Curtain comes down on ROK Cup

Collin Matiza

THE culmination of the ROK Cup Zimbabwe season will be concluded with a thrilling finale this Sunday at the Pole Position Karts race track at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

The Motorsport Zimbabwe-endorsed ROK Cup and is a six-round karting championship that runs from March to September and features two categories: Kid ROK and Mini ROK.

Kid ROK drivers are aged between six and nine years old and drive karts with restricted 60cc engines that can reach speeds of up to 65kph, while Mini ROK drivers are aged between 8 and 13 years old and drive karts with 60cc engines that can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour.

The engines in both classes are regulated to ensure a level playing field for all competitors and close racing.

The new track, which is fully compliant with FIA (The world governing body of motorsport) standards, was established at the beginning of 2023, is the home to ROK Cup Zimbabwe and gives the prestigious series the stability it needs to develop further grassroots karting in Zimbabwe.

Kevin Dufty, ROK Cup Zimbabwe promoter said:

“We are extremely proud to partner with ROK Global in this world-class series and the new venue has given us the confidence to develop facilities that provide a good foundation for the future.

“We especially thank Sports and Recreation for all their support during this development phase.”

The local series is part of the worldwide ROK Global family, which is run in over 40 countries.

The highlight of the season is the ROK Super final, which is held every year in Italy at the world-renowned South Garda kart track.

Over 400 competitors converge from all corners of the world to compete for the crown of several karting titles.

This year’s Mini ROK championship winner will be only the third Zimbabwean driver representing the country at the ROK super final.

Previous participants include Takunda Mapiro in 2023 and well-known karting ace, Zac Dufty, who competed in 2013 and 2014.

Once again, the local promoters have managed to arrange for the winner to race with CRG Holland, which is one of the leading kart teams in Europe.

This is the very team that Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen raced with during his karting years.

Looking to the future, Dufty added: “We have an objective of infusing young talent into the sport and with the technical support we offer, even the most non-technical parents can support their child and enjoy their race day! Our commitment has never wavered, knowing that we are there to encourage young competitors’ participation, success, and sportsmanship”.