Max Boshoff Bounces Back with Double Podium Sunday at GT Raceway

Reigning Mini ROK champion Max Boshoff endured a challenging but ultimately rewarding weekend during Rounds 3 and 4 of the National ROK Cup Karting Championship at GT Raceway in Vereeniging this past weekend. The Cape Town youngster, who stepped up to the ultra-competitive OK-J category for the 2026 season, once again showcased both courage and outright pace as he fought back from adversity to secure second overall during Sunday’s fourth round.

Max arrived at the Gauteng circuit carrying solid momentum following a promising opening two rounds at Red Star Raceway earlier this season, where multiple podium finishes firmly established him as one of the leading OK-J rookies. The Kokoro Academy driver was eager to continue that form at the newly renamed GT Raceway, a circuit returning to the national calendar for the first time in two years.

Saturday’s third round, however, proved to be a frustrating affair for the young Cape Town driver. After qualifying an impressive third, Max looked well-positioned to challenge at the front of the field. Unfortunately, misfortune struck early as he was forced to retire from both Heat 1 and Heat 2, leaving him with a mountain to climb heading into the final heat of the day.

Determined to salvage valuable championship points, Max fought hard in the 15-lap final heat, finishing fourth. His efforts were further hampered by a nose-cone infringement penalty that added five seconds to his race time, ultimately classifying him seventh in the heat and eighth overall for the day.

With a fresh opportunity arriving on Sunday morning, Max responded in the best possible fashion. The Kokoro Academy driver stormed to pole position in qualifying, immediately signalling his intent to bounce back after Saturday’s disappointment.

Although he lost the lead on the opening lap of Heat 1, Max kept a composed head under pressure and remained firmly in the battle for second throughout the race, eventually securing the runner-up position and his first podium finish of the weekend. He backed that result up with another strong drive in Heat 2, racing to third place after another intense battle amongst the front runners.

The final heat of the weekend saw Boshoff once again fighting in the podium positions as he chased a third consecutive top-three finish. Despite narrowly missing out after an action-packed encounter, his fourth-place result proved enough to secure second overall for the day and cap off an impressive recovery from Saturday’s setbacks.

“It was definitely a weekend of ups and downs, but I’m really happy with how we bounced back on Sunday,” said Max. “After the problems on Saturday, the team worked incredibly hard to give me a strong kart again, and we managed to fight back with two podiums and second overall. A massive thank you to everyone at Kokoro Academy for all their effort and support throughout the weekend. Now the focus shifts to the UK and making the most of the opportunity at PF International.”

Boshoff now immediately turns his attention to the international stage as he heads to the United Kingdom this week to compete in Round 2 of the British Champions of the Future Program at the iconic PF International Kart Circuit from 15–17 May.