EPIC RACING OPENS RMC NORTHERN REGIONS SEASON

 

Multiple winners emerged amidst intense competition at Zwartkops’ Round 1 of the Northern Regions RMC karting season.

The Gauteng Season Opener showcased thrilling races and revealed new contenders vying for the top spots. Anticipation for the 2024 season soared as entries increased by a third compared to the previous year, with nearly every class witnessing shared heat victories.

DD2 & DD2 MASTERS

Nicolaos Vostanis seized victory in the opening heat and ultimately claimed the day’s triumph, capitalizing on a slow start by DD2 veteran and multiple SA champion Bradley Liebenberg. Liebenberg staged a remarkable comeback with consecutive wins in the second and third heats, securing second place. Olerato Sekudu emerged victorious from a fierce seven-way battle for third place, edging out competitors like Dusan Radojevic, Karabo Malemela, Jason Coetzee, Sebastian de Villiers, Jorden Moodley, and Masters contender Bjorn Roos.

SENIOR MAX

Senior Max saw intense action with sixteen karts on the grid, where neither overall winner Kent Swartz nor runner-up Kian Spies managed to secure a heat win on their path to the top podium places. Muhammad Wally, the standout performer among heat winners, clinched third place after triumphing in the first race. The field also featured strong performances from Ethan Bostander, Mauro Da Luz, Roshaan Goodman, Jonno Wilson, and Liam Polome.

JUNIOR MAX

In Junior Max, Kegan Martin claimed victory after dominating a single high school heat, while Georgia Lenaerts secured second place. Luke Hill, who won the first and second races, encountered issues in the final race, allowing Martin to capitalize on the opportunity. Gianna Pascoal secured fourth place ahead of Junior Max rookies Reagile Spice Mailula, Rafael Da Silva, Amani Kinyua, and Sebastian Dias.

MINI MAX

Brodi Dowling asserted dominance in Primary School Mini Max, securing victory in all three races. Ronaldo Koen battled for second place against challengers Durelle Goodman and Tshepang Shisinwana. The rest of the top positions were occupied by Rafael De Sousa, Callum du Toit, Zaydaan Hussain, and Kiyaan Reddi.

MICRO MAX

Matthew Shuttleworth showcased impressive performances in the under-11 Micro Max class, winning two races and securing the day’s victory. Adriaan Steyn and Luke du Toit followed closely, with Luhan de Wet clinching victory in the second race. The competitive field also featured strong showings from Retlotleng Thekiso, Alessio Britz, Rendani Netshimboni, and Rumaan Hussain.

BAMBINO

Sebastien Shuttleworth dominated the baby Bambino category with two wins, securing the day’s victory. Alonzo De Oliveira and surprise race 1 winner Radhi Harris from Cape Town completed the podium. The rest of the field, including Aston Verheul, Kiaan Pillay, Enzokuhle Ncwane, Liam de Beer, and Raphael D’Arielli, showcased promising talent in a field of 13 baby karts.

With Round 1 concluded RMC South Africa now gears up for the highly anticipated South African National and wildcard African Open at Killarney in Cape Town on March 22-23.