Gauteng’s Mikel Bezuidenhout endured a challenging first iDube Raceway national, finishing 17th overall in a very competitive Senior MAX class on 4 March. The KZN Kart Club hosted Round 1 of the MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge, where 22 Senior MAX drivers took to the one-kilometre circuit.
While Bezuidenhout had never competed at the iDube circuit before, he took all of Friday to familiarise himself with the course layout, known for its steep elevation, fast sweeping bends and tight hairpins. Saturday morning’s qualifying would remain challenging for the rookie, who only started karting a few months ago. With a shootout format for the senior kart classes, Bezuidenhout qualified down the order.
The opening heat would see the Johannesburg teenager make up several places over the first few laps to record his best finish of the day in 15th. The second heat would initially see Bezuidenhout make his way up to 13th before gradually slipping down the order to finish in 17th. The final heat was run in slippery conditions that saw many struggle with grip. Bezuidenhout battled at the rear of the field and subsequently picked up a Nose Cone Infringement Penalty (5 seconds) and finished in 20th.
“This was by far the most challenging kart weekend I’ve had in the few months I’ve competed. Not only is the circuit very technical in how you approach it, but to be duelling it out with 20 other quick drivers is testing. I’ll take on board everything I experienced here this weekend to hopefully come back better prepared and wiser for the next one. Thank s to the team for the assistance and to everyone for the support,” said Bezuidenhout.
Round 2 of the MSA Northern Regions Regional Karting Championships will return on 28-29 April to the Formula-K Kart Circuit, Benoni. This is also the circuit that Bezuidenhout will participate in this weekend as he resumes his regional Rotax karting campaign.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix – Raymond Cornwell
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