Scribante Setup Struggles Stall van der Merwe’s SupaCup Progress
Round 3 of the South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup ended on Saturday with Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa's (TGRSA) sole entry, Dawie van der Merwe, finishing seventh overall after two challenging races at the Aldo Scribante Race Track, Gqeberha.
Despite spending all of Friday setting up the car for Saturday’s qualifying, it was not where Dawie wanted it to be. The team, however, did their best to provide Dawie with the most balanced setup for the 2,4km Eastern Cape circuit. Dawie eventually qualified in sixth, despite all the struggles.
In an uneventful opening race, the former GR86 Cup Champion could not make up any positions, crossing the finish line in sixth. Race 2 would be more challenging, with Dawie struggling with understeer after colliding with another competitor early in the race. The young Mbombela businessman pushed through, spending much of the race fending off his challengers. When the chequered flag dropped, the SupaStarlet driver finished eighth.
“We threw everything at it on Friday, but come race day, the car just didn’t respond the way we’d hoped,” Dawie admitted. “I had to fight hard in both races, especially the second one where I picked up some damage after an incident. It was then all about salvaging points and learning from the experience.”
Dawie returns for the fourth round on 20-21 June when the Extreme Festival presented by Coca Cola makes its first of two visits to the Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria.
Gianna Pascoal Battles Through Stormy Debut at FIA Karting Academy Trophy
Gianna Pascoal (middle row, fifth from the left) debuted in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy - Seniors in Portugal this weekend.
South Africa’s Gianna Pascoal endured a weekend of extreme challenges during the opening round of the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy in Portimão, Portugal. Representing not only her country but the entire African continent in the senior debut of this prestigious international series, Gianna faced inclement weather that played a defining role throughout the event.
Despite the difficult conditions, Gianna showed unwavering strength. After navigating unfavourable heat races that were marred by rain, she qualified for Sunday’s final and lined up 26th on the grid. The final brought fresh unpredictability, as rain began intermittently before and at the start of the race. With all but one driver opting for slick tyres, grip levels varied dramatically across the circuit.
Determined to claw her way forward, Gianna fought her way into a fierce midfield battle, reaching 19th position. However, while showcasing the spirit and resolve that earned her a place on the global stage, her run ended early when she was involved in an on-track incident that forced her to retire from the race.
Although the final result didn’t reflect her effort and pace, Gianna’s presence on the international stage is a proud milestone for South African motorsport and an inspiring leap for female representation in world karting. Her perseverance through adversity reaffirms her standing as one of Africa’s rising talents and sets the stage for redemption in the following rounds in Italy and Denmark.
Tyler Robinson Eyes More Silverware as Polo Cup Heads Home
Fresh off a historic maiden victory at Kyalami, Tyler Robinson heads to Aldo Scribante Race Circuit with momentum on her side and her sights firmly set on another strong performance in Round 3 of the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup.
The 2.48 km Eastern Cape circuit is renowned for its tight layout and technical corners making car setup and tyre management key to success. The venue is also the home of Volkswagen Motorsport, adding another layer of intensity to the weekend in front of an always appreciative crowd.
Tyler, now in her third Polo Cup season, made headlines at Kyalami by becoming the youngest female driver to win a race in the category’s nearly three-decade history. Her calculated drive in Race 1, followed by a gritty recovery in Race 2, saw her finish third overall and solidify her place in the championship battle.
“I still get goosebumps thinking about the win at Kyalami,” said Tyler. “But now the focus shifts to Aldo. It’s a completely different challenge, short, twisty, and very demanding. The key will be qualifying well and staying consistent across both races.”
The Eastern Cape circuit has often produced unpredictable racing, and with the 2025 field proving as tight as ever, every point matters. Tyler enters the weekend full of confidence and determination as she continues to make her mark in South African motorsport.
From GR Cup Glory to SupaCup Showdown – Dawie Targets Gqeberha Success
Dawie van der Merwe will continue his debut season in the South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup as the championship heads to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) for Round 3 on 9 - 10 May. The action shifts to Aldo Scribante Racetrack, a tight and technical coastal circuit that demands precision and confidence from the drivers.
Representing Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) and Fast Developments, the talented driver from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, has already impressed in his first two SupaCup outings. After a strong showing at Killarney, Cape Town and a determined performance at Kyalami, Midrand, Dawie now returns to a circuit where he’s had plenty of success.
Aldo Scribante is familiar territory for the 23-year-old, who previously competed at the venue in both the Polo and TGRSA GR Cup. It was his standout 2024 season in the GR Cup, including victories at circuits like Aldo Scribante, that ultimately earned him his place on the SupaCup grid with TGRSA this year.
With his growing confidence in the SupaStarlet and prior knowledge of the Eastern Cape circuit, Dawie enters Round 3 aiming to push further up the order. As the season heads towards its midpoint, consistency and steady progress remain his focus in one of South Africa’s most competitive national championships.
All eyes will be on Gqeberha for another thrilling SupaCup weekend, and Dawie vd Merwe is more than ready to make it count.
Stay abreast of news and updates by following Dawie's social media channels on the links below:
Gianna Pascoal to Represent Africa in FIA Karting Academy Opener
South African karting standout Gianna Pascoal will represent not just her country, but the entire African continent, when she lines up at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal, this weekend for the opening round of the inaugural FIA Karting Academy Trophy—Seniors.
Selected as the continent’s sole representative, Gianna joins a grid of 36 elite drivers aged 14 to 16. This senior version of the successful Junior Academy program marks a pivotal step forward in the FIA’s commitment to cultivating talent globally, with equal equipment supplied to all competitors and a focus on driver skill above all else.
The competition utilises Exprit chassis paired with Vortex engines, both provided by the OTK Kart Group, with equipment allocation determined by a draw. All drivers compete on Maxxis tyres, ensuring parity, while OMP Racing Force supplies racewear and team apparel.
Gianna enters the international campaign on strong form, having recently secured her first overall win and heat victory in the South African Senior MAX category. Backed by the Wesleigh Orr Racing (WORR) team, she carries valuable European experience from the WSK Series and the Champions of the Future Academy Program, positioning her as a true force in the Academy’s debut season.
With additional rounds set for Italy in June and Denmark in August, the Academy Trophy promises a high level of competition and a platform for emerging stars like Gianna to shine on the world stage. Her participation marks a significant milestone for South African motorsport. It serves as a powerful statement for African representation in global karting, particularly for women striving for equality in elite-level competition.
Intensity Peaks at Vereeniging as Rotax National Title Race Heats Up
The Vereeniging Kart Circuit hosted the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge Championship on 26 April and fans were treated to fast-paced, closely-contested kart action.
The second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) brought national karting action back to the Vereeniging Kart Circuit, Gauteng, this past weekend. Nearly 100 competitors nationwide took on the technical 1,000m circuit. With only two rounds left in the championship, Round 2 was a vital stop to becoming the national champion and competing at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF).
DD2 – Coetzee Cleans Up
Jason Coetzee delivered a clinical performance in the DD2 class at Vereeniging, underlining his championship ambitions with a clean sweep of all three heats. The Cape Town star was in a league of his own, combining blistering pace with unshakable composure to make it five national heat wins out of six for the season. His chief rival, 2023 champion Sebastian Boyd, pushed hard all weekend, staying within striking distance and challenging Coetzee in the early laps, but ultimately had no answer to his pace and consistency.
Matthew Wadeley added to the Cape Town charge with two strong podium finishes to secure third overall, narrowly edging out fellow WPMC teammate Anwill April and Gauteng contender Dusan Radojevic. With two rounds remaining, including the technical iDube Raceway, Coetzee now leads Boyd by 12 points in what’s shaping up to be a fierce battle for the title.
Capetonians Sebastian Boyd (#69) and Jason Coetzee (#77) went toe-to-toe for the DD2 honours.
DD2 Masters – Pieterse Edges Auby
The DD2 Masters category delivered three thrilling races, with three different heat winners and five seasoned contenders battling it out across the weekend. Jonathan Pieterse emerged as the victor at Vereeniging, claiming the win through consistent results (1st, 2nd, 4th) to edge out former Wesbank V8 Modified Saloons car driver Jimmy Auby by a single point. Auby, who clinched the final heat, finished second overall with a pair of third places backing up his win.
Five-time RMCGF winner Cristiano Morgado had solid pace, setting the weekend's fastest lap, but a DNF in the final heat saw him drop to third in the final standings. Mozambique's Cristian Bouché and Johannesburg's Justin Rogers completed the top five, each showing moments of speed but unable to convert them into higher overall points.
Eleven points now separate the championship leader, Pieterse, and Morgado.
Jonathan Pieterse was victorious in the DD2 Masters class
Senior MAX – Pascoal Records Maiden Win
In a weekend filled with tight margins and fearless racing, Gianna Pascoal stole the spotlight in Senior MAX. The WORR driver delivered a landmark performance, claiming her first-ever national heat victory in Heat 2. She backed it up with two runner-up finishes in the other races to secure the overall win, a breakthrough moment in her national karting campaign.
Pascoal was relentless throughout the weekend, clocking the fastest lap in all three heats and showcasing mature racecraft as she held off a strong field that included former national champions. Her results were enough to edge out Charl Visser, who finished second overall after winning Heat 1 and placing third in the other two.
Kent Swartz, who started from pole and claimed a dramatic third heat victory, rounded out the podium in third overall. Swartz showed excellent pace but was hampered by a nose-cone penalty in Heat 2, which ultimately cost him a higher finish.
Tayla Scrimgeour and Ethan Bostander, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively, also recorded strong drives, with Scrimgeour the standout performer. Visser, however, extends his lead to 32 points over Fellow Cape karter Jordon Wadeley.
Gianna Pascoal (#317) recorded her maiden Senior MAX victory this weekend.
Junior MAX – Mason Doubles Up, Moss Rallies
Mattao Mason came into Round 2 determined to make a statement, primarily competing in Germany and Italy while making his first national Junior MAX appearance. The double national champion stormed to pole position and won the opening two heats, setting the fastest lap in the opener. In the final race, Mason initially led, but a mid-race exchange saw Tshepang Shisinwana briefly take the lead before Caleb Moss pounced and powered through to take his first national heat win.
Mason’s 1-1-2 scoreline still handed him the overall win on points, while Moss's strong finish kept him firmly in title contention. Sebastian Blignaut, Shisinwana and Reagile Mailula rounded out the top five. A notable performance from Emma-Rose Dowling saw her secure an impressive third and fourth place in the opening two heats, demonstrating her remarkable rise in the standings. Despite facing a challenging race-ending crash that prevented her from achieving a top-three finish, her perseverance and strength inspire many.
Dowling drops to third in the championship, with Moss leading out Sebastiano Human by 16 points.
Mattao Mason (#428) claimed a double heat victory and the overall Junior MAX spoils.
Mini MAX – Dowling Triumps, Boshoff Stays Top
After two dominant race wins, Brodi Dowling made it an overall victory in a massive Mini MAX field. The Kart Republic driver, who recently returned from a stint in the Champions of the Future Academy Program, held his composure under pressure from championship leader Max Boshoff and a charging Declan Jurgens. Boshoff and Jurgens showed a strong pace but couldn't match Dowling's consistency.
Boshoff, however, kept his championship momentum alive with a trio of top-three finishes, while Jurgens remained in the hunt with a second place in Heat 2. Rafael De Sousa and Michael Arde completed the top five finishers. Boshoff leads Dowling by 11 points heading to KZN.
Brodi Dowling (#522) claimed two wins in Mini MAX.
Micro MAX – O'Mahoney Takes Two, De Wet Fights Back
After two breathtakingly close heats, Michael O'Mahoney looked set for a clean sweep in Micro MAX, taking wins in Heats 1 and 2. But championship leader Luhan de Wet, who had narrowly lost Heat 1 by just 0.051 seconds, returned the favour in Heat 3, delivering a sensational drive and posting the fastest lap of the day to take the victory.
Former National Bambino Champion Adriaan Steyn finished second overall, ahead of a podium-less Luke du Toit. Radhi Harris, Ronald Venter, and Riley van Staden each secured a podium finish on the day and were consistently among the frontrunners. O'Mahoney takes a three-point lead into the second half of the championship.
Bambino - De Oliveira Untouchable
Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a dominant performance at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit, sweeping all three heats to secure a perfect points haul in the Bambino class. After setting the pace in qualifying, the young Rand Kart Club driver held his nerve under pressure to lead every race from the front except two laps.
Winning the opening heat by almost 10 seconds, he had to fend off the challenges of his championship rival Sebastien Shuttleworth in Heats 2 and 3, with the winning margin just over two-tenths of a second on each occasion.
Divaaj Govender, the championship leader heading into this round, finished third overall with three podiums, while Sean Arde and Zonkizizwe Holomisa claimed fourth and fifth, respectively.
The top driver's consistent pace bodes well for an exciting title fight heading into Round 3, where De Oliveira takes a 14-point advantage into the weekend.
Next Up: Idube Raceway, KZN
With two rounds remaining, including a return to the picturesque iDube Raceway in June, the 2025 SARMC championship battles are far from settled. The quest to earn a place on Team South Africa at the RMCGF intensifies from here, and every point matters.
De Wet Fights Back to Fourth in Vereeniging Micro MAX Thriller
Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador Luhan de Wet delivered another gritty and resolute performance in Round 2 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge this past weekend at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit. Despite a dramatic Heat 2 setback, the Xtreme Racing Team driver walked away with fourth overall in the competitive Micro MAX class, reinforcing his status as a championship contender.
Luhan started the weekend strongly by qualifying third on Friday afternoon, laying the groundwork for what would be a high-stakes race day. In Heat 1, he quickly took the lead and controlled most of the 12-lap contest before finishing second. Incredibly, just 0.053 seconds separated the top three at the flag in one of the closest finishes of the season.
Heat 2 brought heartbreak. Starting from fifth position, Luhan was in the process of moving forward when contact resulted in a race-ending incident. The DNF was a significant blow to his overall result and championship lead. But as he's done before, the former national Cadet champion showed immense resilience.
In the final race, Luhan charged back in dominant fashion, taking a commanding win and recording the weekend's fastest lap. His fourth victory in this year's national campaign underscored his pace and mental toughness.
"Sometimes racing throws tough moments at you, but I've learned to bounce back," Luhan reflected after the event. "I knew I had the speed, and I just focused on delivering in the final heat. I'm really proud of the way we ended the weekend. We're still in the fight, and I'm hungrier than ever for that title."
Backed by De Wet Automotive Service & Repair Services, Luhan now turns his focus to the next national round. He is confident that his consistency, pace, and fighting spirit will keep him firmly in the hunt for the 2025 national Micro MAX crown and his dream of competing at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.
Odendaal Battles Back in Tough SARMC Weekend
Three-time national karting champion Caleb Odendaal endured a challenging but character-defining weekend at the second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) held at Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
After qualifying an impressive second on Friday afternoon, Caleb launched into the opening heat with a lightning-fast start, leading the early stages. Despite crossing the line in third after a hard-fought race, he was unfortunately excluded from the results due to a technical infringement, forcing him to start the second heat from the back of the grid.
Undeterred, Caleb showed his fighting spirit in Heat 2 by charging from 19th on the grid to 11th at the flag, carving his way through the competitive Junior MAX field with calculated aggression. In the final race of the day, he once again demonstrated his racecraft and resilience, battling fiercely for a top-five finish before ultimately settling for sixth place at the end of an intense contest.
The cumulative results saw Caleb classified 15th overall for the weekend — an unrepresentative finish given the pace and determination he displayed throughout the event.
Reflecting on the weekend, Caleb shared: "It was a tough weekend with a lot of lessons learned. I'm proud of how we fought back after the setback. I know we have the speed — now it’s about staying sharp, moving forward, and coming back stronger at the next one. Thank you to my team, Legend Motors, Kart Republic Africa, and everyone who supports me."
Backed by Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa, Caleb remains firmly in the hunt for the Junior MAX national crown as the season heads into its critical stages. Caleb is backed by Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa.
Steyn Claims Micro MAX Runner-Up Finish at Vereeniging SARMC
Centurion's rising star, Adriaan Steyn, continued his strong national campaign with a determined performance at Round 2 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) hosted at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit this past weekend. The former national Bambino champion delivered a consistent showing to claim a well-earned second place overall in the Micro MAX class.
Adriaan started the weekend strongly by narrowly missing out on pole position, qualifying second by just 0.023 seconds. His pace was evident throughout Saturday's racing, although outright victories eluded him.
In the opening heat, Adriaan crossed the line in fifth, managing to salvage solid points after a spirited drive. In Heat 2, he battled in a tightly packed leading group to finish sixth. Saving his best performance for the final race, Adriaan lined up in pole position and executed a strong race to finish second, securing the overall runner-up spot for the event.
Reflecting on his weekend, Adriaan commented: "We had great pace and were right there from the start. Although I didn't get a heat win this time, the consistency across all three races paid off. Thank you to Greensky, Q4 Fuels, and Sparco for their amazing support. I'm excited for the next round and will be pushing hard to go one better."
The results see Adriaan maintain strong momentum in the championship standings as the SARMC heads into the mid-season stages. With his pace continuing to improve, he remains firmly in contention for national honours and a coveted spot on Team South Africa for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals later this year.
Bezuidenhout Battles Through Difficult SARMC Round
Mikel Bezuidenhout, a Corsa dei Gemelli driver in the Investchem MSA4 single-seater class, endured a challenging outing at the second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) hosted at Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
Competing in the ultra-competitive Senior MAX class with the Xtreme Racing Team, Mikel used the national event to maintain race sharpness ahead of his main circuit commitments.
After qualifying eighth, Mikel looked set for a strong showing, but a persistent power-valve issue hampered his progress throughout the weekend, ultimately leading to a 15th-place finish overall.
Heat 1 saw Mikel push aggressively in the midpack battles to secure a 12th-place result, although a nose-cone infringement penalty added to his challenges. Heat 2 was more straightforward, with Mikel starting 10th and working his way to 9th at the flag, despite the ongoing mechanical disadvantage. Unfortunately, the power-valve issue worsened, forcing him into retirement during the final heat.
Despite the difficulties, Mikel remained positive:
“It wasn’t the weekend we were hoping for, but every lap counts. Karting keeps me sharp, and even on tough days like these, I’m learning and staying race-ready for MSA4. Thanks to Xtreme Racing Team for the support; we’ll come back stronger.”
While the results didn’t reflect his true potential, Mikel remains focused on the bigger goal, using karting to stay fit and sharp ahead of his MSA4 campaign. His resilience and determination were once again evident as he battled through adversity.
TGR Junior Academy Shines at Midway Point of National Rotax Campaign
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) continued to impress as the 2025 MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) reached its halfway mark at Vereeniging Kart Circuit this past weekend. With national titles and Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) tickets up for grabs, the team's talented lineup once again delivered strong results across the classes.
Coetzee Extends DD2 Championship Lead
Jason Coetzee was once again the class of the DD2 field, maintaining his dominant form by winning all three heats at Vereeniging. His clinical performance saw him add another clean sweep to his record, making it five wins from six starts this season. With consistent speed and racecraft, Coetzee extended his points lead and firmly established himself as the title favourite heading into the second half of the season.
Senior MAX: Breakthrough for Swartz and Resilience from Lenaerts
Senior MAX produced some of the academy's most dramatic moments of the weekend. Kent Swartz, showing the form that saw him lead the Northern Regions Championship, converted pole position into a third-place finish in the opening heat. He then overcame a nose-cone penalty in Heat 2, which dropped him from a commanding victory to fifth, to clinch his first national heat win in the final race. Those results secured him third overall for the round, a massive boost in his national title aspirations.
Georgia Lenaerts had a tougher outing despite showing impressive pace early on. After securing seventh in Heat 1, her hopes in Heat 2 were dashed by an opening-lap incident that saw her fall down the order to 17th. Undeterred, Lenaerts bounced back with a determined drive to 10th in the final race, once again highlighting her fighting spirit.
Junior MAX: Highs and Lows for Dowling and Shisinwana
The Junior MAX division brought mixed fortunes. Emma-Rose Dowling and Tshepang Shisinwana qualified third and fourth, respectively, before finishing in those same positions in Heat 1, though a post-race penalty relegated Shisinwana to eighth. Dowling added a strong fourth-place finish in Heat 2 but was unfortunately sidelined early in the final race following an opening lap incident.
Shisinwana rebounded strongly after a challenging start. Improving from a sixth-place finish in Heat 2, he charged through to claim a well-earned third place in the final race, salvaging a podium finish to cap off a character-building weekend.
Mini MAX: Steady Progress for the Kaiyamo Twins
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo showed continued growth in the fiercely competitive Mini MAX field, with both drivers making solid improvements throughout the weekend. Nande moved up from 14th in Heat 1 to an impressive ninth in Heat 2, before facing a more challenging final race to finish 13th. Mandume, meanwhile, followed up his 12th in the first heat with a top-10 finish in Heat 2 before being forced into early retirement after one lap in the final race.
Their progress underlines the academy's focus on long-term development and marks another critical step in adapting to South African national competition.
Team Principal Leeroy Poulter Reflects on Vereeniging Success
Summarising the team's efforts at Vereeniging, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter praised the drivers' resilience and determination:
"The entire team showed great fighting spirit this weekend. Jason delivered another exceptional performance, and it was fantastic to see Kent claim his first national heat victory. Emma and Tshepang both demonstrated their potential in Junior MAX, while Nande and Mandume continue to make strides in Mini MAX. We're now perfectly positioned for a strong run into the final two rounds, and we'll keep pushing to deliver more wins and podiums."
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy now turns its attention to the next challenge as the 2025 SARMC championship heads to iDube Raceway for Round 3. With the competition intensifying and championship standings tightening, every race becomes critical in the quest for national glory and RMCGF qualification.
Max Boshoff Banks Mini MAX Podium Hat Trick to Finish Runner-Up
Cape Town's Max Boshoff continued his strong 2025 form with a fighting runner-up finish at the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) held at Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
Heading into the weekend as the national Mini MAX championship leader following a dominant Round 1 performance, Max proved his consistency and racecraft by securing podium finishes in all three heats, including a victory in the opening heat.
The weekend kicked off with an intra-stable battle between Max and his Xtreme Racing Team teammate, Brodi Dowling. Max emerged victorious in a closely fought contest, taking a hard-earned win and maintaining his championship advantage early in the day.
Despite substantial challenges from his rivals, Max held firm to secure two more podium finishes. He courageously drove from seventh to third in Heat 2, and the intense racing continued in the final heat. Max remained in the thick of the action, securing a runner-up finish. His trio of podiums ensured he finished second overall for the day.
Max, however, remains at the helm of the championship table despite having his lead reduced slightly as the championship marks its halfway mark.
"Overall, it was a really good weekend," said Max. "We fought hard in every race and kept it consistent with three podiums. While it's not the perfect result, we're still in the championship lead, I believe. Now the focus shifts to coming back stronger for the next round."
With two rounds remaining in the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge, Max remains firmly in title contention with iDube Raceway as the host for Round 3 in June.
Max is back in action this weekend with the WPMC Karting Championship resuming at Killarney Kart Circuit.
Dominant De Oliveira Sweeps Bambino Field at Vereeniging
Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a flawless performance at the second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge at Vereeniging Kart Circuit, claiming pole position, victory in all three heats, and the fastest lap of the weekend.
Returning to a circuit where he has a history of dominance, Alonzo immediately set the tone by topping Friday practice before storming to pole position in qualifying. From there, he was simply unstoppable. The talented Stretto Racing driver showcased supreme pace and racecraft across the day’s three heats. In each outing, Alonzo launched strongly from the front row, managed his races with maturity beyond his years, and controlled the field from the front to cross the line first each time.
Underlining his authority, Alonzo set the fastest lap of the Bambino field over the weekend, a blistering 1:05.491, further highlighting his growing reputation as one of South Africa’s standout young talents.
“It feels amazing to win all three heats and get the fastest lap,” said an elated Alonzo. “We worked really hard after Killarney and it all came together perfectly this weekend. A massive thank you to my team, my family, and all my sponsors for their support – this one’s for them!”
The victory strengthens Alonzo’s national title ambitions as he now leads the way in the Bambino class. Alonzo would like to thank his valued sponsors for their continued support: Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
With momentum firmly on his side, Alonzo will now prepare for the next challenge, Round 3 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championships set for a return to Zwartkops Kart Raceway on 24 May before heading to iDube Raceway for the third round of the national championship in June.
FAST, FLAT AND FIERCE – SARMC'S VKC SHOWDOWN
Vereeniging hosts Round 2 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge this weekend, and it will be a crucial round for those vying to become national champions and earn entry to the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.
Round 2 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) Championship unfolds in Vereeniging this weekend. Nearly 100 determined competitors will vie for crucial championship points in their quest for national glory.
The 1 000 m Vereeniging Kart Circuit (VKC) is flat and technical, featuring a blend of tight corners, flowing sweeps, and short-to-medium straights, making precision and consistency essential. This event is crucial as the second of four rounds and the first of two to be held in Gauteng. Championship leaders want to extend their lead, while those who might not have had a strong first-round wish to make up lost ground.
But it's not just about silverware. National champions, except the Bambino class, will earn the honour of representing South Africa at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, often referred to as the "Olympics of Karting," an invitation-only global event where tickets cannot be bought, only earned. South Africa remains among the most successful nations at the RMCGF, with 14 Grand Final titles and a Nations Cup.
SA's strong tradition of developing karting stars has seen five-time RMCGF winner Cristiano Morgado reach legendary status. Caleb Williams and Wesleigh Orr (WORR) are two-time winners, with the Cronje brothers, Gavin and Mark, uncle and father to Noah, among the few to claim titles. Other notable winners are Claudio Piazza-Musso (Race Driver SA), Leeroy Poulter (Xtreme Racing Team) and young Jayden Els, who competes in off-road disciplines.
The Bambino title fight is heating up between Divaaj Govender (98 pts) and Alonzo de Oliveira (97 pts), with Sebastien Shuttleworth and Rofhiwa Ndwambi locked on 92 points. Mozambican driver Teresa Bettencourt (90 pts) is also in the hunt following an impressive start. VKC's tight layout is expected to amplify the intensity in this closely matched field of 13 competitors, where the starts are often the most challenging discipline to master for these young drivers.
The Bambinos will be back in action this weekend with Mozambican driver Teresa Bettencourt (#21) set to challenge the boys.
2024 Micro MAX rookie Luhan De Wet sits undefeated with a perfect score, building momentum after a clean sweep at Killarney. Michael O'Mahoney (96 pts) and Luke du Toit (92 pts) remain within striking distance, while Yaqeen Gamieldien (88 pts) has been fast and consistent. Gauteng driver Adriaan Steyn should also be one to watch, with Capetonians Radhi Harris and Logan Roehrig gunning for top-five finishes.
Luhan de Wet claimed all three heat victories in Micro MAX and heads to Vereeniging hoping to keep his momentum going.
Cape ace Max Boshoff tops the Mini MAX standings with 105 points after a commanding display on home soil. Gauteng's Ronaldo Koen (95 pts) and Brodi Dowling (89 pts) will look to claw back points at their "home" circuit, while local racers Rafael De Sousa (86 pts) and Declan Jurgens (85 pts) will be up against the only other heat winner in Cape Town, Liam Wharton (82 pts). This class is arguably one of the most competitive classes in the championship and is expected to deliver some fierce contests this weekend with 21 entries.
Max Boshoff set the pace in Cape Town ahead of a talented field of Mini MAX drivers.
Seventeen Junior MAX drivers will make up one of the most talent-packed fields, where Emma-Rose Dowling leads out several former national champions with 97 points following her Round 1 victory. Sebastiano Human (93 pts) and Jack Moore (91 pts) are both within reach, with Caleb Moss (90 pts) and Nicolas Lennox (87 pts) also in the hunt. After a tough opener, all eyes will be on Reagile Mailula (83 pts) and Caleb Odendaal (75 pts), who are expected to be competitive and in the hunt at a circuit they know well.
Former national and regional champions make up a very competitive Junior MAX class with any one of 10 drivers able to win this weekend.
In the Senior MAX class, Charl Visser (102 pts) holds an advantage over fellow Capetonians William Marshall (90 pts) and Jordan Wadeley (88 pts) after Visser claimed two of the three wins at Killarney. Roshaan Goodman (81 pts), the first of two Gauteng drivers in the top seven, is placed fourth with three drivers, Jude Stuart (76 pts), Joshua Smit (76 pts) and Rudi Schussler (71 pts), separated by a single point. With 18 battle-hardened drivers expected to take to the grid this weekend, expect a reshuffle in the points standing as the championship reaches the halfway mark. Georgia Lenaerts, Tayla Scrimgeour and Gianna Pascoal will be in action again as they continue their quest to bring more attention to female competitors in the sport.
Senior MAX has emerged as one of South Africa’s most fiercely contested classes, where every inch counts and no quarter is given.
The gearbox-driven DD2 class has been dominated by Western Cape drivers, with Jason Coetzee (105 pts) and Sebastian Boyd (102 pts) set to continue their duel this weekend. Two more Cape drivers, Anwill April (92 pts) and Matthew Wadeley (88 pts), make up the next two positions before Gauteng driver and most decorated DD2 driver, Bradley Liebenberg (87 pts), takes up fifth in the standings to make up half the weekend's field.
The DD2 championship remains wide open with a star-studded grid expected to compete for the spoils in Vereeniging once again.
With the top seven separated by only 10 points, the DD2 Masters championship remains wide open. Jonathan Pieterse, one of three heat winners in Cape Town, is tied at the top of the points standings (91 pts) with Jared Jordan, two points ahead of Neville Chapman. RMCGF legend Cristiano Morgado and Connor Hughes are even on 85 points ahead of Mozambican competitor and 2024 RMCGF finalist, Cristian Bouche (82 pts).
Mozambican talent Cristian Bouche returns, bringing an exciting touch of international flair to the DD2 Masters field.
The action kicks off on Thursday with an unofficial practice day before Friday's official practice and afternoon qualifying. Racing begins on Saturday, with three heats determining the overall round winner.
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:
From Single-Seaters to Senior MAX: Bezuidenhout Ready to Battle
Mikel Bezuidenhout, a rising star of South African motorsport and a driver for Corsa dei Gemelli in the Investchem MSA4 single-seater Championship, heads to Vereeniging Kart Circuit this weekend for the second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC).
Continuing his campaign in the Senior MAX category with the formidable Xtreme Racing Team, Mikel is determined to build on his momentum in the national karting ranks. Following a solid start to the regional championship at Formula-K Raceway, where he claimed sixth overall in greasy conditions, Mikel is eyeing a return to the sharp end of the field.
At the national season opener in Cape Town last month, he displayed strong form at the technical Killarney Kart Circuit, setting the tone for a season of growth and opportunity. Now in his third Senior MAX season, the Sandton teenager brings both experience and controlled aggression to the grid.
Despite his growing commitment to main circuit racing with the MSA4 single-seater, karting remains a cornerstone of Mikel’s training program. Each race weekend is a chance to chase results and fine-tune the racecraft and mental resilience needed to succeed at higher levels of motorsport.
With its mix of tight corners and straights, Vereeniging Kart Circuit rewards confidence under braking and precision in overtaking, traits Mikel is known for. Backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa and equipped with the expertise of the Xtreme Racing outfit, Mikel is well-positioned to challenge for a national podium.
As the SARMC season heats up, all eyes will be on Mikel to see if he can again rise to the occasion, deliver a strong result, and continue his upward trajectory in karting and circuit racing.
Numerous practice sessions, qualifying, and three heat races promise close racing. Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:
De Wet Eyes Top Honours at Vereeniging national
Luhan de Wet, a standout name in the 2025 South African karting season, is set to continue his national title campaign this weekend at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit as Round 2 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) gets underway. The Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador and Xtreme Racing Team driver arrives in Gauteng in formidable form following a dominant display at the season opener in Cape Town.
Luhan de Wet, a standout name in the 2025 South African karting season, is set to continue his national title campaign this weekend at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit as Round 2 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) gets underway. The Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador and Xtreme Racing Team driver arrives in Gauteng in formidable form following a dominant display at the season opener in Cape Town.
At the Killarney Kart Circuit last month, Luhan swept the Micro MAX class with a trio of commanding wins, cementing his status as a top contender for the national championship. That performance built on an already impressive start to his season, which included a win and overall podium at the opening round of the Northern Regions Championship in Benoni.
With the SARMC and Northern Regions events now converging at Vereeniging this weekend, Luhan targets another standout performance. He’s no stranger to the technical layout of the venue, having raced there as a rookie in 2024 and again earlier this month in the regional series. While weather forced the cancellation of that particular regional event, Luhan’s preparation was evident, and he remains laser-focused on converting speed into silverware.
“After Cape Town, we’ve stayed sharp and worked hard to keep improving,” says Luhan. “I’ve come close at Vereeniging before, and I feel like we’re in a strong place to fight for the win. The goal is to keep scoring well and push for the title.”
Luhan's consistency, maturity, and technical skill make him a serious threat in the Micro MAX field as the national championship heads into its crucial second round. Race fans can look forward to high-octane action this weekend as Luhan takes to the track with his eyes firmly on the podium's top step.
Numerous practice sessions, qualifying, and three heat races promise close racing. If you cannot reach the circuit, catch the action via the live stream by tapping the link below.
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:
All Eyes on De Oliveira as SARMC Bambino Battle Moves to Vereeniging
Following a storming start to his 2025 season, both regionally and nationally, defending Northern Regions Bambino Champion Alonzo de Oliveira now sets his focus on the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC), hosted at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit this weekend.
Following a storming start to his 2025 season, both regionally and nationally, defending Northern Regions Bambino Champion Alonzo de Oliveira now sets his focus on the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC), hosted at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit this weekend.
The young Johannesburg talent arrives at the Gauteng venue riding a wave of momentum. Fresh off a hard-earned runner-up finish at the Killarney national opener, where he battled illness and tricky conditions to finish just one point shy of victory, Alonzo has cemented himself as one of the standout prospects in South African Bambino karting.
Earlier this month, Alonzo was set to contest Round 2 of the Northern Regions Championship at the same Vereeniging track, but the event was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. This weekend, therefore, he will score points towards both the national and regional championships. Alonzo remains focused and eager to return to racing at a venue where he has previously enjoyed significant success.
Alonzo boasts an impressive track record at Vereeniging, having won seven of nine heats at the venue in 2024. With that dominance etched into his recent history and his national title aspirations in full swing, expectations are high as he prepares to battle South Africa’s top Bambino drivers on one of the country’s most technical circuits.
Representing Stretto Racing and proudly flying the flag for Motorsport Fanatix™, Alonzo continues to enjoy the support of a formidable sponsor lineup: Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
With numerous practice sessions, qualifying and three heat races on the schedule, this weekend’s action promises thrills, close racing, and a potential national victory for the determined eight-year-old star.
“I love racing at Vereeniging. It’s a track that suits my driving, and I’ve had lots of success here,” Alonzo shared. "We’ve worked hard since Cape Town, and I feel strong. I want to win for my team and sponsors.”
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:
Steyn Targets Podium at Vereeniging SARMC Showdown
Following a gritty comeback at the Killarney opener, Centurion’s rising karting talent Adriaan Steyn is ready to mount a more substantial challenge at this weekend’s second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC), hosted at the iconic Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
Following a gritty comeback at the Killarney opener, Centurion’s rising karting talent Adriaan Steyn is ready to mount a more substantial challenge at this weekend’s second round of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC), hosted at the iconic Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
Adriaan, backed by Greensky, Q4 Fuels, and Sparco, showed impressive determination during Round 1 in Cape Town. He overcame a tough qualifying session in wet conditions to charge through the field and claim a third-place finish in the final heat. His efforts secured a sixth overall and reaffirmed his credentials as one of the Micro MAX class's brightest prospects.
As the national title race begins to intensify, the stakes are higher than ever. The SARMC serves as South Africa’s premier Rotax karting championship and offers one of two coveted routes to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF), the “Olympics of Karting.” Alongside the African Open, it is the only path for South African hopefuls to secure a spot on Team SA.
Returning to familiar territory in Gauteng, the former national Bambino Champion is expected to be on the front foot. Vereeniging Kart Circuit is a track he knows well, and with his early-season momentum, he’ll be targeting a consistent run across the weekend’s heats to close the gap to the leaders in the championship standings.
“This weekend is about delivering from the first session,” said Adriaan. “We made great progress at Killarney, and I’m confident heading into a track where I’ve had good results. The goal is to be up there fighting in every heat.”
The weekend’s format will mirror Round 1. Thursday and Friday will be reserved for practice, followed by Friday afternoon’s all-important qualifying session. Saturday will host three heats, each crucial for building championship points and momentum.
Watch the live action here: https://rebrand.ly/SARMC-Rd2.
Odendaal Aims for Redemption and Regional Dominance at Vereeniging
All eyes will be on Junior MAX sensation Caleb Odendaal this weekend as the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) and Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship converge for a double-header showdown at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
All eyes will be on Junior MAX sensation Caleb Odendaal this weekend as the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) and Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship converge for a double-header showdown at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
The 12-year-old East London native has already made a powerful impression in both championships this season. He kicked off his regional campaign with a commanding overall win at Formula-K Raceway, and despite facing adversity at the national opener in Cape Town, he left Killarney with pole position and a top-four finish to his name.
Now, Caleb heads to Vereeniging with a point to prove. Armed with momentum and bolstered by the backing of Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa, the three-time national champion will be gunning for a clean sweep in Gauteng. His familiarity with Vereeniging's technical challenges, his relentless work ethic, and elite racecraft make him a clear favourite heading into Round 2.
“The first round gave us confidence, but this is a new weekend, a new challenge,” says Caleb. “We’ve been putting in the work, and the aim is simple: win races, score big points, and stay ahead in both championships.”
However, Caleb’s focus will be split as the weekend carries dual championship weight. The event counts toward both the national SARMC series and the regional Northern Regions standings, meaning every lap completed and position gained could play a decisive role in his pursuit of a Junior MAX double crown.
While rivals will be eager to close the gap, Caleb’s blend of raw speed, strategic maturity, and national-level experience gives him a clear edge. He’ll need to stay sharp, with the twisty Vereeniging layout demanding maximum precision and composure from all drivers.
Several practice sessions will get underway on Thursday (unofficial) and Friday ahead of Qualifying later in the afternoon; three heats will take place on Saturday, where Caleb will look to solidify his regional lead while reigniting his national title charge. With the season beginning to take shape, this could be a pivotal weekend in his 2025 karting campaign.
Caleb is backed by Legend Motors and Kart Republic Africa.
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below:
Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy Eyes More Glory at Rotax National Round 2
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returns to action this weekend as the 2025 MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) continues with Round 2 at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit. After a dramatic and weather-affected season opener in Cape Town, the academy’s young stars are ready to turn up the heat on Gauteng soil.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returns to action this weekend as the 2025 MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) continues with Round 2 at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit. After a dramatic and weather-affected season opener in Cape Town, the academy’s young stars are ready to turn up the heat on Gauteng soil.
Now in its fourth year, the academy is fast becoming a national benchmark for driver development. With its impressive track record of producing national champions and Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) qualifiers, TGRJA enters the Vereeniging round hungry for more podium success.
DD2 – Coetzee Leads the Charge
Following his masterclass at Killarney, Jason Coetzee will be aiming to extend his lead in the premier DD2 class. The Cape Town ace dominated Round 1 with two wins and a runner-up finish, proving once again why he’s one of the best gearbox drivers in the country. With only a slender lead in the championship standings, the pressure is on to maintain momentum at a circuit where passing is notoriously tricky.
Senior MAX – Redemption and Rivalry
The Senior MAX category remains one of the toughest fields in the SARMC, and both Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts will be gunning for redemption. Swartz endured a difficult Killarney outing plagued by penalties and retirement, while Lenaerts started strong but was unlucky to be hit by a nose-cone infringement.
Swartz made a strong comeback by winning both heats at the recent regional round in Benoni, where he is currently leading the Northern Regions Championship. Lenaerts also showcased impressive speed in Benoni and will be eager to convert that performance into results as both drivers strive to elevate their positions in the championship standings.
Junior MAX – Dowling’s Momentum vs. Shisinwana’s Resolve
Emma-Rose Dowling enters Round 2 as the championship leader in Junior MAX after a sensational debut national win in Cape Town. The versatile young talent made headlines with her commanding heat win and podium consistency in Round 1.
Teammate Tshepang Shisinwana, the reigning national Mini MAX champion, will be looking to bounce back after a tough start to his Junior MAX career, which was marred by nose-cone penalties despite his obvious pace. With both drivers showing flashes of brilliance at the regional level, a TGRJA 1-2 is well within reach.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins Look to Break Through
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo continue to grow in confidence as they adapt to the intensity of national competition. Nande showed real promise at Killarney, climbing as high as seventh in Heat 2 before a non-finish ended his charge. Mandume, meanwhile, is eager to put early-season setbacks behind him and deliver a clean, competitive weekend. Their steady progression is a testament to the academy’s focus on long-term development and international inclusivity. Both brothers were the first Namibians to represent TGRJA.
A Pivotal Weekend in the Title Race
As the national championship reaches its midway point, the stakes are higher than ever. With tickets to the 2025 RMC Grand Finals in Bahrain on the line, every heat, point, and podium count. The fast, flowing, and technical Vereeniging circuit will be a true test of discipline and racecraft, separating title contenders from the rest.
“We’ve seen the grit and raw speed from all our drivers in both the national and regional events so far. Now it’s time to channel that energy into consistent, front-running performances. Vereeniging is a track that rewards bravery and patience, I believe our team is ready to deliver,” stated Leeroy Poulter, Team Principal TGRJA.
Catch all the live-streaming action from Round 2 on the link below: