Rok Cup hosts first-ever African Karting Cup
Forty racers from different African countries participated in the races.
Africa’s youngest and best go-kart racers battled it out at the Zwartkops kart circuit in Centurion for the inaugural African Karting Cup (AKC).
The 40 racers from various African nations vied for top honours in the OKN, OKJ (OK Junior) and Mini Rok categories from February 16-17.
The top three in OKN received tickets to the FIA World Cup, OKJ’s top three received seats at next year’s OKN Cup, and the Mini Rok top three received tickets to compete at the Super Final in Italy later this year.
“People don’t understand what karting is about especially outdoor karting, it’s very different from indoor karting. You’ve got young kids as young as eight that are competing here and if you look at the skill level they are driving at, it’s amazing, truly incredible to watch,” said head of Rok Cup South Africa, Cindy van der Laan.
Racers had to qualify in competitions in their own country to compete at the AKC. Organisers plan to host the annual event in different African countries to grow the sport more as the years go by.
“I like the speed, I like the adrenaline and I just like the overall feeling of saying that ‘I can drive’,” said Gianna Pascoal (13).
Pascoal was the only female driver among the participants, hoping her participation would help dispel the stereotypes surrounding female drivers.
“Just push the gas. It doesn’t matter what people think, just show them how you are,” Pascoal said.
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