De Oliveira Converts Strong Pace Into Micro MAX Runner-Up Finish

OMP and Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo De Oliveira delivered one of his strongest performances yet in Micro MAX this past weekend, claiming second overall at Round 2 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge, hosted at Formula-K Raceway in Benoni.

Competing under the Stretto Racing stable, the 2026 rookie arrived at the Gauteng circuit determined to continue building momentum in what is his debut Micro MAX season. Having stepped up from Bambino after clinching the national title, the young racer has continued to adapt impressively to the demands of the faster and more competitive class.

The weekend started positively, with Alonzo immediately showing strong pace in qualifying. He placed his Parolin kart on the front row, setting the second-fastest time and missing out on pole position by just 0.074 seconds. It was a clear indication that he had the pace to compete at the sharp end of the field.

However, the races themselves would demand far more than outright speed. While Alonzo had the pace to run at the front, his starts made life difficult, forcing him to fight his way back into contention rather than manage a race from the front row.

In Heat 1, Alonzo started second but lost ground in the opening stages, dropping into the pack and having to recover against a competitive Micro MAX field. Rather than allowing the setback to define his race, he showed composure and determination, gradually working his way forward before crossing the line in second place.

Heat 2 produced another standout drive. Starting third, Alonzo quickly put himself into the lead battle and even took control of the race on lap three. Although Alonzo was passed again, he remained right with the leader and crossed the line just 0.174 seconds behind the winner. It was a performance that underlined both his pace and growing race craft in the class.

The final race again tested his resolve. Starting from the front row, Alonzo was shuffled back in the early stages and had to fight from fourth after the opening lap. Once again, he responded with maturity, pushing forward and reclaiming second place before the chequered flag.

With three second-place finishes from the three heats, Alonzo secured second overall for the weekend, adding to his championship tally. It was a strong result and another important step in his development as an up-and-coming star in South African karting.

His pace was further confirmed by the overall best-lap standings, where he recorded the second-fastest race lap of the weekend in the Micro MAX field. While the starts may have cost him the opportunity to challenge more consistently for victory, his ability to recover, fight through the field and remain composed under pressure showed exactly why he is regarded as one of the young talents to watch.

“It was a strong weekend, but also one where I had to work really hard,” said Alonzo. “Qualifying went well and I knew we had good pace, but the starts made the races difficult. I had to fight back each time, and I’m happy that we could still finish second overall. A big thank you to Stretto Racing, my family, sponsors and everyone who supports me. We will keep working and come back stronger.”

For Alonzo, the Formula-K weekend was another positive marker in his first Micro MAX campaign. While there is still work to do, particularly in converting qualifying pace into race-winning track position, his performance in Benoni proved that he has the speed, determination and fighting spirit to compete at the front of the national field.

As the SARMC season continues, Alonzo will look to build on his runner-up finish and continue his impressive transition from Bambino champion to Micro MAX contender.