Zimbabwe: Five young kart racers will showcase their racing skills at the inaugural of African Karting Cup from February 15 to 17, 2024 at the Formula-K Kart circuit in Benoni.
It will be the largest chance for Zimbabwean kart racers to compete in a single race meeting outside of Zimbabwe and leave the country this week and will head to Zwartkops International Kart Track in South Africa for the first African Karting Cup.
In total, 40 of the finest participants from over 15 African countries, including Angola, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, will compete in the event.
Kart Sports Club chairman – Victor Shambare said that the five youngsters are all members of Kart Sports Club, which has been in existence for a year.
Chairman Shambare said, “We are very proud that we have been able to offer a competitive and enjoyable environment for our youngsters to thrive in and have the confidence and opportunity to compete at this level.”
The event is organised by ROK Cup South Africa and backed by the FIA, that aims to discover and support the next budding generation of racing talent in Africa.
Jaedon Masiyanise, Zaydaan Savania, Tawana Shambare, Yaseen Savania and Oliver Wellman are all eager to make their mark on the continental stage and represent their country in the prestigious competition.
Jaedon Masiyanise and Zaydaan Savania will compete in the senior OKN and junior OKJ classes. Whereas, Tawana Shambare, Yaseen Savania, and Oliver Wellman will showcase their skills in the mini ROK invitational race for 8 to 13-year-old children.
As per the sources, the kart racing event provides pathways into global competition that will also include wild card draws, for the FIA Karting World Cup OK-N and free African Karting Cup OK-N tickets, for OK-Junior winners.
The racers from Zimbabwe are all members of the Kart Sports Club, which has only been in existence for a year and has produced successful competitors. The participation in the event marks a significant milestone for the club and the motorsports community of the country.
The FIA vice-president for Sport for Africa – Rodrigo Ferreira Rocha said that the African Karting Cup is a great platform to highlight the region’s incredible talent.
Rocha said, “I’m pleased to see drivers from FIA Member Clubs across Africa participating this year. These events play a crucial role in doubling the motorsport participation and ensuring a strong future for our sport.”
ROK Cup Zimbabwe promoter and track owner – Kevin Dufty said that the past year they have had eight members competing outside the country in various events. “The events included the ROK world final, African Open, the South African Women in Motorsport camp and now these five competitors competing at the African Karting Cup.
Dufty added, “We really couldn’t be prouder of our young club and members’ achievements and with everyone keen to share their knowledge and experience, the future for the club and facility looks bright.”