The 2026 National ROK Cup Karting Championship gets underway this weekend at Red Star Raceway near Delmas, the home of ROK Cup South Africa. The country’s top karting talent prepares for a high-intensity double-header. The opening event will feature Rounds 1 and 2 of an eight-round national campaign. With significant prizes on offer, the stakes rise immediately for those targeting championship success.
The event will also count as Rounds 2 and 3 of the Northern Regions ROK Karting Championship. The season opener ran at the same venue just weeks ago. Drivers already have valuable track time, so the national opener is expected to deliver even closer racing as rivalries intensify.
A defining feature of ROK competition is the pool motor system, which ensures equal machinery across the field. This eliminates any mechanical advantage and puts the spotlight on driver skill, racecraft, and execution. In this environment, the finest margins separate victory from defeat.
OK-N
The senior OK-N category is expected to centre on the battle between Chase Haskins and Jack Moore. In the regional opener, their duel rarely saw them separated by more than a few tenths. Haskins’ consistency ultimately proved decisive. However, Moore’s outright pace, especially in qualifying, suggests another tight encounter is coming. Aidan Calitz is closing the gap, and Brooke Loreti has shown resilience after early setbacks. The front-running group is likely to remain compact, so race management and strategic positioning become even more important.
OK-J
In OK-J, a deep field means multiple drivers can challenge for victory. Mattao Mason is the benchmark after a composed performance in the regional round. Aleksandar Praizovic’s speed, especially for a single lap, keeps him a threat. Reigning Mini ROK Champion Max Boshoff joins Jordan Klaasen and Logan Billau to add further volatility. Frequent position changes are expected as the group runs close together. With several drivers on nearly identical lap times, this class should deliver some of the closest racing of the weekend.
Mini ROK
Mini ROK is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested categories. A multi-driver battle is expected at the front. Kayde Cornofsky’s pace and ability to handle pressure will be tested by Noah Cronje’s speed and consistency. Riley van Staden and Maddox Mason can also disrupt the order. Diegos, Antunes and Berradone, Hunter North, and Zac Boshoff look to step onto the podium. The group will likely stay tightly bunched, with slipstreaming and racecraft deciding outcomes. Mini U10 competitors share the grid, giving younger drivers valuable experience in competitive conditions.
Cadet
The Cadet class promises another close contest, with momentum swinging between Yerhu Malabie and Grayson Venter during the regional opener. Malabie capitalised on race opportunities and managed pressure well. However, Venter’s strong qualifying and race pace keep the battle open. Christopher Grimmick’s steady improvement adds another layer, making this a three-way fight where consistency and clean execution are key.
Beyond the traditional ROK categories, the Shifter class brings high-speed action and a physically demanding, aggressive racing style. Standing starts, and the longer, faster sections of the circuit will feature this weekend. Also, the Tillotson T4 four-stroke categories join, providing competitive and accessible racing for all ages.
The weekend follows a structured format. A full day of practice is scheduled for Friday. Each race day starts with practice and qualifying, followed by multiple heat races. Saturday and Sunday feature a full programme, including all classes. Each class will run three heats per day.
“At ROK Cup South Africa, our focus has always been on creating a fair and competitive environment where talent, not budget, determines the outcome. The pool motor system is central to that vision, helping us eliminate cheque book racing and ensuring every driver has an equal opportunity to compete. We would like to thank all competitors, teams, partners and supporters for their continued commitment to the championship, and we wish everyone the very best for the weekend ahead.” – John Duvill, ROK Cup SA Event Organiser.
Drivers are already finely tuned from the Northern Regions opener. The pool motor system ensures performance parity. The National ROK Cup Championship now promises close racing from the start. At Red Star Raceway, precision and racecraft are key. Margins will be small, and only the most complete drivers will emerge at the front.
For more information about the series, please follow the link: www.rokthenats.co.za
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: ROK Cup National Round 1
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