In a superb display of driving, Mini ROK rookie Diego Antunes finished an impressive third overall as a Mini ROK U/10 competitor while securing a top-ten finish in the open class. Antunes, who only recently stepped up into the Mini ROK class after a short stint in the Kid ROK class, participated in the penultimate round of the MSA Northern Regions ROK Kart Championship.
Hosted at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit, Saturday morning saw Antunes qualify in the twelfth position. Starting from the sixth row of the grid, the TrevPar World-backed driver battled several drivers over the 12-lap race, crossing the line in eighth. However, a post-race penalty for a nose-cone infringement dropped him down the order to 10th (Mini ROK U/10 – fifth).
In Heat 2, the Johannesburg driver again battled the competition for the midfield placings, finishing tenth (Mini ROK U/10 – third). But it would be Antunes’ final heat where he was most impressive. After starting in 11th, he would make a slow start and fall down the field to start Lap 2 in 14th before clawing his way back up the order. He would make his final pass on the last lap to claim another top-10 finish (Mini ROK U/10 – third).
“I enjoyed today,” said Antunes. “While I am still getting used to the Mini ROK, we are progressing well at every event. I believe I can record better results if I can improve my starts. But we will continue to build on this. For now, we are just going to enjoy today’s result.”
Antunes thanks TrevPar World for its continued support. While Round 6 of the regional championship concludes on 11 November, Antunes will prepare for the final national round held at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit on 22-23 September 2023.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Diego Antunes
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