Summarize

South African Karting crowned its first National Champion at Vereeniging’s Laserfiche Raceway on Saturday, when 13-year old Rivonia Primary Grade 7 lad Kwanda Mokoena drove a sensible race to second overall to clinch the Mini Rok title — his first and a very well deserved national title. Mokoena, who was on double duty on the weekend also scored well in the MSA Academy class, but his focus was squarely on that Mini Rok title prize.

“We had an awesome day!” Kwanda beamed. “I qualified second in Mini Rok and fifth in Academy and the day started very well with second in the first Academy heat where I also set the fastest lap time, but our main focus was on Mini Rok because this was a very important weekend for us there.

“I knew what I had to do — I arrived at Vereeniging in the championship lead, so was under no pressure to win any of my heats as long as I finished without incidents. “It was the most calculated drive I have ever driven and I am so grateful to God for being there to help me win the Cape Town and Zwartkops nationals too and now the SA Championship.

“Big thanks to my team Squadra Corse, my main guy and my biggest motivator Thabs. Thanks also to my mom and dad and my team boss Elijah and all those who supported me through this journey and not forgetting the other drivers who raced alongside me thank you very much I am honoured to have raced against such tough competitors.”

Kwanda must keep focus however — there is still unfinished business in the Northern Regions Mini Rok championship, which moves into the second half of its season once again at Vereeniging’s Laserfiche Raceway this weekend with Mokoena keen on making it a double title this year.