OK-N rookie Mikel Bezuidenhout bounced back from an opening heat DNF to record a brace of podiums and finish fourth overall at MSA’s second-to-last round of the ROK Cup National Karting Championship on August 5.
During his practice on Friday, Bezuidenhout experienced an engine failure while driving his Vivo Mobile/MTN Cosmo Net kart. Fortunately, the NBR Racing Team was there to assist, and they quickly changed the engine, allowing the young Johannesburg driver to continue with a full day of practice.
After qualifying in fifth on Saturday, Bezuidenhout was confident of a strong showing with some good pace the day before. Unfortunately, his enthusiasm was dampened when he was forced to sit out Heat 1 due to an incident during the first lap. With no starters on the OK-N karts and marshals unable to assist drivers in rejoining the race, Bezuidenhout became a spectator.
He showed great boldness in Heats 2 and 3 and overcame multiple challenges for the position, ultimately finishing in second and third place, respectively.
“Walking away with two podium results at a national is a pretty good feeling considering the calibre of competition here today. The class is starting to bunch up more as it grows and that bodes well. If we keep this momentum going a win could be on the cards soon,” said Bezuidenhout.
While the final national round of the ROK Cup is scheduled for the Vereeniging Kart Circuit on September 23, Bezuidenhout returns to compete in Round 4 of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge at the Zwartkops Kart Raceway on August 25-26.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Mikel Bezuidenhout
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