Alonzo de Oliveira delivered a committed performance at the opening round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge at Killarney Kart Circuit, securing second place despite challenging conditions and an illness. The young Stretto Racing driver, of Portuguese descent, arrived at one of his least favourite circuits with confidence, ready to fight at the front.
De Oliveira made an early statement in qualifying, securing second on the grid. He carried that momentum into the first heat, where he delivered a commanding drive to take victory. However, the second race proved more difficult as light rain made conditions unpredictable, with the field already committed to slick tyres. Opting for a cautious approach, he settled for fourth place.
Starting fifth in the final race, Alonzo demonstrated his resilience, carving his way through the pack to finish in third place. His consistent performance across the heats secured him second place overall for the day, just a single point behind the early championship leader.
“I knew this weekend would be tough, but I’m really happy with the way we fought through it,” said Alonzo.“ The changing conditions, combined with not feeling 100%, made it a challenge, but the team provided me with a great kart, and we made the most of every opportunity. Leaving here just one point off the championship lead is a great start to the season.”
With a strong foundation set in the opening national round, Alonzo will now focus on Round 2 of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit on 5 April 2025.
Alonzo is backed by Y2K Germiston, MSLB Projects, Amigos Portugueses, Freddy Hirsch, S.Y. Wholesale Butchery, Hercules Foods, Hercules Sauces, and HPP.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Alonzo de Oliveira
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