Welcome to the pre-race report for Round 4 of the Western Province Kart Championships at Killarney International Raceway on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The stage is set for an exciting and challenging day of kart racing, with some unique factors at play. The weather forecast indicates that it will be a slippery day on the track, as rain is expected to make an appearance. This will undoubtedly add an extra element of unpredictability and excitement to the races.
Big grids are anticipated for this event, as a number of out-of-town drivers have made the trip to Cape Town to prepare for the Nationals. The competition is fierce, with Rotax Classes scoring important SARMC National points. The drivers will be vying for a chance to showcase their skills and make their mark on the racing scene.
Now, let’s delve into the pre-race reports for each class, highlighting the key contenders and their expectations for the upcoming races.
Bambino (5th – 9th birthday)
With 9 entries in the Bambino class, the competition promises to be intense. Yaqeen Gamieldien, the winner of the previous race, will be looking to maintain his winning streak. However, Michael O’Mahoney is determined to redeem himself, particularly in the challenging rainy conditions. Radhi Harris is another driver who has shown potential and is eager for another good result. Carter Cedras, known for his magic on wet tracks, will be one to watch closely. Slater Smith, Caleb Lingeveldt, Ebrahim Khalfey, Jake Steyn, and Luke du Toit, the only out-of-towner, complete the line-up.
Micro MAX (7th – 11th birthday)
The Micro Max class boasts 15 entries, and Liam Wharton, the previous winner, will face stiff competition from the talented National drivers from Johannesburg. Brodi Dowling and Rafael De Sousa are determined to leave their mark on the local circuit, while Michael Danks returns to Micro Max and poses a significant threat. Local drivers Jayden van der Merwe and Michael O’Mahoney have the opportunity to showcase their skills against the top National drivers on their home track. Ashaan Reddi, Kiyaan Reddi, Carter Cedras, Zac Hindley, Mia Hermanus, Ruben Gelderblom, Callum du Toit, Benjamin Gibhard, and Ronaldo Koen are all drivers capable of posing a challenge.
Kid Rok
In the Kid Rok class, we have a field of 6 talented drivers. Logan Roehrig and Zac Boshoff are local Cape Town drivers eager to prepare for nationals. Joining them from Gauteng are Kayde Cornoisky and Logan Billau, looking to dial in their lines before the upcoming Rok national event. From Namibia, JP Du Plooy and Kristopher Koudelka make the trip in anticipation of their entry into the Cape Town national.
Mini Rok (8th – 13th birthday)
In the Mini Rok class, 14 drivers will be vying for victory. Sebastiano Human and Max Boshoff will need to be on top of their game as out-of-town competitors arrive to battle it out. Mattao Mason, Madox Mason, and Manelisi Nkomo are young and talented drivers from Gauteng eager to make their mark. Daniel Arendse, Aashay Nagura, Aadiv Singh, Zac Boshoff, Ruhan Victor, Max Denisov, Logan Roehrig, Cecil Koorts, Sebastien Blignaut, and a mix of Namibian and local talent complete the field.
Mini MAX (9th – 13th birthday)
With 13 entries in the Mini Max class, the competition is fierce. Keagan Beaumont, the man to beat, will face a challenge from the likes of Michael Danks, and out-of-town speedsters, Emma Dowling, Caleb Odendaal, Kegan Martin, Franco Gibhard and Jesse Swart. Locals Nicholas Lennox and Franco Bensch will be keen to show what they can do, as will Aleksandar Praizovic, Zach McAuley, Cody Schultz, and Sebastian Geldenhuys who has made the trip from KZN to get some pre Cape Town national running action in.
Junior MAX (12th – 14th birthday)
The Junior Max class features a massive 15-strong entry list, promising a captivating showdown. Reese Koorzen will need to be in top form to emerge as the winner, facing tough competition from locals William Marshall, Joshua Smit, Jordon Wadeley and Keagan Beaumont while James Nash, Cole Hewetson and Ethan Deacon will be after a good showing. Anwill April rounds out the list of Cape Town drivers. Notably, 2022 Rotax Grand Finalist Wian Boshoff will be in town, as will Kent Swartz, Georgia Lenaerts, Mauro Da Luz, Gianna Pascoal, and Jonno Wilson. This talented bunch of out-of-town drivers are aiming to leave their mark ahead of the RMC National in a months time.
Senior MAX (14th birthday +)
Eleven highly skilled elite chain-driven specialists will battle it out in the Senior Max class. Charl Visser will lead the way, alongside GTC driver Andrew Rackstraw and locals Matthew Wadeley, Ethan Stier, Storm Lanfear and Zac Laden. Meanwhile, Olerato Sekudu and Muhammad Wally will be in town and keen to show what they are made of against Cape Towns’ elite. Rounding out the grid are Lucas Aladag, Gabriele Gazzilli, and Ashton Repsold, who makes a welcome return to regional racing.
DD2 (15th birthday +) and DD2 Masters (32nd birthday +)
In the DD2 class, which combines with the Masters category, 15 drivers will showcase their skills, making it an event of international calibre. Sebastian Boyd, Joseph Oelz and Jason Coetzee will have multiple national champion Bradley Liebenberg and Kian Grottis in town. These top-quality drivers are expected to engage in a fierce battle for the lead. Jaden Jacobs and Reza Levy will also be vying for strong performances.
MASTERS
In the DD2 Masters class, seven experienced drivers will compete. Jared Jordan is the man in form, but he will have Conor Hughes hellbent on swinging that his way. Michael Jordan will be keen for a good race day, as will Neville Chapman and Niel Lambrechts who anticipate their first taste of wet racing. Along with Johan Hamman and Andrew Thomas, all are eager for success. If it rains, expect a great drive from Johan Hamman, an experienced master in wet conditions.
WP CLUBMANS
In the WP Clubmans class, eight drivers will compete for top honours. Luca Wehrli, with his international experience in both wet and dry conditions, is expected to dominate the field. Sean le Riche and PJ Garbutt were in top form at the last round and will be eager for more of the same. Christopher Flack and Jade Smith are also prepped and ready to challenge on Saturday. Jason McArthur makes a welcome return while Storm Lanfear will bring a wealth of experience and make hispresence known.
Conclusion
As we conclude the pre-race report, the weather predictions indicate a slippery day on the track, with rain expected. This will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the races. With a multitude of talented drivers from both the local and out-of-town scenes, this weekend promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive event at Killarney International Raceway. So, buckle up and get ready for an exhilarating day of kart racing. Don’t forget your umbrella.
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Issued on behalf of Western Province Motor Club (WPMC)