De Wet Returns to Zwartkops With Portugal in Sight
Luhan de Wet returns to Zwartkops Kart Raceway this weekend for the fifth round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship, with the OMP/Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador using the event as another important step in his preparations for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal.
It will be Luhan’s first return to Zwartkops since the final national round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge, bringing him back to a circuit that has played an important role in his 2026 season.
Earlier in the year, Zwartkops was the scene of one of Luhan’s biggest victories when he claimed the winner-takes-all Rotax Africa Open title. Starting the Mini MAX final from ninth on the grid, Luhan charged through the field and, after losing the lead on the final lap, fought back at the final corner to take the victory.
The result secured his place at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal, where he will make his second consecutive appearance at the prestigious international event.
This weekend's return to Zwartkops carries different significance as preparations for Portugal intensify.
Luhan has switched from his familiar Kart Republic chassis to a Birel ART as part of his Grand Finals preparation. The Birel ART is the chassis he will race in the Mini MAX class in Portugal, making the remaining track time in South Africa particularly valuable as he adapts to the different package.
The fifth regional round therefore provides an ideal opportunity to combine racing with preparation. Every session gives Luhan more time in the Birel ART before heading to Portugal, but that does not change his approach to the weekend.
Having enjoyed wins and podium finishes during his rookie Mini MAX season, Luhan will still arrive at Zwartkops looking to fight at the front while continuing to build confidence with his new chassis.
“Going back to Zwartkops is special because it’s where I won the Africa Open and earned my place at the Grand Finals,” said Luhan. “We have changed to the Birel ART now, so I want to use every lap I can to learn the kart and get more comfortable before Portugal. But I still want to go out there and race for the win. I’m really excited for the weekend.”
With Portugal drawing closer, the remaining regional races have taken on added importance. This weekend is another opportunity for Luhan to sharpen his racecraft, learn the Birel ART and build towards his second appearance on karting’s Rotax world stage.
Zwartkops has already provided one of the defining moments of his season. This weekend, the focus shifts towards using the familiar circuit to prepare for what lies ahead in Portugal.
