Karting drivers rock at National Sports Stadium
LAST Sunday, Kart Sport Club hosted the first round of their 2024 club and ROK Cup Zimbabwe championship at the Pole Position Kart track against the silhouette of the National Sports Stadium.
The talent of karting in Zimbabwe was once again on display after an exciting race meeting that saw some new talent shining through that bodes well for the future of the sport.
The early action in the Kid ROK class for competitors from 6 to 10 years old saw Zack Staples qualify in pole position with his fastest lap time ever.
However, in the races, Rayaan Savania had the advantage and pulled off some stunning drives, winning all four races. Staples pushed hard and came in a solid second position.
Manuel Mukori followed up in 3rd and Sheunesu Shambare in 4th with both drivers spending all day pushing each other to the limit with some great racing and finishing the day only 4 points apart.
Seth Rukato was in a league of his own for most of the day and set the standard in the Mini Rok class, claiming qualifying and a clean sweep of wins in all four races leading him to an overall win for the day. Rukato has dedicated countless hours to practice in the past two months and the hard work has certainly paid off.
Tawana Shambare, in his final race in this class, took second place closely followed by Eli Pilosoff and Yaseen Savania who both finished only a point apart after a competitive day’s racing.
Eshaan Savania and Matthew Mukori finished in 5th and 6th position respectively with 2023 Kid ROK champion Devin van de Linde in 7th place in his first outing in the fast Mini ROK class.
The 125 class was anything but clear with African Kart Cup competitors Zaydaan Savania and Jaedon Masiyanise both determined to prove who had the upper hand after their recent international debut. Savania, who chose this meeting to move up class to the faster seniormax class, ultimately claimed success from Masiyanise who will also upgrade class in time for the next meeting in May.
Anesu Mapiro, who made a welcome return to karting after taking a year out to focus on her academics, proved she has lost none of her touch with her smooth and fast driving style. She will definitely be challenging for podiums with more seat time.
The ProKart series, which introduced the new Sodi 390 karts at this meeting, proved to be extremely exciting. With a full grid of 10 karts, the equal performance of the karts placed a premium on the drivers’ skill and the resultant close racing proved the success of the formula.
Colin Botha proved once again to be the driver to beat with an overall win for the day closely followed by Moe Moosa in 2nd.
Kart Sport Club Chairman, Victor Shambare said:
“The race meeting was a good success and proved a superb occasion. Although, entries were bit thin at this first round due to some school commitments, we are excited about the club’s future. The next meeting will see bigger grids bolstered by several new members throughout the different classes.”