Another action-filled Senior MAX round at the weekend saw relative newcomer Mikel Bezuidenhout claim a top-ten Senior MAX finish at Zwartkops Kart Raceway. Mikel competed at the Northern Regions Kart Championship opening round as part of a busy 2024 motorsport season for the Johannesburg teenager.
After an average qualifying session by his own admittance, Mikel improved to ninth in the opening heat despite not being entirely satisfied with the kart’s handling. A mechanical failure on the kart in Heat 2 saw him retire on Lap 9 before finishing in a strong fifth in a feisty final heat, marred by an incident involving multiple karts on the opening lap.
“Not the ideal start to my season,” said Mikel. “I struggled to find a balanced setup most of the day, so we suffered as a result. Heat 2 saw me retire after a mechanical issue, and for the final heat, we made a few changes, including fitting a new battery. While it made a slight difference, this rail, I believe, is done. We may need a new one. Thanks to the team for the hard work. It has been quite warm, and they deserve much credit.”
This week, Mikel heads to Cape Town for the opening national round of the ROK Cup Kart Championship at Killarney International Raceway this weekend.
Mikel is backed by MTN Cosmo-Net and Vivo Mobile South Africa.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Mikel Bezuidenhout
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