The biggest names in South African Karting will continue their battle for top honors in the ROTAX MAX Challenge Series, when the second inland round gets underway at the Bridgestone Zwartkops International Kart raceway this Saturday (June 07). –
– Zwartkops hosted the first round of the inland series in May and the ROTAX MAX Challenge class saw all the mega-stars in action. Gavin Cronje, the 2000 World Title holder, had the crowd on their feet as he fought his way from the back of the field. Fierce rivalry between Leeroy Poulter (Mercedes Benz Saloon car driver) and Robert Briggs (multiple karting champion) saw Poulter leave the track and Briggs excluded from a race. Bjorn Roos (1997 Formula Renault champion) lies second in the series and is one of many serious contenders. –
– 2003 World Final winner, Mark Cronje couldn’t make the first round as he was out winning his class for Toyota in his first national off-road event. Mark will be back this Saturday, to set the cat amongst the pigeons. –
– Following the outstanding success of the ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE World Finals held at Zwartkops in January 2003, the series has attracted massive support from the top competitors. Fields of 30 karts per class and a total of 180 competitors are expected to provide a seriously entertaining day. –
– The winners of the SA 2003 series in Junior ROTAX MAX, the ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE and MAX Masters will all participate in the World Finals in Sharm-el-Sheik, Egypt, in January 2004. South Africans have dominated this championship so far and the question is: can they keep it up? –
– The ROTAX MAX Challenge is a unique one-make series where all the competitors use identical 28 bHp sealed 125cc engines, specially developed Bridgestone YGK tyres and a chassis of their choice. The series is run in 35 countries and successful competitors from all over the world are invited to participate at an all expenses paid world final each year. –
– In a completely new development, the ROTAX MAX Challenge this year is extended to include the younger age group in the World Final. Drivers from around the world between the ages of 13 and 17 years old participating in the series using the ROTAX JUNIOR MAX engine will have an opportunity of participating in a ROTAX MAX JUNIOR World Final. –
– South Africa’s top teenagers are fighting for a position in the Junior MAX squad. Kwa-Zulu Natal series leader Guy Botterill and several of his compatriots will be here on Saturday to test the water against Gauteng stars Andre van der Merwe, Laurent Calkoen and young lady, Fabienne Lanz. –
– Saturday’s race meeting will be an action packed day with many other classes of karts participating including the incredibly quick 42 bHp 125cc Grand Prix karts, which are capable of 200 km/h. The 60 cc GP JUNIOR class, whose drivers are between the ages of 8 and 12, is hotly contested. Byron Lindeque has recently emerged as the man to beat, but will not have things all his own way if Trent and Caleb Williams have anything to do with it. The skill and daring of these young drivers defies belief and the large fields provide entertainment right down to the tail enders. –
– Racing starts at 11h00. Admission prices are R30.00 for adults with children under 14 years free. For further information contact Jeff at (012) 374 0129 or visit www.kart.co.za. Ends.
