Kart racers shine at NSS

Collin Matiza

WITH the cooler weather settling over last weekend at the Pole Position Kart circuit at the National Sports Stadium, expectations were high for fast lap times and close racing at the sixth round of the Kart Sport Club championship, which was also the final round of the ROK Cup Zimbabwe championship.

True to form, in the Mini ROK class Yaseen Savania (Kosmic kart) and Seth Rukato (Tonykart) were the first out of the starting blocks showing their clear intentions for the day with some blistering times that were close to the lap record.

The two, separated by only three-hundredths of a second during qualifying, were in fighting form to take the top step.

All three ROK heats turned into a duel for first place with positions changing throughout the day.

Savania was, especially, keen to claim the top step after a disappointing outing at the last meeting and he made no mistakes by taking a clean sweep of wins for the day.

After a consistent season, it was Rukato who, unfortunately, had a troubled race 4, but he still managed to come second with Eli Pilossof (Parolin) following up with a well-earned third place.

Young Devin van de Linde (TonyKart) had his best race day of the year taking third in the club races and proving he is ready to take on the front runners with Eshaan Savania (TonyKart) also improving his lap times following up in fifth.

Rukato had an unassailable championship lead heading into the last ROK round and was declared ROK Cup Zimbabwe Mini ROK champion with an exceptional performance during the season.

For his efforts he heads off to Italy in October to represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious ROK World Super Finals, becoming only the third Zimbabwean to do so.

In the Kid ROK class for drivers from 6 — 9 years old, Elroy Shamu continued his late-season charge and picked up where he left off after the last meeting with a dominant display of driving putting him on the top step of the podium.

Behind him, a resurgent Sheunesu Shambare (Praga) took a fantastic second position with Rayaan Savania (TonyKart) following up in a strong third.

Zack Staples (Kosmic Kart) fought hard all day but had to settle for fourth place with rookie Jake Edwards (Kosmic Kart) following up the pack in fifth.

Jayden Kerwin (FA Alonso Kart), in his first outing at this track enjoyed himself and showed his talent with some decent lap times.

Once again, the 125 Max class provided fireworks. Tawana Shambare (Kosmic Kart), in only his third race meeting in this class, kept his head down and put on a superb performance to walk away with the overall win for the day.

This result was even more commendable considering his kart was completely rebuilt during the week with a new chassis after finding a broken section on the old frame.

Zaydaan Savania (Riciardo kart), who had set a stunning qualifying time, had to settle for second with Jaedon Masiyanise (Kosmic Kart) following up in third after they both dropped out of race 3 following an incident that left his kart damaged.

As expected, the 125 Max class proved to be a no-holds-barred race day with several penalties given during the day for aggressive driving.

The ProKart 390 series had several new comers racing and the grid of eight karts was close with tight lap times.

Vusu Khoza put in an excellent performance with a stunning first place ahead of favourite Moe Moosa.

Rookie Kuda Mudzingani came third overall and headed a very strong and competitive mid-field.

The series has gained very good momentum during the year with full grids and is a great bridge between recreational karts and race karts.