De Oliveira Crowned African Open Bambino Champion in Zwartkops Sweep

Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a masterclass performance to clinch his first major title by winning the Bambino class at the 2025 Rotax African Open.

Facing off against 14 other Bambino drivers at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, the Johannesburg-based star was untouchable from the moment qualifying began. Alonzo clocked a blistering 58.992 seconds in qualifying, setting the fastest time by more than two seconds and securing pole position for the opening pre-final.

From there, Alonzo never looked back. In Pre-Final 1, he led every lap and crossed the line over 23 seconds clear of his nearest rival. In Pre-Final 2, he repeated the feat to seal pole for the all-important Final.

The stage was then set for a winner-takes-all showdown in the eight-lap Final, and once again, Alonzo delivered. He rocketed off the line and quickly established a lead that only grew with every lap. Not only did he control the race from start to finish, but he also improved on his qualifying time, setting the quickest lap of the event with a new best of 58.770 seconds.

At the flag, Alonzo took victory by over 11 seconds, stamping his authority on the continent’s biggest single-day karting event. The win marks his most prestigious career achievement to date and adds to an already impressive 2025 season, in which he leads both the Northern Regions and National Bambino Championships.

“Winning the African Open is a dream come true,” said Alonzo. “We’ve worked really hard for this moment. Thank you to my team, family, and all my amazing sponsors for their belief in me. This one’s for them!”

Alonzo continues to enjoy support from a powerful lineup of partners: Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.

As he marches on with confidence and momentum, the African Open title is a milestone victory for a driver destined for even greater heights.