Summarize

Third generation Durbanville racer Kai van Zijl is keen to continue in his recently found winning ways at the third-round Western Province Karting Championship races at the Killarney kart track this weekend. 2017 is proving a watershed year for 12-year old Kai following his dominant victory in the under-13 Mini Max class last time out at Killarney before ending a strong second at the first national up in Vereeniging.

“I have had a very good start to the season both in the SA National and WP Regional Championships this year,” Kai admitted. “We won last time at Killarney so the pressure is on to do the same on Saturday. “It won’t be easy but we will be doing our best to pull it off — I have some pretty quick and determined rivals who have now painted a target on my back!

"We have an excellent team at SAKRA and my Kosmic was quick in testing again thanks to my dad and uncle Wesleigh Orr’s great efforts. “I also need to thank auntie Joy Dolinschek, Thando and the team at SAKRA for all their efforts — now it’s up to me to reward them again. “Let’s do this!

Kai’s grandpa Oom Vam raced oval track and speedway for many years, while dad Aldrin is a former WP GTi Challenge champion. Kai started racing karts in Cadets in 2011 and ended up second in the WP championship the following year before moving up to Maxterino, where he steadily improved to end up third in the WP and sixth in the SA championships last year. Van Zijl was quickly on the pace in Mini Max where he now poses a formidable championship prospect.