Cornofsky Returns to Defend Regional Mini ROK Title as 2026 Season Fires Up at Red Star

The 2026 MSA Northern Regions ROK Karting Championship roars into life this weekend at Red Star Raceway, Mpumalanga, and all eyes will be on Kayde Cornofsky as he begins his latest campaign back in the fiercely competitive Mini ROK class.

Competing once again under the banner of the Xtreme Racing Team, Kayde returns to familiar territory following an outstanding 2025 season that firmly established him as one of the benchmark drivers in the Mini ROK category. Last year proved to be a breakthrough campaign, as the Johannesburg driver clinched the 2025 Northern Regions Mini ROK Championship, securing the title with five race victories and seven further podium finishes.

The championship-winning campaign was built on a combination of outright pace, consistency, and hard work. Kayde regularly featured at the front of the field, claimed pole positions, converted opportunities into victories, and crucially maximised points even on more challenging weekends, hallmarks of a mature title-winning performance.

Now returning to defend his title, Kayde carries that momentum into a championship that remains one of the most competitive and highly subscribed karting classes in the country.

This season’s Northern Regions championship will be contested over five rounds, with several events running in parallel with National ROK Cup SA weekends, adding an extra layer of intensity and exposure. Red Star Raceway will host the opening round as well as a further two rounds later in the season. At the same time, the calendar also includes visits to Benoni’s Formula-K and the Vereeniging Kart Raceway, ensuring a varied and demanding championship.

Speaking ahead of the opener, Kayde is quietly confident:
“Winning the regional title last year was a big milestone, but it’s a new season, and nothing is guaranteed. The focus is on starting strong, staying consistent, and continuing to work hard with the team. Mini ROK is always ultra-competitive, and every point matters. I would also like to extend my thanks to my sponsors for their continued belief and commitment to my racing journey.”

Kayde once again acknowledges the crucial role played by his partners, extending sincere thanks to Allegiance Properties, Canario Cornofsky Attorneys, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant, Smith Garage, The 357, AMW and Glads Logistics, whose continued support allows him to pursue his racing ambitions at the highest level.

With a championship-winning season behind him, a proven team package, and renewed determination, Kayde heads into the 2026 Northern Regions opener as the defending regional champion, ready to set the benchmark once more when the lights go out at Red Star this Saturday.