Mikel Bezuidenhout continued his preparation for the inaugural Investchem MSA4 single-seater championship with a strong showing in the Senior MAX regional competition at Formula-K Raceway on Saturday.
Despite his primary focus being on single-seaters this year, the Sandton teenager remains committed to karting to stay fit and sharp behind the wheel. No stranger to the competitive Senior MAX class, Mikel enters his third season with fresh motivation after joining the Xtreme Racing stable for 2025.
Known for his aggressive driving style and relentless pursuit of speed, Mikel approached the weekend eager to push his limits. Qualifying proved challenging as greasy track conditions made finding grip difficult initially. Despite this, Mikel fought through the tricky session to secure a mid-pack starting position. His determination was on display in Heats 1 and 2 as he worked his way through the field, finishing both races in fifth place. A more demanding final heat saw him cross the line in tenth, earning him sixth place overall for the day.
Reflecting on the event, Mikel was upbeat about his performance: “It was a good day of racing overall. The track was tricky during qualifying, which made it tough to get a clean lap, but we kept pushing. I had some great battles in the first two heats and managed to work my way up. The final heat was a bit tougher, but that’s racing. Every lap in the kart helps me stay sharp for the MSA4 championship, and I’m grateful to Xtreme Racing for the support.”
While karting remains a key part of his training regime, postponing the opening MSA4 round at Killarney International Raceway this weekend has opened a new opportunity for Mikel. He is set to debut in the GR Cup, a one-make series featuring equally prepared Toyota 86 cars driven by rising talents from the karting ranks. The series competes on the national tour and provides a crucial bridge from karting to circuit racing.
“I’m excited to jump into the Toyota 86 and experience a different type of racing,” Mikel added. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and continue improving. The skills I developed in Formula 1600 over the last season and now the GR Cup will help me when the MSA4 season finally kicks off.”
As Mikel balances his karting commitments with new challenges on the national stage, his relentless drive and adaptability make him a talent to watch in the coming season.
Mikel is backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Huawei Mobile South Africa.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Mikel Bezuidenhout
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