Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPEED, skill and sizzling showdowns lit up the National Sports Stadium on Sunday as the Kart Sport Club’s race meeting delivered wheel-to-wheel action across all four classes – a full-throttle showcase of Zimbabwe’s rising karting talent.
In the Kid ROK class, Sheunesu Shambare (Praga kart) continued his dominant form from the opening round, storming to a clean sweep in both the club and ROK races.
His commanding performance extended his championship lead. Jake Edwards (Kosmic Kart) finished a solid second, while Ragnar Mudzimba (FA Alonso Kart), impressing in his race debut, claimed third.
The Mini ROK class – featuring drivers aged 8 to 13 – served up some of the closest racing of the day.
Championship leader Devin Van de Linde (Tony Kart) threw down the gauntlet with a blistering qualifying lap, clocking in 0.605 seconds faster than his nearest rival, Jayden Kerwin (FA Alonso).
The pair went on to finish first and second overall. Newcomer Wade Gleig (FA Alonso) enjoyed a dream debut in third, ahead of Rayaan Savania (Tony Kart) in fourth, who was hampered by technical problems. Class rookie Engelbert Mudzimba (Tony Kart) rounded out the top five on his maiden outing.
Local promoter Kevin Dufty praised the platform the ROK classes provide for young racers, saying:
“Our ROK class for children as young as six offers an exciting gateway into motorsport. It’s a competitive, user-friendly package that makes it easy for even non-technical parents to support their kids’ dreams of racing in the big leagues.”
The 125cc Rotax class – home to the country’s fastest karts, capable of hitting nearly 100kph on the 820m PPK circuit – didn’t disappoint. With just 0.285 seconds separating the top three qualifiers, the battle was fierce.
Seth Rukato, Zaydaan Savania and Eli Pilosoff were in top form, joined by Yaseen Savania for an intense showdown filled with brilliant overtakes and tactical duels.
Rukato edged Zaydaan Savania by just two points to take the overall win. Yaseen Savania wrapped up third, while Pilosoff, plagued by mechanical issues, settled for fourth.
Cousins Zayaan and Eshaan Savania locked horns in their own private battle, finishing fifth and sixth respectively. Young Sam Townsend had his best drive of the season to finish seventh.
Unfortunately, frontrunner Tawana Shambare was forced to sit out the meeting due to technical setbacks.
The Pole Position ProKart class, featuring identical-spec 390cc machines, showcased pure driver skill in some of the day’s closest racing. Keron Lowe, Moe Moosa and Calvin Mukandiona were separated by just 0.172 seconds in qualifying – a teaser for the action to come.
Lowe and Moosa ended the day tied on points, with Lowe taking overall victory on a tiebreaker thanks to a faster qualifying time. Mukandiona followed closely in third.
Kart Sport Club chairman Bobby Van De Linde was upbeat about the sport’s trajectory, saying:
“It’s a busy time for the club and we’re excited by the growth we’re seeing. Karting is a fantastic outdoor sport, and we invite anyone interested to come down to the track and experience it first-hand.”
