De Oliveira Ready for High-Stakes Zwartkops Rotax MAX Weekend

OMP and Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo De Oliveira heads to Zwartkops Kart Raceway this weekend for one of the biggest events on the South African Rotax MAX Challenge calendar, with the third and penultimate national round doubling up as the 2026 Africa Open.

The Pretoria circuit will host a crucial championship showdown from 2–4 July, but the weekend carries added significance. Beyond the national points on offer, the Africa Open presents the ultimate prize for most classes: a direct ticket to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal. However, in Micro MAX, the pathway is different: only one entry to Portugal is reserved exclusively for the national champion.

Alonzo enters the weekend third in the Micro MAX championship standings and is still chasing his first win in the class. After a strong start to his rookie season, the Stretto Racing driver will be aiming to convert his pace and consistency into a breakthrough victory at one of the most important events of the year.

Now in his first season of Micro MAX competition, Zwartkops represents another major test in what has already been a demanding step up from Bambino racing. Having secured the national and Africa Open Bambino title before progressing into the more competitive Micro MAX category, he has spent 2026 adapting to stronger competition, tighter racing and the fine margins that define Rotax racing.

His previous national outing at Formula-K Raceway in Benoni highlighted exactly why he remains one of the young drivers to watch. Alonzo qualified strongly, demonstrated impressive pace throughout the weekend and fought back into contention after losing ground at the starts. The result was a runner-up finish and further proof that he is finding his rhythm in the class.

Zwartkops, however, presents a different challenge. The compact and technical Pretoria layout rewards precision, commitment and clean racecraft, while the Africa Open format is expected to bring heightened intensity from the opening practice sessions through to the final. The weekend format will see practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, with qualifying and the opening heats scheduled for late Friday. The remaining race heats will then be contested on Saturday, with the national round decided over three heats, and a fourth heat serving as the African Open final. With both national points and prestige at stake, there will be little room for error.

Competing under the Stretto Racing banner, Alonzo will focus on building momentum session by session. The objective will be to qualify strongly, avoid early-race incidents and position himself to challenge at the front when it matters most.

While the challenge will be significant, Alonzo has already demonstrated the determination required to overcome difficult weekends. With the national championship entering its decisive phase, the African Open title on the line and a first Micro MAX victory within reach, Zwartkops offers another opportunity for him to showcase his progress.

Alonzo extends his thanks to Stretto Racing, his family, sponsors and supporters for their continued backing as he prepares for one of the most important weekends of his season.