Summarize

Mokoena stars in shock shifter debut

Last Wednesday, Kwanda Mokoena did not know that he would be racing in the opening round of the Northern Regions Rok Cup karting races at Zwartkops, let alone racing his first ever shifter kart race on Saturday. But come the end of the day, the young Kyalami lion had not only endured a baptism of fire, but he had also delivered a most impressive gearbox kart debut while he was at it.

“They only told me on Wednesday that I was racing a shifter kart for the first time this weekend!” Kwanda chuckled. “I went out in an old FA kart on Thursday for the first time and figured out how to deal with the gearbox and the extra brakes — that's probably the biggest challenge because shifter karts have disc brakes on the front wheel too, while regular karts only have the rear brake on the axle, so it takes a bit of getting used to.

“The brakes proved a challenge in the first race too —I overworked them and they overcooked, so let’s just put that one down to experience! “Race 2 was better — I started at the back and chased down some more experienced drivers and learned from them as I went to finish ninth. “But it all came together in the final in the wet and that really was a blast because I love racing in the rain!

“I started eighth but made a mistake and dropped back and had to fight back and by lap 8 I was up to fourth, “Unfortunately I missed a gear and lost a position, but no problem —  I'll take that fifth place with both hands, thank you very much. “That was such a cool race weekend — I learned a hell of a lot as we went and now with a bit of time I can prepare properly for the next round — bring it on!"

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Kwanda Mokoena

What:Northern Regions Rok Cup
Where:Zwartkops International Karting Raceway, Pretoria
When:Saturday 22 February 2020
Community:Gauteng Regional

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