De Wet Converts Final-Heat Victory into Overall Vereeniging Win

Luhan de Wet produced a measured performance to claim the Mini MAX overall victory at Saturday’s third round of the MSA Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship at GT Raceway in Vereeniging. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy driver and OMP/Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador delivered fourth, second and first-place finishes across the three heats to emerge on top of a highly competitive 15-kart field.

Luhan began the meeting by qualifying third, placing himself firmly among the leading contenders ahead of the opening heat. A difficult start to Heat 1 saw him lose several positions in the tightly packed field, but he remained composed and worked his way back towards the front. He eventually crossed the line in fourth place, narrowly missing the podium while recording the fastest racing lap of the heat.

His opening result placed him on pole position for Heat 2, where he immediately took control. Luhan led through the early stages and remained at the centre of an intense fight for the victory as the leading group circulated almost nose-to-tail. After briefly losing the lead, he reclaimed first position and continued to defend under sustained pressure. The result was decided only at the finish, with Luhan taking a hard-earned runner-up position and keeping himself firmly in contention for the overall win.

The deciding performance came in the final heat. Starting from third, Luhan made an excellent getaway and moved into the lead on the opening lap. He controlled the race from there, absorbing constant pressure without allowing the competition an opportunity to complete a decisive move.

With the overall result hanging in the balance, Luhan remained calm through the closing laps and led the race from start to finish. His victory completed a strong progression through the day and secured the overall Mini MAX win.

The success in Vereeniging added another significant result to his rookie Mini MAX season. Having already won the Africa Open title and secured his second consecutive Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals appearance, Luhan once again showed his ability to deliver when the pressure was at its highest.

He will now look to build on the result over the remainder of the regional campaign, while continuing his preparations for the national finale and representing South Africa in Portimão, Portugal, later this year.