2022 National Junior MAX Champion KC Ensor-Smith will be looking to become one of only a few drivers to win consecutive national titles in two different classes this weekend as the fourth and final round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge concludes what will be a compelling 2023 Senior MAX season.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy’s Ensor-Smith has had a challenging rookie season but still maintains a slender lead in the championship. Ahead of Muhammad Wally by 4.1 points, the Witbank teenager bounced back from a bruising opening round at Idube Kart Raceway to score a hat trick of wins at the Benoni round. Those wins comprise three of the four he recorded this season along with a sole podium finish. Ensor-Smith must make the most of his opportunities with four scoring heats to count this weekend and ensure he finishes ahead of his competition should he want to be crowned the Senior MAX champion in his rookie season.
“It is certainly a tight championship which will likely go down to the final heat,” stated Ensor-Smith. “The entire season has been extremely competitive and, at times, somewhat aggressive. But it is what I’ve come to expect at this level, with everyone eager to win. Qualifying will play an important role as you want to be as close to the front as possible if not on pole, especially at Zwartkops. All focus will be on setting the kart up as well as possible and then do our best, hoping it will be enough to take the title.”
Thursday and Friday will see official practice, with a Qualifying Session on Friday afternoon. Saturday will see the business end of the weekend and four race heats. While entry to the circuit is free, you can still catch the action live on YouTube by tapping the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/@sarotaxmaxchallenge3045/streams
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: KC Ensor-Smith
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