admin
Collin Matiza Sports Editor
YOUNG Zimbabwean karting driver Takunda “TK” Mapiro got the feel of what to expect in this coming weekend’s ROK Cup World Finals when he took part in the event’s warm-up event — the Tropheo Cup — in Italy on Saturday.
This last weekend saw the 11-year-old Zimbabwean driver competing in the Italian national ROK finals, dubbed the “Tropheo Cup”, and this coming weekend he will line up on the grid for the ROK Cup World Finals.
The Italian ROK Tropheo Cup kicked off with practice sessions last Thursday and continued with spectacular weather for qualifying and race heats throughout Friday which set the tone for the competitive finals on Saturday.
TK Mapiro, the first Zimbabwean to race at the event in nine years, faced a huge challenge with over 85 competitors entered for the event.
Thursday’s practice saw a solid day with Mapiro slowly getting used to the challenging high grip track with his lap times improving throughout the day.
On Friday, the kart track tested TK to the limit and an altercation with a track limit kerb saw some slight damage to the kart in the second practice session.
Undaunted, his Zimbabwean mechanic and mentor, Zac Dufty, and the CRG Holland Racing Team set about straightening the kart and getting it ready in time for the first of the four qualifying heats.
Qualifying was intense and with 35 karts racing on the track at any one time, getting a clear lap was always going to be difficult.
While the full grids were a new experience for Mapiro, he managed to have some clean racing and qualified for the B final on Saturday.
For the finals, the fast 1,2km South Garda kart track was in perfect condition and the crowds witnessed extremely close racing with multiple lead changes and podium challenges right up to the last lap.
Mapiro fought hard and was in a long train of karts and managed to finish with a best lap time that was only 1,4 seconds off the fastest lap set in the final.
Overall, he finished 61st out of over 85 competitors, which was an encouraging effort in such a competitive field.
With the Tropheo Cup completed, all attention is now focused on the ROK Cup World Final this coming weekend where 72 Mini Rok competitors from 40 countries, including Zimbabwe, will fight for podiums.
With a total entry of over 400 competitors in six classes, the ROK Cup finals promises to showcase some amazing talent.
Kevin Dufty, ROK Cup Zimbabwe promoter said:
“Firstly, we are so excited and proud of TK as he faced a tremendous challenge racing in Europe against world class competitors and teams for the first time.
“He is improving every session and certainly holding his own. Secondly, it’s amazing to see Zimbabwe competing on the international stage after such a long break and we look forward to 2024 when we have plans to support more of our competitors racing outside the country.
Online Reporter