14 – 16 September Date, Franciacorta – With 128 drivers in OK-Junior and 104 in OK, the fifth and final round of the Champions of the Future Euro Series was a great success! The extravagance and showmanship once again confirmed the quality of the organisation by promoter RGMMC, as well as the choices made to make the competition exciting and attractive for drivers, teams, factories and manufacturers from around the world. The finale at Franciacorta was once again exhilarating to watch. Even nature got into the racing spirit, showcasing perfect weather conditions from Wednesday to Saturday.
With three weeks to go until the FIA Karting’s big finale, the event naturally had a World Championship flavour. From the start of Timed Practice, Luviwe Sambudla and the Kart Republic team were fully focused on this penultimate round of the Euro Series, with the aim of Luviwe being one of the finalists, or even scoring a place on the podium!
After an incredible showing by The 2021 Mini Rok South African Champion, Luviwe Sumbudla (RSA) finished in third place. It was unbelievable to watch as the young South African driver clawed his way through talented competitors from P16 in the Final to finish on the podium. Sadly, the joy of the moment was short-lived as the stewards awarded a late penalty, demoting the South African off the podium.
At just 14 years of age, Luviwe Sambudla has raised many eyebrows and grabbed the attention of many more experienced drivers in his racing class this year. Having only competed internationally since 2022 in the OKJ category, Luviwe was promoted to the OK category this year.
Since then, he has put on a spectacular showing, with his results including a podium finish with the Kart Republic team earlier this year. His Franciacorta race is by far one of the best we’ve seen from Luviwe, and his overall performance in his international karting career elevates the young African star to Position 21 in the Karting World Driver Rankings – a testimony of the Ican management program that finds, nurtures and promotes young athletes at the highest levels of motorsport competition.
Published by: Chantelle van Heerden
Picture Caption: This has been a fantastic Euro Series for Luviwe Sambudla, and he has learned immensely from all the races resulting in a podium finish in the final round.
Photography by: Wafe Photography
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