A notable segment of Rok Cup South Africa is the OK-J category. This category is a kart racing class for top drivers aged 11 to 14, and its where future stars compete and F1 drivers have competed.
The OK-J category is no child’s play. The engines in these karts produce an impressive 26–27 hp (19–20 kW), and the minimum weight, including kart and driver, is 145 kg. This is a direct-drive class which has no gear change, no clutch, no starter, and no battery. The driver cannot rely on a clutch during entry or exit of the corner. Competition is fierce, with Regional, National, and European championships, a World Cup, as well as Oceania and Asia-Pacific championships.
The 2024 Winner of the OK-J category not only gets the glory of winning but also finds themselves competing at the prestigious FIA Academy Trophy in 2025. The winner also secures a seat at the Rok Cup Super-Final, a grand event that sees over 300 drivers from all over the world. It’s not just about winning a race; it’s about earning a chance to compete on global platforms.
This past weekend, we witnessed some fantastic skill from our racers. Wian Boshoff from Worr Motorsport, our 2023 OK-J champion, proved his dominance at the FIA Academy Trophy in France, finishing off with a 2nd step on the podium. His achievement is a testament to the caliber of racers that Rok Cup South Africa produces. Ethan Lennon competed in the European Championship in France, managing multiple top 10 finishes in the heat races but sadly crashed out in the pre-final.
Several of our past OK-J Rokkers have made South Africa proud on international platforms. Mika Abrahams won the Rokit British F4 at Donington Park. Jarrod Waberski finished 6th at the British GB3 race at Silverstone. Leyton Fourie secured P5 at the ADAC GT4 in Germany. Kwanda Mokoena and Joseph Ellerine competed in the ADAC GT Masters at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben in Germany. These achievements are a testament to the skills, determination, and talent that these young drivers possess. They have not only made their nation proud but have also set a benchmark for future racers.
Rok Cup South Africa wishes all our fellow racers a big congratulations. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing you reach greater heights. Keep racing, keep dreaming, and keep making South Africa proud!
As we celebrate the past and present achievements, we are also excited for the future. Rok Cup South Africa is dedicated to nurturing more talent and producing more champions. The thrill, the excitement, the determination, and the glory continue in the world of Rok Cup South Africa.
Stay tuned to witness more fantastic racing, more thrilling moments, and more champions being born. The track is ready. The racers are ready. Are you ready to witness the next chapter in the exciting world of Rok Cup South Africa? Next event 17 to 18 May 2024 at Vereeniging Kart Circuit.
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Published by Cindy van der Laan
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