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Sports Reporter
THE first round of the 2023 ROK Cup Zimbabwe, which is promoted by Pole Position Karts, will be held this coming Sunday at the National Sports Stadium.
“We are excited to host and welcome the ROK karts at our brand new circuit at the National Sports Stadium,” commented Pole Position Karts owner, Kevin Dufty. ”With a track that complies with internationally recognised standards, we hope to grow the sport of karting in Zimbabwe and encourage more people to take an interest in this grassroots form of motorsport.”
It is hoped that there will be an overall grid of 12 drivers competing in the Rok Class on the day. Six drivers in the youngest category, Kid Rok, and six drivers in the older age group, Mini Rok, will be competing on Sunday.
Spectators can expect to see fast paced action throughout the day.
Kid ROK drivers are aged between six and 10-years-old and will be reaching speeds of up to 70Kph during their 10 lap races. Mini ROK drivers are aged between eight and 13-years-old and regularly drive at speeds of up to 80Kph.
The ROK karts, use an Italian made Vortex engine and are known for their ease of use, high performance and low maintenance. Regulations about the type of engine and components provides a level playing field for all competitors and very close racing. A major feature of ROK Cup karting is that both technical expertise and spare parts are on hand locally.
While karting is often seen as the first step to a career in motorsport, including the prestigious Formula One series, it is a great sport in itself and is the most accessible and affordable form of four wheel motorsport.
Dufty says: “We want to see our youngsters enjoying karting as a hobby and then hopefully we have inspired them to dream big and perhaps go on to some higher level of motorsport such as GT3 or perhaps even Formula 1.”
The winner of the six round Mini Rok championship will win a wildcard entry to the ROK Super Final to be held in Italy in October, where competitors from over forty countries will gather to compete to find a World Champion.
In addition, the ROK CUP Zimbabwe Championship is recognised by Motorsport Zimbabwe for the first time this year, meaning that the winning drivers will also be recognised at the prestigious annual Motorsport Zimbabwe prize giving. Most of the drivers competing are members of the Kart Sport Club, a new karting club that has recently been ratified by Motorsport Zimbabwe.
Chairman, Victor Shambare, commented: ”This is the first formal race day for our new club and the drivers are excited to be competing. ROK CUP Zimbabwe Championship is open to members of other kart clubs as well, so going forward, we hope to be joined by other drivers from Harare and Bulawayo. We will be competing in a series of six race meetings between this weekend and the end of September.”
Held against the backdrop of the iconic National Sports Stadium, race day on Sunday promises to be full of thrills, skills and new experiences.
Online Reporter