Defending national Mini MAX Champion Caleb Odendaal will head to the Zwartkops Kart Raceway, Gauteng, this weekend determined to retain his title as the final round of the 2023 South African Rotax MAX Challenge concludes.
Currently ranked first in the points standings, Odendaal has had a solid season, winning a heat at every round. The highlight, however, was his clean sweep during Round 2 at one of his favourite circuits, Formula-K Kart Circuit in Benoni, Gauteng. Continuing his strong form in Round 3, he beat out some more favoured local drivers in Cape Town to finish first overall and add another two victories to the four he had already achieved. With six wins from nine heats, the 11-year-old Eastern Cape resident has opened up a 31.17 points advantage over his closest rival and could take the title without risking too much this weekend. Should he triumph, it will be Odendaal’s third national title in four seasons.
“With the final round just days away, I am nervously excited,” stated Odendaal. “Everything we have been doing, the laps, the training, the travelling, the late nights; it’s all been for this weekend. My family have sacrificed so much for me to be in this position, and I need to reward them with a strong performance this weekend. The team have also been phenomenal, and they deserve the accolades. But when the visor goes down, we will treat it like another race weekend, giving our best on every lap, hoping for the best outcome.”
Thursday and Friday will see official practice, with a Qualifying Session on Friday afternoon. Saturday will see the business end of the weekend with 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
Odendaal thanks his sponsors; Legend Motors, Mpekweni Beach Resorts, NTT VW East London, Motronix and WORR Motorsport.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Caleb Odendaal
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