High Stakes, High Temperatures: SARMC Finale Promises Fireworks
The 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) reaches its climax this weekend at the iconic one-kilometre Zwartkops Kart Raceway, proudly hosted by the Rand Kart Club. Known as the home of karting in South Africa, Zwartkops carries a rich history, having staged the 2002 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF), the only time the global spectacle was held on African soil.
Competitors from across South Africa, as well as entries from Mozambique and Namibia, will converge at the Zwartkops Kart Raceway. This international participation underscores the global draw of the championship. The format, with several practice sessions on Friday and four race heats on Saturday, promises relentless action. The day’s winners and the destiny of the 2025 national titles will be decided by consistency and outright pace.
On Saturday evening, champions will be crowned. Those who prevail will not only etch their names into South African karting history but also secure their place on Team South Africa for the 25th hosting of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain, widely regarded as the Olympics of Karting. And with scorching 30-degree temperatures expected, the intensity of the final round will be felt both on and off the track.
In the Bambino class, young Gauteng karting sensation Alonzo de Oliveira (seven wins - 316 points) leads after a dominant campaign, but fellow provincial rivals Sebastien Shuttleworth (one win - 291 points), Yerhu Malabie (257 points), and Zonkizizwe Holomisa (243 points) are determined to end their seasons on a high. Expect fearless racing from the sport's youngest and future stars.
Gauteng's Luhan de Wet (seven wins - 307 points) arrives with an advantage, but the Western Cape's Michael O'Mahoney (two wins - 287 points) and Gauteng's Luke du Toit (279 points) remain close enough to mount a challenge. With local driver and former national Bambino Champion Adriaan Steyn (268 points) also in contention, the Micro MAX finale is set to be a battle of nerves and precision.
Mini MAX will see the closest championship fight of all, with Gauteng's Brodi Cooper Dowling (five wins - 305 points) and the Western Cape's Max Boshoff (three wins - 305 points), tied heading into the final round. Just behind, Gauteng natives Declan Jurgens (274 points) and Rafael de Sousa (262 points) will look to spoil the party if the front pair falter. This showdown promises fireworks.
The Eastern Cape's Caleb Moss (three wins - 295 points) has set the Junior MAX pace all season. But the Western Cape's Sebastiano Human (two wins- 273 points), along with Gauteng's 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy competitor Emma-Rose Dowling (one win - 269 points), are ready to pounce with the pair in close contention. Eastern Cape talent, Jack Moore (one win - 254 points), who also competes in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy, and Reagile Mailula (253 points) should not be counted out either. Junior MAX could produce some of the weekend’s most dramatic racing as four drivers chase one ticket to Bahrain.
Former National Senior MAX Champion and Western Cape racer, Charl Visser (three wins - 300 points), has the upper hand heading to Zwartkops. Gianna Pascoal (four wins - 271 points) and the Western Cape's Jordon Wadeley (247 points) remain in the hunt, while KZN's Jonno Wilson (242 points) lurks not far behind, meaning every heat will carry championship weight.
Drivers from the Western Cape dominate the premier gearbox class. Jason Coetzee (seven wins - 316 points) tops the standings, but he'll have to withstand pressure from former champion Sebastian Boyd (two wins - 302 points) and Matthew Wadeley (269 points), with Anwill April (268 points) also in contention. The depth of talent in DD2 guarantees nail-biting duels.
A heavyweight clash awaits in the DD2 Masters class as Jonathan Pieterse (two wins - 286 points) and five-time RMCGF winner Cristiano Morgado (five wins - 281 points) battle for glory. Mozambican entry Cristian Bouche (274 points) adds international flavour.
The stage is set for one of the most dramatic finales in SARMC history. With national titles, RMCGF tickets, and pride all on the line, Zwartkops Kart Raceway will once again prove why it remains the beating heart of South African karting.
Fans can expect close racing, rising temperatures, and unforgettable moments as the 2025 SARMC concludes in true Rotax style.
Catch the action LIVE via the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@sarotaxmaxchallenge3045/streams
