The anticipation is building as we approach the penultimate round of the 2023 Western Province Kart Championships, set to unfold at the iconic Killarney International Raceway on Saturday, the 28th of October.
Drivers are primed and ready to make their mark as they hone in on championship glory.
It looks like the Cape is preparing to whip up a windy weekend, setting the stage for an exciting race day. With the wind’s influence on slipstreaming during qualifying and the three intense races in each class, this round promises to be a spectacle of high-speed and tactical battles poised to make a world of difference.
Bambino (5th – 9th birthday)
Bambino is set to deliver another thrilling showdown this Saturday, as the young racers from Western Province gear up for an action-packed day on the track. Leading the charge is the formidable Michael O’Mahoney, who has been the dominant force in the class all season long. A solid performance on race day will likely secure his championship victory.
However, the competition won’t make it easy for O’Mahoney. Yaqeen Gamieldien and Radhi Harris, two rising Bambino stars, have demonstrated remarkable progress throughout the year. They’ve consistently pushed the limits of their skills and are ready to challenge for the top spot on Saturday.
As the race day unfolds, keep a close eye on other contenders like Slater Smith, Carter Cedras, Caleb Lingeveldt, and Jake Steyn. These talented young drivers are hungry for success and won’t hesitate to seize any overtaking opportunities that come their way. With their sights set on the leaders, they’re ready to make their mark in the class.
Ebrahim Khalfey and Jacques Lewis complete the roster of drivers this weekend. The stage is set for a day of intense racing. Get ready to witness the next generation of Cape Town’s racing talent.
Micro MAX (7th – 11th birthday)
Rotax Micro Max in 2023 has been nothing short of thrilling, and this weekend promises more of the same high-speed action on the track. Current Championship leader Liam Wharton is determined to maintain his edge as he sets his sights on a Regional Micro Max title. With his impressive form, Wharton will be tough to beat this weekend.
However, the competition is fierce, and two drivers who have consistently proven they have what it takes to challenge for victory are Michael O’Mahoney and Jayden van der Merwe who are not to be underestimated. Their hard work and incredible talent have made them formidable contenders, and they are ready to give Wharton a run for his money.
Adding to the excitement are other talents like Carter Cedras, Zac Hindley, and Ruan Lewis, who have been steadily improving with each race. Their growing skill and experience will come into play this weekend.
The competition further down the field comes from the Reddi brothers, Ashaan and Kiyaan and they must keep a close eye on lady raceer, Mia Hermanus. The battle for the podium promises to be intense, and every driver will be pushing themselves in pursuit of victory.
When the lights go out on Saturday, fans are in for a treat as they watch these youngsters do battle.
Mini Rok (8th – 13th birthday)
Mini Rok promises an exciting showdown of its own this weekend with a strong field of racers gearing up for battle. Leading the pack is the impressive Sebastiano Human, who has been setting the pace and remains the one to beat as he closes in on the 2023 title.
However, he won’t have it easy, as the Boshoff brothers, Max and Zac, are hot on his heels. These talented siblings have shown that they have the speed to challenge for victory, and they’re sure to give it everything on Saturday.
Several other contenders eager to make their mark are Aadiv Singh, Max Denisov, Ruhan Victor, Logan Roehrig, and Onwabile Mcinga who are all gunning for good results and looking to improve their standings in the championship. Ethan Azar, too, is another one to watch.
Adding to the field are the Reddi brothers, Ashaan and Kiyaan, who are joining the Mini Rok class for the first time.
Mini Rok promises intense racing action and the drivers are all primed to give their best come race day.
Mini MAX (9th – 13th birthday)
Rotax Mini Max has been the source of incredible racing throughout the year, delivering heart-pounding moments and intense on-track battles. Leading the charge has been Keagan Beaumont, who established himself as the dominant force early on in the season while his brother Aiden, recently joined the class with great success. However, fans will have to wait a bit to see the Beaumont brothers in action once again, as they’ve decided to support the Boks in Paris this weekend.
With the Beaumonts absent, the field is wide open, and a fierce battle for supremacy is expected. Keep an eye on Franco Bensch and Nicolas Lennox, who are poised to go head-to-head for the win. Bensch, a race winner earlier this season, will draw confidence from his past success and be a strong contender in a field of very talented youngsters.
Michael Danks and Matthew Roach are two more drivers who are eager to make their mark in Mini Max. Their efforts on and off the track make them contenders to watch, as they aim for wins and a place on the podium.
While the competition upfront will be fierce, don’t discount potential dark horse Zach McAuley, who has shown promise and could surprise with a strong result. Additionally, newcomer Mikko Arries is stepping into the class, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the level of talent in this category.
As the Mini Max drivers prepare for another thrilling day of racing at Killarney, fans can look forward to captivating battles this weekend.
Junior MAX (12th – 14th birthday)
The 2023 Junior Max season has been nothing short of incredible with incredible talent blooming from within the Cape Province.
Three standout contenders have emerged, and they are in red-hot form. William Marshall, Keagan Beaumont and Jordon Wadeley have been setting the track on fire lately, leaving spectators in awe. But Beaumont in Paris for the RWC Final and leaves the battle up to Marshall and Wadeley. It’s anyone’s guess what it will take to separate these two talented young men on Saturday. One thing is certain, though – they won’t have it easy.
James Nash is another formidable contender in Junior Max, sitting in a handy third place in the standings. He’s poised to make a move and will be closely followed by Ethan Deacon, who is eager to showcase his abilities. The competition hot, and both of them are hungry for a strong performance this weekend.
Adding to the excitement is the return of Joshua Smit, who will be looking to make a statement after his absence from the racing scene. Cole Hewetson, Anwill April, and Matthew Chiwara are also determined to leave their mark and secure a place on the podium. Chiwara, in particular, is on a comeback trail after a setback earlier this year in what has been an inspiring journey.
Junior Max gears up for another action-packed race day and fans can expect a battle of epic proportions.
Senior MAX (14th birthday +)
Rotax Senior Maxpromises to be a star-studded affair this weekend, with some of the best karting talents in the country ready to put on a show.
One of the biggest names in South African motorsport, Charl Visser, has recently been crowned the 2023 Polo Cup Champion. He’s making a return to regional karting and will be looking to continue his success. However, he won’t have it easy, as Matthew Wadeley and Ethan Stier have been in exceptional form, and they are both determined to secure a victory this weekend.
Tate Bishop, despite focusing more on the ANGRi Academy and his Polo Supa Cup endeavors this season, is a force to be reckoned with too. With three wins under his belt in his last outing, he’ll certainly be a contender at the sharp end of the field. Expect mere tenths of a second between this bunch.
Saturdy will also feature several drivers who have the potential to snatch a win on any given day. Julius Schwager, Gabriele Gazzilli, and Oliver Roach are all skilled and determined racers who can’t be counted out. Furthermore, the class welcomes the arrival of a Junior Max graduate, the talented Jude Stuart.
As raceday approaches, Senior Max promises an exhilarating showdown between some of South Africa’s best karters.
DD2 (15th birthday +) and DD2 Masters (32nd birthday +)
In the Premier class of gearbox racing, Rotax DD2, drivers are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle this weekend, with a strong field of 11 entries combined with the experienced DD2 Masters. The competition is bound to be intense, and fans can expect a fierce battle as these top-tier drivers go head-to-head.
The spotlight will be on the likes 2023 RMC DD2 Champion Sebastian Boyd, who has already proven his skills this season. Boyd will face stiff competition from Jason Coetzee and Joseph Oelz, both of whom are National Champions too.
Adding to the excitement is the recent addition of multiple Western Province Champion Reza Levy. His wealth of experience has found him right up with the front runners as he tries to make his mark this weekend.
Rest assured these boys won’t hold back, and fans can expect them to leave nothing on the track as they vie for top spot on Saturday.
The Cape DD2 Masters are gearing up for an intense showdown once again. Conor Hughes currently holds a narrow lead in the standings, but his biggest rival Jared Jordan is hot on his heels. With just under a month left in the season, it’s anyone’s guess who will ultimately be crowned champion, and this battle is expected to go down to the wire.
Jared Jordan is a formidable competitor, and determined to close the gap. Expect the fight for victory this weekend to be fierce as he goeshead-to-head with Hughes. Michael Jordan, another talented driver, is poised to be right there in the mix, and he could play a pivotal role in the outcome.
Niel Lambrechts has had an impressive season, currently sitting fourth in the standings. He’s shown his skills throughout the season and keen for a strong performance this weekend. Robert Peche, who missed the previous round, is eager to make up for lost ground and climb the ranks along with Andrew Thomas and Eugene Clark, the latter getting his first taste of DD2 racing in 2023.
Every race will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this years DD2 Masters Championship.
WP CLUBMANS
WP Clubmans is gearing up for another exciting race weekend, and all eyes will be on Luca Wehrli, who is expected to be the one to beat. However, a twist in the tale might await, as there are rumors that Wehrli may have to contend with using some older tires, potentially shaking up the competition, much like the unpredictable weather did in Round 6.
Sean Le Riche is currently sitting in second place in the standings, and he’s determined to keep his position secure. With PJ Garbutt, Christopher Flack, and Jade Smith hot on his heels, the fight for podium positions will undoubtedly be intense.
Ethan Rutter and talented female racer Jade Lanfear complete the grid, adding to the diversity and excitement of the WP Clubmans Class. As race day approaches, Clubmans is a must-watch for motorsport enthusiasts.
Conclusion
With so much talent on display, Round 7 of the 2023 WP Regional Kart Championships promises to be a memorable and action-packed affair. Motorsport enthusiasts are in for a treat in each class, so make sure to get down to Killarney International Raceway to see how things unfold at the Karting Section.
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Issued on behalf of Western Province Motor Club (WPMC)