Welcome to the pre-race report for the highly anticipated kickoff of the 2024 Western Province Kart Championships!
Set to commence this Saturday with Regional Round 1, this weekend promises to be nothing short of spectacular. With a lineup featuring some of the most prominent names in regional karting, this season opener is poised to be a blockbuster affair.
Expectations are running high as local WPMC (Western Province Motor Club) karters gear up to face off against a formidable array of out-of-town competitors spanning various classes. The competition is set to be fierce, providing electrifying entertainment both on and off the track.
As the first round of the championships unfolds, drivers and spectators alike are eagerly anticipating the battles that will unfold, knowing that success here could set the tone for the upcoming national Rotax Max and Rok events scheduled for March. Indeed, all signs point to an unforgettable weekend filled with adrenaline-pumping action.
BAMBINO
Cape Town karting enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating track action from the Bambino class of 2024, and this weekend promises to showcase some serious talent. Leading the charge are familiar faces such as Radhi Harris, Yaqeen Gamieldien, Caleb Lingeveldt, Slater Smith, and Ebrahim Khalpey. These young drivers are determined to build upon the skills they honed last season and make a mark in this new campaign.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Aston Verheul, fresh off his recent karting triumph at Zwartkops, is ready to take on the challenge alongside Luan de Wet, the 2023 Bambino National Runner-up. Making the journey from Gauteng, both Verheul and de Wet are primed to showcase their skills on the Killarney stage.
MICRO MAX
Killarney Raceway is set to ignite once again Rotax Micro Max roars into action. Among the contenders is none other than the reigning champion, Michael O’Mahoney, eager to kickstart his title defence campaign on a high note. However, standing in his way are formidable opponents in Liam Wharton and joining him are seasoned campaigners like Jayden van der Merwe, Slater Smith, Jake Steyn, and Kiyaan Reddi, each armed with a wealth of experience. Adding to the mix is the talented Mia Hermanus, proving that karting knows no gender boundaries as she aims to make her mark among the top contenders.
Amidst the seasoned veterans, there are newcomers poised to shake up the status quo. Qaanit Doutie prepares for his Micro Max debut, while Bambino sensation Luan de Wet steps up to the challenge, eager to showcase his talents in the higher class.
MINI ROK
As Mini Rok gears up for an exhilarating showdown this weekend, a stellar lineup of drivers are ready to vie for victory. Leading the charge are the formidable Boshoff Brothers, Max and Zac, determined to assert their dominance early in the season. However, they face stiff competition from another dynamic duo, Kiyaan and Ashaan Reddi, who are poised to give the Boshoffs a run for their money.
Keeping the frontrunners on their toes are challengers like Aadiv Singh, Ruhan Victor, and Logan Roehrig, each eager to make their mark on the track and challenge for podium positions while adding to the excitement are the influx of out-of-town drivers, who are set to shake up the local competition. Declan Jurgens, Jose Slamet, Maddox Mason, Sebastian Blignaut, Noah Cronje, Kayde Kornofsky, Alanzo Dias, and Ronald Venter bring with them a wealth of talent and experience, promising to make it an action-packed day for the locals.
MINI MAX
Rotax Mini Max is packed with a lineup of talented drivers ready to lead the charge this weekend. None more so than the dynamic duo of Aiden Beaumont and Michael Danks, determined to make a statement and secure an early advantage in the championship race. They’ll face fierce competition from contenders like Ashaan Reddi, Zac Hindley, Ruan Lewis, and Zach McAuley, all of whom possess the talent to challenge for valuable points this weekend. Keep a close eye on these drivers as they navigate the day’s racing.
Adding to the excitement is the karting debut of Andrew Retter, who has been diligently preparing for his big day and is eager to showcase his potential. Joining the local contingent are drivers from Gauteng, including Thanduyise Nhlapo, Rafael de Sousa, Ronaldo Koen, and Ruvan Maritz. Making the journey to the Cape, these drivers are not only looking to make their mark in this weekend’s race but also to hone their skills in preparation for national duty later next month.
OKJ
Get ready for an explosion of talent and excitement as the brand-new OKJ Class takes to the track for the 2024 season. With a lineup packed full of promising young drivers, expect nothing short of fireworks as they battle it out for glory.
Leading the charge are top talents like William Marshall, Reese Koorzen, and Aaron Mason, each hungry for success and determined to make their mark in the Class. They’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Matthew Chiwara, Max Denisov, Aleksandar Praizovic, and Ashay Nagura, all of whom are familiar with what it takes to succeed.
Adding to the mix is newcomer Caleb Cupido, who is eager to prove himself among the seasoned competitors. But the challenge doesn’t stop there, as a strong contingent of out-of-town drivers joins the fray, including Manelisi Nkomo, Gianna Pascoal, Sebastian Dias, Mattao Mason, Jack Moore, Wian Boshoff, and Jesse Swart. With a packed entry list of drivers who know what it takes to vie for victory, this race promises non-stop action and entertainment for fans throughout the day.
JUNIOR MAX
Rotax Junior Max is renowned for its fiercely competitive field of drivers, and the 2024 season promises to be no exception. Leading the charge are seasoned frontrunners Keagan Beaumont, Jordon Wadeley, and James Nash, who will need to showcase their top form to fend off their determined rivals.
Among those vying for victory are challengers like Nicholas Lennox, Anwill April, and 2023 WP Mini Rok champion Sebastiano Human, all eager to make their mark in the Junior Max class. Adding to the mix is newcomer Onwabile Mcinga, whose entry adds an exciting dynamic as he looks to get up to speed.
The locals won’t have it easy, as they’ll have to contend with formidable competitors from up-country. Sebastian Dias, Georgia Lenaerts, Christian Verheul, Luke Hill, Caleb Moss, and Keagan Martin are just some of the names poised to shake up the standings and challenge for top honours this weekend.
With such a diverse and talented field of drivers, the battle for supremacy in Junior Max is wide open this weekend. Expect nothing short of thrilling wheel-to-wheel action from this lot.
SENIOR MAX
Leading the Senior Max charge is none other than 2023 Polo Cup Champion Charl Visser, whose presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition as he aims to defend his Senior Max WP Title. However, his participation remains uncertain due to recent racing commitments in Europe, leaving many eagerly awaiting confirmation.
Regardless of Visser’s status, spectators are in for a spectacle as the grid is brimming with talent in this premier Rotax chain-driven category. Among the high-profile names are Tate Bishop, a seasoned Supa Cup driver, and F1600 driver Storm Lanfear, both bring years of experience to the mix.
Expect formidable competition from the likes of Zac Laden, Cole Hewetson, and Gabriele Gazzilli, all of whom are determined to make their mark on the track with a solid showing this weekend. Additionally, keep an eye out for Ethan Deacon and Luca Wehrli, who have transitioned to the Senior Max class and are expected to make swift progress as they adapt to the new challenge.
Adding to the excitement is the karting debut of young talent Zimvo Majova.
Get ready for an unforgettable day of racing in Senior Max.
DD2 & DD2 MASTERS
Rotax DD2 is renowned for showcasing some of South Africa’s finest racing talents, and this weekend promises to deliver skill and competition of the highest order. With national champions and world finalists among its ranks, the class boasts an impressive lineup of drivers ready for action this weekend.
Leading the charge are Sebastian Boyd and Joseph Oelz, both seasoned competitors who are no strangers to success on the track. However, they’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Jason Coetzee, who arrives fresh off a recent victory in Gauteng and is hungry for more success.
Adding to the excitement are newcomers Ethan Stier and Matthew Wadeley, who are stepping up from Senior Max to test their skills in this highly competitive shifter class. Their presence adds an intriguing dynamic to the competition, as both are regional champions who know what it takes to win.
In the Masters division, all eyes will be on Jared Jordan and Conor Hughes as they likely resume their battle from last year. With both drivers pushing each other to the limit in 2023, expect another intense showdown between them. However, they’ll face tough competition from the likes of experienced racer Bjorn Roos and a returning Roy Gruer, who are sure to keep them on their toes throughout the weekend and don’t count out quality drivers like Michael Jordan and Robert Peche, both highly experienced and keen to make an impact.
WP CLUBMANS
The WPMC Karting Section gets ready for another thrilling season of action-packed racing as the WP Clubmans class returns in full force for 2024. With a mix of new faces, familiar contenders, and even some famous names, fans can expect nothing short of entertaining battles in Cape Town’s most renowned club racing championship.
Leading the charge is Sean Le Riche, aiming to continue his dominance from the previous season and set the pace. However, he’ll face stiff challenges from the likes of Christopher Flack, PJ Garbutt, and Jade Smith, all determined to get on over the Chairman.
Stepping into big shoes is Andy Wehrli, taking over the reins in the Clubmans class after his son’s impressive performance last season and subsequent move to the Rotax Senior Max class. Andy is determined to uphold the family name and make his mark but will have to contend with the likes of Brendan Lennox, bringing his experience from DD2 and main circuit racing to the table, along with newcomers Ryan Eastwood and Alex Lepelley.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Keep an eye on GTC driver Julian van der Watt and Formula 1600 ace Andrew Schofield, both expected to feature prominently, providing a great opportunity for the rest of the class to test their skills against some of the best drivers in the country.
With Round 1 of the Western Province Regional Karting Championships just around the corner, anticipation is at an all-time high. Capetonians are eager to secure crucial regional points while travelling drivers aim to impress ahead of the upcoming National events in March. With such a mix of talent and ambition, Saturday promises to deliver an unforgettable showcase of karting excellence. Don’t miss out on the action, as drivers hit the track for official practice on Friday, followed by qualifying and three intense, action-packed races on Saturday. See you there for what is sure to be a thrilling day of racing!
Published by: Racebook
Photography by: Motorsport Fanatix
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