St Dunstan’s Dowling gunning for first national title
He has won two races in the series and needs one victory to secure the title.
Karting superstar Brodi Dowling is on the verge of securing his first ever Rotax Max Challenge (RMC) South African Kart Championships title.
The 11-year currently tops the mini max standings after three rounds. With just one event remaining, the St Dunstan’s College Grade Five learner could add the only title missing in his cabinet.
Winning this title would mean a lot to the youngster.
“If I win it, that’s my karting experience going to the top because we’ve got national colours, regional and African titles. We are just waiting for the national title,” he said.
His stellar season started at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town in March. He finished third overall after placing fourth in the first race and third in the second and third events, respectively.
In round two at the Global Touch IT Raceway in Vereeniging in April, he started with second place in the first race, before storming to victory in races two and three to clinch his first win of the season.
Dowling’s form continued in round three at Idube Raceway in Camperdown, KZN from June 13 to 15. He won all three races in a dominant performance to put one hand on the title.
Despite a strong challenge from his friend, Max Boshoff, the racer will put foot to gas in the last round at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria in August, to secure the title.
While the competition has been tough due to the quality of the field, Dowling lauded Boshoff for challenging him in every race.
“Max pushes me harder so that I can be better.”
Despite growing up in a family of racers – sister Emma-Rose also races karts while his dad and grandfather are endurance racers – he was inspired by seven-time Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton.
“We were in Sun City watching the Formula One on TV in 2019. I saw Lewis Hamilton win and I was inspired. Lewis knows his stuff and he’s the best,” Dowling said.
He started racing in 2021, competing in the F400 class before moving up to the two stroke class.
“This sport means a lot to me. Hopefully, one day I will make money from it.”
Though he also dabbles in soccer – he played for the Global Soccer Schools (formerly SuperSport Soccer Schools) at Benoni Country Club – his heart is in motorsport.
To reach his idol, Hamilton’s level, Dowling will “work hard and practice a lot”.
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