Summarize

Alibhai's back-to-back African titles

Ormonde, Johannesburg karting sensation Aqil Alibhai has done it again! Alibhai has taken back-to-back African Open Junior Max wins to book himself a berth to represent South Africa in his second Rotax Junior Max Grand Finals on the trot in Italy in October. 

Alibhai overcame the finest under-15 high school racers in the country to deliver a masterful win in Sunday’s Open in Vereeniging. “What can I say, we've done it again!” an elated Aqil confirmed. “We're off to Italy to race in the world championship of Rotax Max karting in October and with last year’s experience under my belt, I’m really looking forward to making the best of this opportunity.

“Sunday was super tough — I put it on pole Saturday evening, but it was never going to be easy. “The trick in this race is to keep the kart and the tyres as strong as possible for the final, while also being sure to keep close enough to the front after the second heat, which results determine the final grid, so it’s a bit of a balancing act. “I won the first race and ended up fourth in race 2, so started the final from fourth on the grid.

“It was all about the first few laps, so I made my move early and passed Leyton Fourie for the lead on lap 2 and from there it was just a matter of keeping Leyton, Tate Bishop and Ethan Coetzee behind. "I pulled it off, even if there was just a half second between all of us at the flag!"

Alibhai has a wealth of international experience behind him in spite of his tender age, with a season racing in England and in Europe in 2016, topped by more overseas forays culminating in last year’s Max Grand Finals “I am fortunate to have my dad’s support and a great team around me — I intend to make you all proud in Italy — I can't wait — bring it on!”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Aqil Alibhai

What:Rotax Max African Open Report
Where:Vereeniging Kart Track
When:Sunday 7 July 2019
Community:South Africa National

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