Hoërskool Randburg learner takes kart racing to the next level
Rudi Schüssler said that he is focusing on refining his driving and keeping himself in shape as karting is very physical.
Hoërskool Randburg learner and talented kart racer Rudi Schüssler came second overall and secured the OK-N-class Driver of the Day award in round one of the Rok Cup Northern Regions event.
The day was a roller coaster of changing tyres and equipment to accompany the weather that changed constantly. Starting the day with full sun and a dry track, the conditions soon changed, and after the qualifying rounds, there was a big downpour resulting in a change to wet tyres for all the karts and the race being declared a wet race.
Rudi showed his skill in the rain by winning this round convincingly and being one of only two to complete the wet round – the other competitors all spun out and subsequently watched the race from inside the track.
“I was honestly surprised. Coming into the race I was confident about getting a top four, but on race day I qualified poorly as I made a mistake so I only qualified sixth and knowing my competition, I knew it would be tough to come back. However, it started raining all of a sudden and the previous day I was the fastest in these conditions, so I went into race one, knowing that I could win, but race two was tough as I did not have the same pace over the rest of the field as I did in the rain.”
In the second round he struggled a bit on older tyres but still managed to finish the race. By the third race, the weather conditions took a turn for the worst with a big storm with thunder and lightning.
Rudi took overall second place for the day and also secured the coveted OK-N-class Driver of the Day award. He will be competing in his first National Round in May at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit and again in Gqeberha.
He said that he was honoured as the award is decided by the series’ management and not on points or popularity. It also meant that the hard work he put in did not go unnoticed.
“It was for sure a very challenging day with the weather changing constantly, which meant the mechanics had to change setups after every session. This also made it difficult to get used to the kart as it was always different. Those weather conditions are the hardest conditions for drivers as well, as the track is different with every lap.”
He added that the next round counts for both the national and regional championships. He needs to do well in order to stay in the lead of the regional standings as he is currently tied on points for first. However, this will be his first national race.
“I want to impress on a national level. I also want to finish as high up as possible in the national standings as that will mean a bit more exposure, which can hopefully bring some sponsors in so I can compete in equipment on par with the rest of the drivers.”
Sponsors for Rudi are still needed and they can contact gretheschussler@gmail.com or on 073 196 5599.
Branding for sponsorships will be done on his suit, and kart and other items can also be arranged. Acknowledgement will also be given on all social media posts and articles.
Related article: Sharonlea racer competes at the Red Star raceway
