Perfect Starts Under Threat as Autumn NATS Looms
The 2026 MSA National ROK Karting Championship resumes with Autumn NATS at GT Raceway, Vereeniging, ushering in Rounds 3 and 4 at a venue that blends familiarity with a renewed identity. Formerly known as the Vereeniging Kart Circuit, GT Raceway is a compact yet technical layout measuring approximately 1 100 metres, characterised by a mix of flowing medium-speed corners and tighter technical sections that place a premium on rhythm and precision.
The circuit’s relatively short lap distance compresses the field, naturally creating slipstreaming battles and constant pressure, while its sequence of linked corners rewards drivers who can maintain momentum and manage tyre degradation over multiple heats. It is a circuit where overtaking opportunities exist but must be executed with commitment and control.
The event format for 8–10 May reflects the importance of the double-header weekend. Friday is dedicated entirely to practice, allowing teams and drivers to dial in their setups, understand track evolution, and refine race pace. With the pool engine system equalising performance across the field, this practice time becomes critical for extracting marginal gains.
Saturday will host Round 3 of the championship, while Sunday delivers Round 4, effectively doubling the stakes and creating a scenario where momentum, or mistakes, can dramatically reshape the standings within 48 hours.
In the Cadet class, Yerhu Malabie arrives unbeaten, having secured six wins from six races and establishing a perfect points tally. His dominance has been absolute so far, but the battle behind him remains tightly packed. Grayson Venter has built his campaign on consistency with six podium finishes, including four runner-up results. In comparison, Christopher Grimmick has recorded five podiums while Grant William remains within reach, and while yet to match the leaders’ podium frequency, his ability to score consistently keeps him relevant in the fight.
Mini ROK presents one of the most competitive narratives heading into GT Raceway. Kayde Cornofsky leads the standings with three wins and two additional podium finishes, narrowly ahead of Maddox Mason, who has matched him with three wins. Noah Cronje, without a win, has nevertheless built a strong title case through five podium finishes, while Riley van Staden’s four podiums keep him firmly in contention. With multiple race winners already established, the balance between outright victories and consistent podiums will be critical over the double-header weekend.
In OK-J, Mattao Mason has been untouchable, delivering six wins from six starts and maximum points. Behind him, Aleksandar Praizovic has accumulated five podiums, while Thekiso Retlotleng has three podium finishes, including two runner-up finishes. The fight for second in the championship remains wide open, and any disruption to Mason’s perfect record could immediately bring the chasing group into play.
The OK-N class continues to offer one of the most competitive grids. Jack Moore leads the standings with four wins, combining pace with consistency. Emile van der Wateren has one victory and three second-place finishes, while Chase Haskins has already claimed a victory along with three podium finishes. Aidan Calitz and Ashaan Reddi remain close enough to capitalise, each adding multiple podium finishes to keep themselves within striking distance.
Adding further incentive to an already competitive environment is the continuation of prize money for grids of ten or more drivers. This initiative has already had a tangible impact, most notably in Mini ROK, where Kayde Cornofsky walked away with R25 000 for his overall victory at the previous round. With similar rewards on offer at GT Raceway, the stakes extend beyond championship points, intensifying competition across all classes.
As the championship moves into its third and fourth rounds, the combination of a technical circuit, a high-intensity double-header format and the equalising effect of the pool engine system ensures that Autumn NATS will be a defining moment in the 2026 season. Wins have established early leaders, podiums have kept challengers in touch, but at GT Raceway, the margin for error narrows, and the true contenders will begin to emerge.
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