Rookie De Wet Seals National Mini MAX Podium

The 2025 National Micro MAX Champion, Luhan de Wet, completed his rookie Mini MAX season third in the 2026 South African Rotax MAX Challenge standings following the four-heat finale at Zwartkops Kart Raceway. The TGR Junior Academy driver and Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador also secured third overall for the weekend.

Luhan began the finale by qualifying third before converting his front-row starting position into a runner-up finish in the opening heat.

A difficult second heat saw him finish tenth, although his pace was evident as he recorded the fastest lap of the race. Luhan responded strongly in Heat 3, leading the opening three laps before securing another podium finish in third.

The final heat brought him agonisingly close to ending the national season with a victory. Starting from pole position, Luhan led the opening 14 laps and entered the final lap at the head of the field. A late change in the order dropped him to fourth at the chequered flag.

His results of second, tenth, third and fourth earned him third overall at the finale and secured third in the national championship.

While the national title ultimately proved out of reach, third represents an excellent result in Luhan’s first season after stepping up from Micro MAX. His campaign also included victory in the Mini MAX Africa Open, which secured his place in Team South Africa for the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal.

“I’m proud to finish third in my first Mini MAX season because it was a big step up and I learned so much,” said Luhan. “I really wanted to win the final heat after leading for so long, but that is racing. Thank you to my family, team, sponsors and everyone who supported me this season. I’m very excited to represent South Africa in Portugal, and I will give it everything.”

Luhan will now turn his attention towards preparing for Portugal and his second consecutive appearance at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.