Bezuidenhout Returns to Karting for High-Stakes African Open Showdown

This weekend, Mikel Bezuidenhout makes his much-anticipated return to karting action as he lines up for the prestigious Rotax African Open at Zwartkops Kart Raceway. Best known for his exploits in the Investchem MSA4 single-seater series with Corsa dei Gemelli, the versatile Sandton racer is ready to refocus on two-stroke machinery in the fiercely competitive Senior MAX class.

Unlike a traditional national round, the African Open offers a unique format where two qualifying heats determine the starting order for a winner-takes-all final; a no-holds-barred decider that often delivers some of the most thrilling racing of the season. With only the national champion guaranteed a Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals seat in the Senior MAX class, this event provides drivers with a second chance to secure their ticket to Bahrain 2025, the Olympics of Karting.

Mikel, who campaigns under the Xtreme Racing Team banner, heads into the weekend buoyed by a strong performance at Zwartkops in the MSA4 series just weeks ago. That form, combined with his ever-evolving racecraft and sharpness honed across single-seaters and karting, makes him one to watch.

"Karting keeps me sharp," Mikel said recently. "It's where I cut my teeth, and weekends like this remind me just how much I enjoy the fight."

Backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa, Mikel will join a stacked grid for six practice sessions on Thursday, followed by four more on Friday. Qualifying rounds out Friday's action ahead of Saturday's business end; two qualifying heats and the all-important final.

With experience, resilience, and raw speed in his arsenal, Mikel enters the African Open not just as a contender, but as a driver determined to prove once more that he belongs on the biggest international stages.