Dufty shines in SA

Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Zac Dufty raced in the third round of the South African Northern Region Karting Championship on Saturday at Zartkops in Gauteng and finished a creditable 6th in cold and wet conditions.

Dufty (12) was on fire for the free practise, where he set the third fastest lap time of 1:07.194 seconds. This was a remarkable achievement from one of the youngest drivers on the track in the Junior Max class. In only his third outing in this class and against South African karters, who regularly race in such conditions, the young Zimbabwean showed potential in conditions that he does not have much experience in.

Qualifying was a little different though, with Dufty only managing a ninth position; the rain was heavy and he posted a time of 1:05.746.

Dufty is an extremely consistent driver . . . his fifth place in heat one came from a 1:05.330 time and his sixth position in heat two from a time of 1:05:033.

The track conditions were mixed for heat three and although the rain had stopped just before the race — allowing for a drying race line, it was still wet elsewhere on the track.

Zac and his father Kevin opted to race on slicks, with the other competitors split between choosing slicks and wet weather tyres. The slicks were slippery at first and Dufty did not manage to work his way through the pack, even though they gradually gained grip during the race.

An overall sixth place sees Dufty making his way up the rankings at each meeting he competes in.

“I’m so grateful to ‘Motul in Zimbabwe’ for assisting me with sponsorship, as without them, I would not have been able to compete in South Africa this year.

“Their support and my own ambitions in motorsport help to keep me focused and trying my best at all times, even when, like this weekend, I do not have as much experience in these conditions as the other drivers. My objective for the next round in June is to finish in the top four.”