Fastest Man at iDube – Adriaan Steyn’s Statement Weekend
Centurion's Adriaan Steyn delivered his strongest national karting performance of the season this past weekend at iDube Raceway, coming agonisingly close to his maiden Micro MAX victory during Round 3 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC).
After qualifying second, just 0.068s off pole position, Adriaan was firmly in the mix from the outset. In Heat 1, he showed consistent pace and posted the fastest lap of the race, 48.657 seconds, on his way to a solid second-place finish behind eventual race winner Luhan de Wet.
The second heat saw Adriaan take the early lead, setting the tone with sharp racecraft and intense pace. However, a late-race attempt to pass the leader saw the former national Bambino champion lock up under braking and run off the circuit, leaving him sixth, despite again clocking the fastest lap of the race at 48.725 seconds.
In the final heat, Adriaan was on a mission. He led the opening laps and traded positions with Luhan in a thrilling duel that had the crowd on their feet. He eventually finished just 0.084 seconds behind the winner, setting the fastest lap once again, this time a blistering 48.539, the quickest of the entire event and a new circuit record.
His 2nd, 6th, and 2nd place finishes were enough to secure third overall for the weekend, just a single point off the runner-up spot. It was a breakthrough weekend for Adriaan, showcasing not only his raw speed but also his composure under pressure.
"I'm really proud of how we performed this weekend," said Adriaan. "We were fast and came so close to that first win. It's only a matter of time now. Congrats to Luhan, and thank you to iDube for a fantastic weekend."
As the championship heads toward its final round, Adriaan will now set his sights on winning the African Open set to take place over 4-5 July at Zwartkops Kart Raceway.
Greensky, Q4 Fuels, and Sparco proudly support Adriaan.
De Wet Reclaims National Lead with Immaculate iDube Hat-Trick
Luhan de Wet, a Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador, reignited his championship campaign in emphatic style by storming to victory in all three heats of Round 3 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) at iDube Raceway. The clean sweep not only underlined his dominance in the Micro MAX class but also saw the young Centurion driver retake the championship lead.
From the outset, Luhan signalled his intent by claiming pole position with a blistering 48.633-second lap, setting the tone for a weekend of flawless execution. In Heat 1, he converted pole into a comfortable lights-to-flag victory, edging his closest challenger by 1.7 seconds while maintaining relentless pace and composure.
Heat 2 presented early pressure as Luhan briefly lost the lead in the opening laps. But true to his form, he recalibrated and regained control, holding off a charging field to take a second consecutive win, clocking a near-identical race time and fastest lap consistency.
In the final heat, Luhan faced his stiffest test yet. He trailed in the opening stages but mounted a decisive overtake, then held firm under immense pressure from title rival Adriaan Steyn. Crossing the line just 0.084 seconds ahead, Luhan secured the triple victory and maximum points haul.
The weekend’s results catapulted Luhan back to the top of the championship standings, putting him in a prime position as the title fight intensifies heading into the final round at the end of August.
Reflecting on the round, Luhan shared: “iDube is one of my favourite tracks, and to win all three heats here is really special. We’ve worked so hard after the last round, and I’m grateful to my team and family for their support. This one is for them.”
Backed by De Wet Automotive and representing the Xtreme Racing Team, Luhan now heads to the next round, brimming with momentum and confidence. With seven national heat victories under his belt and only one missed podium all year, the championship is his to lose.
Triple Triumph as De Oliveira Extends SARMC Lead at iDube
Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a clinical performance at Round 3 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC), securing a clean sweep of victories at iDube Raceway to extend his lead in the Bambino championship with a round remaining.
The Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador was in scintillating form all weekend, topping qualifying with a blistering 46.574-second lap before converting the pole into three dominant race wins. The Stretto Racing star led laps in every heat, managing pressure from rivals Sebastien Shuttleworth and Mozambique's Teresa Bettencourt with the poise of a seasoned racer.
Race 1 saw Alonzo wrestle the lead from Sebastian mid-race before setting the fastest lap on his way to victory. In Race 2, he made no mistake from the pole, fending off early challenges to build a comfortable margin by the chequered flag. The final heat brought more drama as Teresa surged ahead early, but Alonzo, who started fifth, responded with assertive overtakes to reclaim and retain the lead, again setting the pace with the race's fastest lap.
His commanding triple-win performance earned him the maximum 105 championship points, increasing his lead in the overall standings. Alonzo now sits in prime position with the final round on 29-30 August.
"I'm really proud of this weekend," Alonzo said. "iDube is a tough track, but the kart was on rails. Big thanks to my team, my supporters, and my sponsors for making this possible!"
Alonzo continues to race with the backing of Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
Van Der Merwe Returns to Familiar Ground in SupaCup Showdown
Dawie van der Merwe is set to return to action next weekend at Zwartkops Raceway for Round 4 of the 2025 South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup Championship. With the season approaching its midpoint, the Mbombela-based driver enters the Pretoria round aiming to reignite his campaign after a mixed start to the year.
Competing under the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa banner and prepared by Fast Developments, Dawie has endured a challenging season thus far. After a solid start with points finishes at Killarney and Kyalami, he faced a tough outing at Aldo Scribante, where understeer issues hampered his pace and saw him finish sixth and eighth in the two races.
Despite the setbacks, Dawie holds fifth in the championship standings with 46 points, just two adrift of fourth-placed Nicolaos Vostanis. The former GR86 Cup Champion is no stranger to Zwartkops, having raced at the circuit in Polo Cup, VW Challenge and GR Cup machinery. That experience could prove vital as he looks to break back into the top four and close the gap to the frontrunners, led by championship leader Tate Bishop.
With four rounds remaining in the season, including another visit to Zwartkops for the finale in October, this round could be a pivotal turning point for Dawie’s title hopes. A strong showing at this fast, technical circuit would not only restore confidence but also reassert his presence as a serious contender in the highly competitive SupaCup field.
All eyes will be on the Toyota SupaStarlet as Dawie chases his first podium of the season in front of a passionate Gauteng crowd.
Max Boshoff Looks to Tighten Grip on Mini MAX Championship at iDube
Cape Town karting sensation Max Boshoff heads to iDube Raceway in KwaZulu-Natal this weekend for Round 3 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge, leading the Mini MAX championship and eager to extend his advantage as the national season hits the penultimate stage.
The 11-year-old Xtreme Racing Team star has been a standout performer in 2025, kicking off his campaign with a dominant overall victory at Killarney and following it up with another strong showing in Vereeniging. Now, with two rounds down and two to go, Max faces the undulating iDube circuit, a track known for its elevation changes and technical complexity.
"It's a completely different kind of challenge, but that's what makes this round so exciting," Max said ahead of the weekend. "You have to be on point with your braking, and there's no room for error with so many blind corners and steep gradients. I'm ready for the fight."
Max's consistency and racecraft have been central to his title campaign. From storming to pole and winning multiple heats at Killarney to overcoming mid-pack grids and tough heat battles in Vereeniging, his season has been a showcase of pace, determination, and adaptability.
With three crucial heats scheduled for Sunday, every lap at iDube will count as Max looks to defend his championship lead against a highly competitive Mini MAX grid. The outcome could prove pivotal as the season heads into its final round.
Expect thrilling racing and tight margins as the young talent from Cape Town continues his bid for national karting glory.
Zwartkops Reloaded: Tyler Robinson Aims to Strike Back
The Astron Energy Polo Cup championship heads to Gauteng for Round 4 of the 2025 season, with Tyler Robinson determined to reignite her title charge at Zwartkops Raceway. As the first of two scheduled visits to the Pretoria-based circuit, where the season finale will unfold in October, this weekend marks a crucial midpoint in the championship battle.
Tyler arrives in Pretoria sitting fourth overall in the standings after three rounds, just two points adrift of third place. Her historic maiden victory at Kyalami in Round 2 was a breakthrough moment. Still, the Aldo Scribante round proved more challenging for the young star, who will be eager to rebound with a strong showing at Zwartkops.
“The last round wasn’t what we hoped for, but I’ve put it behind me,” said Tyler. “Zwartkops is one of those circuits where qualifying well can set the tone for the weekend, so we’re focused on getting back up front.”
The 2.4 km circuit, known for its tight turns and overtaking opportunities, suits Tyler’s sharp racecraft and technical precision, qualities honed through her extensive karting background and circuit experience in categories such as INEX Legends and VW Challenge.
Now in her second full Polo Cup campaign, the Universal Racing driver continues to show consistency and fighting spirit against one of South Africa’s most competitive fields. As the only female winner in the series since Tasmin Pepper, Tyler continues to break ground while pushing for further success.
“We’ve worked hard between rounds to fine-tune the car, and I know the team is just as motivated as I am,” she added. “This is a track where we can definitely bounce back.”
AF Fans, Freem, and RKT Motorsport proudly back Tyler Robinson.
TGRJA’s Future Stars Ready to Shine on iDube’s Slopes
Senior MAX pilot Georgia Lenaerts will look to bounce back at iDube after several unfortunate setbacks this season.
The 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) enters a critical stage as the championship heads to KwaZulu-Natal for Round 3, the penultimate stop in the national title fight. For the first time this season, the iDube Raceway will host the country's best Rotax competitors, marking a long-awaited return to the undulating and unforgiving short circuit just outside of Pietermaritzburg after its absence from the 2024 calendar.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) arrives in KZN with momentum on its side and a growing trophy haul, poised to strengthen its grip on championship positions across multiple classes.
DD2 – Coetzee Looks to Seal the Deal
Jason Coetzee has been the standout force in DD2 this year, winning five out of six heats across the opening two rounds. His dominance at Killarney and a clean sweep at Vereeniging have made him the clear title favourite. With iDube's challenging elevation changes and fast corkscrew-styled drop, the Cape Town driver's finesse and mechanical sympathy will be tested. A strong result here could all but seal his ticket to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain.
Senior MAX – Swartz Eyes a National Win, Lenaerts Seeks Bounceback
After a rollercoaster start to the season, Kent Swartz finds himself climbing the championship ladder thanks to a heat win and overall podium in Vereeniging. Now fully back in the groove, Swartz is gunning for his first overall national round victory, and iDube might be the perfect place to do it.
Meanwhile, Georgia Lenaerts has shown glimpses of her potential despite a string of misfortunes. Her recovery drive in Heat 3 at Vereeniging showcased her resilience. If she can stay clear of incidents, the KZN round could be her breakthrough moment in Senior MAX.
Junior MAX – Dowling in the Hunt, Shisinwana Charges
Round 1 winner Emma-Rose Dowling returns to iDube filled with confidence and on the back of international duty. Her commanding win at the Cape Town national and solid showing in Vereeniging have made her one to watch. Another consistent weekend could cement her as South Africa's Junior MAX benchmark for 2025.
At the other end of the spectrum, reigning Mini MAX champion Tshepang Shisinwana is building steam in Junior MAX, having bounced back with a final heat podium in Round 2. With overtaking at a premium on iDube's narrow ribbon of tarmac, his improving racecraft will be vital.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins on the Rise
Namibian siblings Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have quietly been climbing the ranks. Nande cracked the top 10 in Vereeniging and has looked increasingly at home in the rough-and-tumble of national Mini MAX racing. iDube's demanding layout will reward precise inputs and consistency, two areas in which the Kaiyamos have shown noticeable improvement.
All Eyes on iDube
With RMC Grand Finals spots on the line and the season's final in sight, iDube represents more than just a race; it's a proving ground. From its tight double-right at the top of the hill to the air-grabbing 'Pipeline' along with the infamous drop into 'Thunderdome,' the circuit is a true test of bravery and balance.
"TGRJA has shown tremendous growth across the season," says team principal Leeroy Poulter. "iDube is a drivers' track. It'll reward those who have put in the work. We're confident that our drivers are ready for the challenge."
The weekend kicks off with several practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, giving drivers ample opportunity to fine-tune their setups. Qualifying will wrap up Saturday's programme, setting the stage for race day. On Sunday, competitors will return for a morning warm-up, followed by three championship heats per class, with the overall winners being crowned at the end of the day.
Odendaal Gears Up for Do-or-Die National Junior MAX Showdown
Three-time national karting champion Caleb Odendaal returns to action next weekend as the South African Rotax MAX Challenge heads to the iconic iDube Raceway for the penultimate round of competition.
Sitting 10th in the national Junior MAX standings, the Eastern Cape native has yet to taste podium success this season, with a sixth-place finish marking his best national result so far. However, Caleb is no stranger to overcoming setbacks. Having represented South Africa at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals and clinching two African Open titles, he knows how to mount a comeback when it matters most.
This season hasn’t gone to script for the Kart Republic South Africa and Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador. An early-season exclusion severely impacted his championship tally, leaving him with an uphill climb as the season nears its climax. Yet, if there’s any driver capable of turning adversity into opportunity, it’s the ever-determined Caleb.
“We’ve had our share of setbacks, but I’ve been here before,” Caleb commented. “iDube is a track I respect. It’s fast, technical, and rewards commitment, and that’s exactly what I’m bringing this weekend.”
Known for its undulating layout and unforgiving corners, iDube demands precision, bravery, and consistency. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with every point vital as the Junior MAX grid tightens up heading into the final stretch of the championship.
Despite a challenging national campaign, Caleb has demonstrated a strong regional pace this year, including a dominant win at Formula-K.
With two rounds to go, Odendaal’s focus is singular: fight back, finish strong, and remind everyone why he’s one of South Africa’s finest young karting talents.
Fighting Back: Steyn Looks to Reignite Micro MAX Campaign
After a mixed start to his 2025 national campaign, Centurion's Adriaan Steyn is determined to bounce back as the South African Rotax MAX Challenge heads to the iconic iDube Raceway for the penultimate round of the season.
The 2023 National Bambino Champion currently holds fourth place in the Micro MAX championship standings but has yet to secure a win this year. His season so far has included flashes of brilliance, most notably a hard-fought podium at the Killarney opener, but consistency has been elusive across the opening two rounds. With only two podiums from six heats, Adriaan and his team know a strong performance at iDube is crucial to reignite his championship hopes.
The iDube circuit, known for its undulating layout and intricate technical challenges, rewards drivers who demonstrate both courage and commitment. Adriaan has consistently exhibited these qualities as he has progressed through the ranks of karting. The last time Adriaan competed at a national event on the KZN circuit was during his 2023 national championship-winning season. In 2024, it was not on the calendar, and since 2023, Adriaan has had limited testing and regional races.
"This round is all about turning potential into results," says Adriaan. "We've shown good pace this season, but now it's about putting it all together and achieving the best results. A bit of luck always helps as it is a circuit where incidents occur."
A strong showing at iDube could not only close the gap to the top three but also send a clear message that Adriaan Steyn remains a serious contender for national Micro MAX honours in 2025.
Adriaan is proudly backed by Greensky, Q4 Fuels and Sparco.
De Wet Poised to Strike as SARMC Title Fight Heats Up
Luhan de Wet, the Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador and Xtreme Racing Team standout, is set to continue his championship campaign this weekend at Round 3 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge, hosted at the demanding iDube Raceway in KwaZulu-Natal.
Lying second in the national Micro MAX standings, Luhan has had an impressive run in the opening two rounds, claiming four wins from six heats and missing the podium just once. His clean sweep during a recent regional outing, which included victories in all three heats at the same iDube circuit, serves as the perfect confidence boost heading into the national showdown.
As one of the most technically challenging tracks on the calendar, iDube demands bravery, precision, and consistency, qualities that the Centurion-based youngster has demonstrated in abundance this season. After his flawless win in Cape Town and gritty battles at Vereeniging, Luhan’s title aspirations remain firmly on track.
“It’s been a great start to the year, and I’m really enjoying the racing this season,” said Luhan. “Winning all three heats at iDube recently gave me a lot of confidence, but I know the national field is strong. We’ll push hard, stay focused, and give it everything.”
With the championship leader only three points ahead, every point matters as Luhan aims to close the gap. Another strong showing at iDube could see him take the lead in the title fight with one round remaining.
Luhan is proudly backed by De Wet Automotive Service & Repairs.
Fearless, Fast and Determined: Alonzo Ready for iDube national duel
Championship leader Alonzo de Oliveira heads into Round 3 of the 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge with momentum firmly on his side. The Stretto Racing sensation is riding high after a dominant clean sweep at Vereeniging’s second national round and this past weekend’s KZN Kart Championships at the undulating iDube Raceway in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador has been the standout performer in this year’s Bambino class, winning four of the six national heats run so far. His only finish off the podium was a fourth-place result in tricky conditions at Killarney, further underlining his consistency and fighting spirit.
With iDube known for its elevation changes and tight corners, the circuit poses a unique challenge for even the most experienced young karters. But Alonzo’s current form and proven adaptability make him a clear favourite going into the weekend.
“I am excited to be heading back to iDube next weekend after a successful outing recently,” said Alonzo. “Despite dominating there at the regional, I know it’s going to be a much tougher affair against all the national competitors. My team and I have, however, been preparing well and clinching the national round will go a long way towards earning that number one plate.”
Alonzo continues to receive invaluable support from Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP, a sponsor lineup as committed as he is in chasing championship glory.
The weekend format includes multiple practice sessions, Saturday qualifying, and three heats on Sunday. As the penultimate round of the national season approaches, Alonzo will look to widen the gap to his closest rivals and edge closer to his goal of becoming the 2025 South African Bambino Champion.
Odendaal Fights to the Front at Zwartkops, Finishes Second Overall
Three-time national karting champion Caleb Odendaal delivered another strong performance at Zwartkops Kart Raceway for Round 3 of the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Karting Championship, finishing second after a competitive day in the Junior MAX class.
Coming off a strong start to the season that included an overall win at Formula-K and a solid points haul at Vereeniging, the Eastern Cape talent arrived in Gauteng looking to claw back the ground lost as a result of a technical penalty in Round 2.
Despite consistently showing pace during Friday's practice, Odendaal could only manage seventh on the timesheets during Saturday's qualifying session. His best lap of 43.149 seconds placed him just 0.336 seconds off the pole in a tightly contested session, setting the stage for a fightback.
In a thrilling opening heat, Caleb quickly got into a rhythm and sliced through the field to take the lead by Lap 3. From there, he held off challenges from Reagile Mailula and national rival Emma Dowling to cross the line first.
Heat 2 proved more tactical as Caleb climbed from sixth to third by mid-distance. A hard-fought battle at the front saw Jack Moore and Mattao Mason lead the early exchanges, but Odendaal remained within striking distance.
The final race of the day presented some challenges. Caleb was battling heavy midfield traffic after losing out at the start and dropping back a few positions. While the top five fought for the win ahead, he stayed consistent and claimed sixth across the line to claim the runner-up result for the day.
"We were fast all weekend but had to work hard for every result. Race 1 was perfect, but Race 3 didn't quite go our way. Still, I'm happy with the points and the fight we showed. Big thanks to my team, Kart Republic Africa, and Legend Motors for their continued belief in me."
Caleb's next outing will be Round 3 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge, hosted at iDube Raceway, Camperdown, KZN. The second half of the Northern Regions competition will return to Zwartkops in August.
De Wet Grinds Out Podium in Tight Zwartkops Micro MAX Battle
Former National Cadet Champion Luhan de Wet added another impressive performance to his 2025 karting campaign with a strong showing in Round 3 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship at Zwartkops Kart Raceway on 24 May.
In the competitive Micro MAX class, Luhan secured second place in Qualifying before finishing as runner-up in Heat 1 after leading the race for several laps. In Heat 2, he would again finish as the runner-up after starting fourth and working his way up the field. In the final heat, however, the Louis Leipoldt pupil would lose out when he was relegated to the back of the field after the opening lap. Once again, he fought back gallantly to take the chequered flag in fifth to claim third overall.
After the race, Luhan reflected: “We had decent pace this weekend but we were not quick enough though and I’m not entirely satisfied with how it all panned out despite the strong results. The racing was close and clean, and I learned a lot from each heat. Thank you to my team, my parents, and everyone who continues to support me. We’ll keep pushing!”
Luhan’s campaign is supported by De Wet Automotive Service & Repairs and the Xtreme Racing Team.
The next round of the Northern Regions series will return to Zwartkops in August. Before that, Rotax competitors will converge at iDube Raceway in Pietermaritzburg, KZN, on 13-15 June for the penultimate round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge, where Luhan will aim to reclaim the top step of the podium in his national championship charge.
Motorsport Fanatix™ Ambassador Alonzo Shines with Zwartkops Sweep
Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a statement performance at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, clinching a commanding clean sweep in Round 3 of the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship.
Racing in the fiercely contested Bambino class, the Stretto Racing star secured second place in qualifying set the fastest lap in every race and won all three heats dominantly.
Alonzo got his day underway by setting the second-fastest time in qualifying with a 1:01.690 lap, just 0.325 seconds behind pole-sitter Sebastien Shuttleworth. He wasted no time making his mark in Heat 1, taking the lead on Lap 4 and never looking back. He crossed the finish line 1.9 seconds clear, with a best lap of 1:00.720, the quickest of the day.
Heat 2 was a masterclass in control. Alonzo led from lights to flag, holding off early pressure before pulling a decisive gap. He clocked another heat-best lap of 1:00.835 and crossed the line over five seconds ahead of the runner-up.
In Heat 3, Alonzo again found himself in a duel with Shuttleworth early on, but when the latter suffered issues, Alonzo pounced and built a comfortable lead. He sealed his third straight victory of the day with yet another win and a fastest lap.
This emphatic performance earned Alonzo the maximum championship points and firmly established him at the top of the Bambino standings.
“I felt really confident all day,” Alonzo said after the event. “The kart was amazing, and I had so much fun racing hard with everyone. Huge thanks to my team and all my sponsors. This one’s for them!”
Alonzo continues to enjoy the support of Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
With the national and regional campaigns heating up, Alonzo’s clean sweep at Zwartkops signals that the young Johannesburg talent is in blistering form heading into the next national round of competition.
Mikel Bezuidenhout Delivers Breakout Zwartkops Performance
Mikel Bezuidenhout put on an impressive driving display at Zwartkops Kart Raceway this weekend during Round 3 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship, finishing as the runner-up in massive 17-kart field.
After a frustrating national round at Vereeniging that plagued him with power-valve issues, the Xtreme Racing Team driver returned to form with a sensational qualifying effort. Clocking a lap just 0.009 seconds off the pole time, Mikel secured a front-row start for Race 1 and reaffirmed his pace with the race's fastest lap.
Race 1 saw Mikel drop to fourth after the start but immediately assert himself, moving up the field to slot into second behind the leader. Setting the fastest lap of the race and closing the gap to the leader, the Sandton teenager crossed the line as runner-up to record the first of his two podiums.
In Race 2, Mikel made no mistake. From pole, he took control early and never looked back, leading all 15 laps and setting consistent lap times. His margin of victory over Swartz was a commanding 3.6 seconds, highlighting the strength of his pace and composure under pressure. This was Mikel's second win in Senior MAX.
Unfortunately, the final race saw his momentum stall. Caught in mid-pack scuffles after a closely bunched start, Mikel had to dig deep. Despite carving his way back up the order and setting the fastest lap again, a nose-cone infringement penalty dropped him from fourth across the line to sixth in the final classification.
Across the day, Mikel arguably put on his best performance to date, and his Zwartkops outing not only signalled a clear return to form but also boosted his confidence.
"It felt great to bounce back after Vereeniging. The pace was there from the start, and I'm proud of the work the team put in to get us back up front. We've shown we can run at the sharp end, now it's about building on this and pushing for more wins," Mikel reflected.
With strong backing from MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa and the expertise of the Xtreme Racing Team, Mikel remains a force to be reckoned with in the Senior MAX ranks. As the regional and national championships unfold, his blend of maturity and raw speed will be key to his push for podiums and more victories.
Mikel will now focus on his MSA4 campaign with the Corsa Dei Gemelli race team set for a showdown at Zwartkops Raceway on 20-21 June.
Trailblazer: Tyler Robinson to Fly the Flag for SA Women in Motorsport at Spa
South African rising star Tyler Robinson is set to make her Clio Cup Mid-Europe Series debut this weekend at one of the world's most legendary circuits, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The 7,004 km Formula 1 venue, known for its sweeping corners, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather, will provide an exciting challenge as Tyler takes to the track in a Renault Clio Cup car.
Following a successful test outing, the weekend marks Tyler's first official race in the European-based series, which will serve as valuable international experience and a significant step forward in her motorsport journey. She joins the French-based GM Sport team, a well-established outfit with deep expertise in the Clio Cup, Touring Car, and French GT Championships, and is set to take on a grid of more experienced drivers, which averages 50 drivers on most weekends.
Tyler, who recently made headlines by becoming the youngest female driver to win a race in the local Astron Energy Polo Cup, continues to break barriers in South African motorsport. Known for her raw pace and fearless approach, she enters the Clio Cup as one of only a handful of female drivers on the grid, bringing added attention to her growing international presence.
The Clio Cup Mid-Europe Series is part of a broader regional framework that includes Clio Cup France, Italia, España, and the pan-European Clio Cup Europe. Events often feature joint grids across the regional series, making for high-intensity racing with large fields and intense competition across the continent.
This weekend, Tyler will have the chance to test her skills against some of Europe's top Clio Cup racers on one of the most demanding tracks in motorsport, a proper proving ground for any driver.
Momentum on His Side: De Oliveira Ready for Zwartkops Charge
Motorsport Fanatix™ brand ambassador Alonzo de Oliveira returns to action this weekend for Round 3 of the 2025 MSA Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, riding high after a flawless display at Round 2 in Vereeniging.
Following a challenging opener at Formula-K where a mechanical issue in the final heat limited him to third overall, Alonzo bounced back emphatically at Vereeniging. The Stretto Racing driver was untouchable throughout the day, securing a perfect hat-trick of victories to claim the overall win and reignite his championship defence.
With that dominant performance now behind him, Alonzo heads to the fast-flowing Zwartkops circuit with renewed confidence. Known for its tight layout and limited overtaking zones, Zwartkops demands precision and bravery, two hallmarks of Alonzo’s racing style.
As the defending Northern Regions Bambino Champion, Alonzo is keen to make another statement this weekend. Tied on 105 pts with rival Sebastian Shuttleworth, a strong result at Zwartkops will be vital in keeping momentum on his side as the championship fight intensifies.
Alonzo continues to be powered by a strong support network that includes Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
De Wet Fired Up for Zwartkops Karting Clash
Motorsport Fanatix™ ambassador Luhan de Wet is primed for action as the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship heads to Zwartkops Kart Raceway for Round 3 this weekend. The Centurion-based Micro MAX talent currently leads the championship standings with 105 points after two events, narrowly ahead of his closest rival, who sits on 99 points.
Luhan’s campaign began strongly at Formula-K Raceway in March, where he stormed to a final heat victory and claimed third overall. He followed that up at Vereeniging with another impressive drive that included a double-heat win and valuable points haul, further solidifying his lead.
With a three out of six heats strike rate and consistent top-three pace, the Xtreme Racing Team driver enters Zwartkops full of confidence. While Luhan has enjoyed previous success at this venue, a clean sweep at the regional level has thus far eluded him, a statistic he’ll be keen to change this weekend.
“Zwartkops is a fun track with tight overtaking spots, and it’s always a challenge,” said Luhan. “We’ve had a good season so far, and I’m excited to keep the momentum going.”
Backed by De Wet Automotive Services and Repairs, Luhan remains a Micro MAX category standout performer in 2025. With the championship tightly poised, another strong performance at Zwartkops could extend his lead as the title fight heats up.
Corsa dei Gemelli Driver Set for Another Valuable Karting Run at Zwartkops
As the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship heads to Zwartkops Kart Raceway for its third round, Mikel Bezuidenhout returns to the Senior MAX grid this weekend with a clear objective, sharpen his racecraft ahead of his delayed debut in the all-new Investchem MSA4 single-seater championship.
Competing with the formidable Xtreme Racing Team, Mikel has shown impressive resilience this season despite mixed results. His campaign began with a fighting sixth-place overall at Formula-K in March, followed by a difficult outing at Vereeniging where mechanical gremlins derailed his momentum. Now ninth in the championship standings after two rounds, the Sandton-based teenager is looking to regroup and deliver a performance more aligned with his true potential.
While his primary focus remains on circuit racing with Corsa dei Gemelli in the inaugural Investchem MSA4 championship, karting is pivotal in maintaining Mikel's sharpness, reflexes, and physical conditioning.
"This weekend is another opportunity to stay race-ready," Mikel shared. "Karting keeps me dialed in mentally and physically. Even though my eyes are on the MSA4 championship, every lap in the kart builds the edge I need for single-seaters."
Zwartkops, a circuit known for its unforgiving layout and limited overtaking windows, will demand clinical execution, something Mikel has steadily refined through karting and single-seaters. His pace has been there this season, and with the team working tirelessly to overcome prior technical issues, the pieces are in place for a strong comeback.
Backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa, Mikel will be a driver to watch as the championship reaches its midway point.
Breaking Barriers: South Africa's Dowling Takes on FIA Karting's Best
South African rising karting star Emma-Rose Dowling proudly represented the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission at the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy opening round, held at Lucas Guerrero International Kart Circuit in Valencia, Spain, this past weekend. Competing against a fiercely talented, globally selected field of 52 drivers from 51 countries, Emma stood tall as the sole entrant nominated by the FIA Women in Motorsport program.
The Academy Trophy, known for its equal machinery and ultra-competitive format, provided a challenging debut for the 14-year-old, who has been identified as one of South Africa's most promising female drivers. Emma races locally under the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa Junior Academy banner in the Junior MAX class, where she is currently in the mix for the national championship.
Emma's international development continues at a rapid pace. She was selected to attend the prestigious Iron Dames Young Talents Program earlier this year and also competes in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. This allows her to gain crucial skills, racecraft and technical experience on some of Europe's most demanding kart circuits.
This past weekend, however, Emma battled her peers to start the first of her qualifying heats from the mid-pack in ninth. Emma, however, delivered a determined drive, finishing 10th, 11th, and 21st, the latter classification resulting from a penalty.
Emma progressed to Sunday's final, the number one goal for all competitors. Only 36 drivers progress to the final. Emma started 27th, but hopes of a strong result were dashed early when she was involved in an opening lap incident, causing her retirement from the race.
Nonetheless, the experience was invaluable. After reflecting on her debut under the FIA Women in Motorsport banner, Emma stated: "It was an honour to represent the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission at such a prestigious event. The level of competition was intense, and every lap taught me something new. It was disappointing to retire from the final, but regardless, I'm truly grateful for the support from the Commission. This experience has pushed me to grow as a driver and inspired me to keep chasing my dream."
Emma's participation marks an important step in her development, not just as a racing driver but as a role model for aspiring female athletes worldwide. In 2025, Emma will continue her journey, not only racing for results but representing the hopes of a new generation of female motorsport talent.