South Africa takes on the World – Rotax Racing Club International Final

South Africa takes on the World. Team SA Heads to the Inaugural Rotax Racing Club International Finals at Silverstone

South Africa will be proudly represented on the world stage this week as a six-strong team of karting competitors makes the journey to the United Kingdom to compete in what promises to be a landmark moment in motorsport history.

The inaugural Rotax Racing Club (RRC) International Finals takes place over two days at the brand new world-class karting circuit at Silverstone, from Friday 29 to Saturday 30 May 2026, hosted by Club100 in cooperation with BRP-Rotax. The RRC Team Trophy follows on Sunday 31 May 2026. Known worldwide as the Home of Motorsport, Silverstone offers outstanding infrastructure, international accessibility, and a unique racing atmosphere.

The events will use the Silverstone Karting Grand Prix Layout — the circuit’s premier configuration, measuring approximately 1,377 metres with 18 corners, combining fast, flowing sections with demanding technical sequences that reward precision, consistency, and racecraft.

A Historic First for South African Club Karting

The RRC International Finals is a brand-new special event created to bring together the top talent from arrive-and-drive Rotax-powered championships around the world, representing the pinnacle of individual drivers racing in the world of high-performance arrive-and-drive. For South Africa, the opportunity to be part of this inaugural edition makes the occasion all the more special.

The Juniors: Future Stars of South African Karting

Leading the charge for the next generation are two talented 13-year-olds who will contest the Junior Super Lightweight category.

Zuan Breytenbach (#43), from Gauteng, has been making his mark in Junior Max at both club and regional level. Alongside him is Aiden Beaumont (#76), who races Junior Max at regional level out of Cape Town. Both young drivers will be stepping onto the circuit carrying the South African flag on one of the world’s most iconic motorsport stages is no small feat for drivers still in their early teens.

The Seniors: Experience Meets Passion

In the Senior Lightweight class, South Africa will be represented by Lisa Mingay (#18), who races F400 in KwaZulu-Natal. A school teacher by profession, Lisa brings a unique combination of dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit to the grid — qualities that have clearly served her well both in the classroom and on the kart circuit.

Lining up in the Senior Heavyweight class is Derek Martin (#19), a Gauteng-based F400 competitor who adds further depth and experience to the South African contingent.

Completing the Senior Heavyweight lineup is Alistair Mingay (#27), Lisa’s husband, who brings a wealth of karting knowledge to the team. A former DD2 Masters competitor and long-serving KZN Kart Club chairman, Alistair’s experience at the organisational and competitive levels of the sport makes him an invaluable member of the squad.

The Team Trophy: Kart #39 — Level Up Karting

Beyond the individual races, South Africa will also have a presence in the RRC Team Trophy on Sunday 31 May, an inaugural team event bringing together international teams from around the world. South Africa’s entry, kart #39 — racing under the banner of Level Up Karting — will be one of 37 teams competing for team honours.

Because the junior competitors fall below the weight threshold required for team eligibility, the team will be anchored by its more experienced members. Joining the lineup is Steve Beaumont, father of junior driver Aiden. Together with Alistair, Derek, and Lisa, the Level Up Karting entry represents the best of South African club karting spirit: a team built on family, community, and a genuine love of the sport.

Coming Home: The Rotax Racing Club Launches in South Africa

The trip to Silverstone is not just a celebration of where South African karting is — it is a glimpse of where it is going.

The Rotax Racing Club South Africa is set to officially launch in July 2026, bringing the same arrive-and-drive format that has captured the imagination of motorsport fans around the world to our own shores. The programme will begin at Zwartkops Raceway with the Cadet category, catering to young drivers aged 7 to 12 years old, using a fleet of 10 CRG Black Mirror karts powered by the Rotax E10 engine.

Then, in September 2026, the fleet expands with 12 CRG Level Up karts powered by the iconic Rotax Junior Max engine, opening the doors to drivers aged 13 and older.

The arrive-and-drive model means aspiring racers simply show up with their helmet and race gear — no kart ownership, no setup headaches, no mechanical bills. Just pure, competitive racing on equal machinery.

Keep an eye on Karting South Africa channels for updates from Silverstone and more information on how to get involved in the Rotax Racing Club South Africa when it launches at Zwartkops in July 2026.