Cornofsky Takes National Title to ROK Superfinal
Newly crowned South African Mini ROK Champion Kayde Cornofsky will take on some of the world's leading young karting competitors when he contests the 2026 ROK Cup Superfinal at South Garda Karting in Lonato, Italy, from 13–17 October.
The Xtreme Racing Team driver heads into the international event following a successful national campaign that saw him secure his second South African karting title. Having claimed the National Kid ROK Championship in 2023 and finished runner-up in Mini ROK during his rookie season in 2025, Cornofsky returned this year determined to go one better.
His championship campaign was built on race victories, consistent podium finishes and the ability to recover from difficult starting positions. The title fight remained closely contested throughout the four national weekends, with Cornofsky arriving at September's Killarney finale holding a slender eight-point championship advantage.
He delivered when it mattered, winning both of the final national rounds to secure the championship. His final heat victory, achieved by just 0.018 seconds in changing track conditions, provided a fitting conclusion to a season in which the youngster had repeatedly demonstrated his racecraft and determination.
The national title also secured Cornofsky's entry into the ROK Cup Superfinal, where he will compete in the Mini ROK category against an international field of more than 50 registered drivers. Carrying race number 119, the South African will face competitors representing countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
The 1.2-kilometre clockwise circuit is one of Italy's established international karting venues and regularly hosts major European competitions. Its combination of fast sections and technical corners places considerable emphasis on maintaining momentum, precise positioning and making the most of overtaking opportunities.
For Cornofsky, adapting to the circuit and competing in a significantly larger field than he encountered throughout the South African championship will be important. Qualifying position will carry considerable weight, while the multiple qualifying heats will require consistency and an ability to work through traffic.
The Superfinal brings together successful ROK competitors from national championships worldwide, giving Cornofsky a chance to measure his progress against an international field. His performances in South Africa have demonstrated that he can compete under championship pressure, but the competition in Lonato will present a different challenge.
Ahead of the South African championship finale, Cornofsky had spoken about the importance of securing the opportunity to compete internationally.
“Winning another national title and earning the chance to race at the Superfinal would mean a lot to me,” he said at the time.
With both objectives achieved, his attention now turns to making the most of that opportunity in Italy.
The five-day programme begins on Tuesday, 13 October, with administrative checks and unofficial practice. Official practice, qualifying and the opening heats are scheduled for Wednesday, followed by further qualifying heats on Thursday and Friday. Saturday, 17 October, will see the pre-finals and finals determine the 2026 ROK Cup Superfinal winners.
Cornofsky heads into the event with the continued support of Allegiance Properties, Canario Cornofsky Attorneys, Calisto's Portuguese Restaurant, Smith Garage, the 357, Glads, AMW and Motorsport Fanatix™.
Having accomplished his primary objective of winning the South African Mini ROK Championship, Cornofsky now has an opportunity to finish his 2026 season with a strong performance on the international stage.
