I wanted to win both titles, but being vice champion in Mini MAX and national champion in Mini ROK is still something I’m really proud of,” Max said afterwards. “A massive thank you to my team, sponsors, and family for all their support this season.”
Max has earned the opportunity to compete in the prestigious ROK Cup Superfinal, scheduled to take place from 14 to 18 October, 2025, at the renowned South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato, Italy. This pinnacle event gathers the world's top ROK drivers from diverse national championships for a thrilling, multi-day showdown.
Eight Wins, Four Podiums: De Wet’s Title-Winning Formula
Luhan de Wet, a Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador, was crowned the 2025 South African National Micro MAX Champion on Saturday after a nail-biting finale that capped off a remarkable season.
The Centurion youngster, who came into the final round as the outright favourite courtesy of a substantial points lead, still had to deliver solid results to secure the title.
Consistency and speed were the hallmarks of Luhan’s campaign. Across the season, he recorded eight heat victories and added four more podiums from 13 national heats, a tally that underlined his dominance in the fiercely competitive Micro MAX class. The effort ultimately saw him clinch his second national karting crown, reinforcing his status as one of the brightest young stars in South African motorsport.
“This season has been incredible,” Luhan reflected. “Even though I had a good lead, I knew I had to stay focused and deliver at the last round. To win my second national title means the world to me, but more importantly it allows me to compete at the Grand Finals. I’m so grateful to my family, my team, and everyone who has supported me throughout the year.”
For Luhan, the championship marks another significant milestone in his career. With the title secured, his sights now shift to representing South Africa at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain in December.
Alonzo de Oliveira Crowned 2025 National Bambino Champion
Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo de Oliveira was crowned the 2025 National Bambino Champion after an exciting finale at Zwartkops Kart Raceway on Saturday.
Coming into the final round with the championship lead, the Johannesburg youngster still had work to do to seal the deal. True to his reputation, Alonzo delivered a composed and determined drive to secure not only the overall round victory, but also his maiden national crown, his second major title of the season after triumphing at the African Open earlier this year.
In doing so, the Stretton Racing driver wrote his name into the history books as the first Bambino competitor ever to win both the African Open and National Championship in the same season.
Saturday’s showdown saw the “pocket rocket” underline his dominance with a commanding display. From 13 national heats across the 2025 campaign, Alonzo claimed eight race victories and three further podiums, a testament to his speed, consistency, and relentless fighting spirit.
“This means everything to me,” said an elated Alonzo. “To win the African Open and now the national championship in the same year is a dream come true. Thank you to my team, my family, and my sponsors. I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
With his championship sealed, Alonzo caps off a landmark season that firmly establishes him as one of South Africa’s brightest young karting talents.
Alonzo extends his gratitude to his loyal backers: Ceelin, Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP, whose support continues to fuel his success on track.
Chloe Stuart Shows Fighting Spirit at East London Debut
Rising star Chloe Stuart continued to impress in her rookie season of the Regional Extreme Festival, delivering two gritty drives at the East London Grand Prix Circuit this past weekend.
Fresh off her recent promotion from Class F to Class E after a breakthrough performance in the previous round, the NGK Pablo Clark Racing driver faced a new challenge at one of South Africa's most iconic and demanding tracks.
Despite it being her debut outing at the high-speed coastal circuit, she quickly adapted to the circuit that included a first pass through the notorious Potters Pass, qualifying a strong sixth in Class E.
Race 1 saw Chloe hold her nerve against seasoned rivals, gradually working her way up the order to claim a well-deserved fifth-place finish in a competitive class. In Race 2, she went one better in the early stages, climbing as high as fourth place. Unfortunately, a mid-race incident dropped her back down the field, but she showed composure and determination to bring the car home in seventh.
After the weekend, Chloe reflected on her first taste of the historic coastal circuit:
“I’m so grateful to NGK Pablo Clark Racing and BMW Bryanston for giving me this opportunity. It was my first time racing at East London, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. The circuit is fast, challenging, and really exciting — I can’t wait to come back and build on what I’ve learned.”
Chloe’s performance in East London underlines her growing confidence since stepping up to Class E. With each round, she continues to prove her ability to fight among some of the most competitive drivers in the BMW M/// Performance Parts Race Series.
Adriaan Steyn Ready to End SARMC Season on the Front Foot
Adriaan Steyn heads into this weekend’s final round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) looking to add to what has already been a memorable season. Earlier this year, the former national Bambino Champion captured the prestigious African Open title in a nail-biting final, and he now has one more chance to showcase his pace on the national stage.
Currently sitting fourth in the Micro MAX championship standings, Adriaan faces a steep climb if he is to mount a challenge for overall honours. With four heats deciding the outcome at Zwartkops Kart Raceway instead of the usual three, he’ll need both speed and good fortune to keep his championship hopes alive.
That said, the Greensky, Q4 Fuels, and Sparco-backed driver has every reason to be confident. Just a few weeks ago, he delivered a strong performance at the very same venue during a regional competition, proving he has the pace to fight at the sharp end of the field.
“I know the title is a long shot from where I stand, but that won’t stop me from pushing for wins,” said Adriaan. “Zwartkops is a track where I’ve been strong, and I want to finish the season on a high note.”
As the curtain comes down on the SARMC season, Adriaan will be looking to combine the determination that won him the African Open with the form he has shown throughout 2025 to close his national campaign in style.
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SARMC Finale for Bezuidenhout Before MSA4 Cape Town Charge
While Mikel Bezuidenhout’s primary focus remains on his maiden Investchem MSA4 season with Corsa dei Gemelli, the Sandton youngster continues to sharpen his racecraft in Rotax karting’s Senior MAX class. Competing with the Xtreme Racing Team, Mikel views karting as an essential part of his training programme, keeping him fit and race-ready for the challenges of single-seaters.
Not a contender in the national championship fight this year, Mikel heads into the final round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge at Zwartkops Kart Raceway determined to deliver a strong, competitive showing. The event also serves as valuable preparation ahead of his third MSA4 outing, scheduled for Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town in just over two weeks’ time.
“I enjoy coming back to karting,” Mikel explained. “It keeps me sharp and on my toes. The level of competition in Senior MAX is always intense, and it’s the perfect way to stay ready for MSA4. I’m looking forward to a good run at Zwartkops before switching focus back to the single-seater.”
With another busy fortnight ahead, Mikel will be aiming to cap off his SARMC campaign with a solid performance as he continues building momentum in both karting and circuit racing.