In a historic move for African motorsport, Zimbabwe is set to participate in the first-ever African Karting Cup (AKC), hosted by South Africa from February 15 to 17, 2024. The event, taking place at the Formula-K Kart circuit in Benoni, is poised to be a significant milestone, shining a spotlight on African talent in the sport of karting.
The African Karting Cup will feature 40 of the continent’s finest karting talents from over 15 countries, including Angola, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This lineup promises a thrilling competition as participants vie for top honors in this groundbreaking event.
Cindy Van Der Laan, the Rok Cup South Africa promoter, explains that the AKC will feature two classes – OK-N and OK-J – in an arrive and drive format. Additionally, a mini Rok invitational event will be introduced. The unique aspect of this format is the equal playing field it creates; all competitors in each class will use identical OTK chassis and Vortex pool engines, randomly drawn. This approach emphasizes skill and talent over equipment advantages, making the competition fiercely competitive and fair.
Adding to the intrigue, the track layout will remain a secret until the opening day of the event, further leveling the playing field and challenging the drivers’ adaptability and skills.
Karting is widely recognized as the foundation of motorsport, a starting point for nurturing young talent. South Africa has a history of producing skilled karting talents who compete at the FIA level in Europe, like Ethan Lennon, Enzo Rujugiro, Luviwe Sambudla, and Nikolas Roos. Adrian Scholtz, CEO of Motorsport South Africa, notes that many top motorsport drivers began their journey in karting, highlighting the sport’s significance in developing future champions.
South Africa’s representation in the AKC will include Muhammad Wally, Niko Zafiris, and Mikel Bezuidenhout in the OK-N class, with Sebastian Dias, Wian Boshoff, and William Marshall competing in the OK-J class. African competitors to watch include Zimbabwe’s Zaydaan Savania in the OK-J class and Jaedon Masiyanise in the OK-N class, along with other promising talents from Madagascar, Namibia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
The stakes are high, as the winners of the OK-N class will advance to the global FIA Karting World Cup in Europe, while the OK-J class victors will earn automatic entry into the 2025 African Karting Cup. The Mini Rok invitational winner will secure a spot in the prestigious Super Final in Italy in October.
The AKC represents a significant opportunity for African karting talents to showcase their skills on an international stage. It serves as a stepping stone for aspiring motorsport professionals and highlights the rich pool of talent within the continent. As Van Der Laan concludes, karting is the gateway to motorsport dreams, and the AKC is an ideal platform to discover the extent of African talent in this exciting sport.
Zimbabwe’s participation in this event is a testament to the growing interest and development in motorsport across the African continent. The AKC not only serves as a competitive arena but also as a cultural exchange, bringing together diverse nations through the shared passion for karting. As the event draws near, excitement builds for what promises to be a landmark event in African motorsport history.
