The KZN Kart Club hosted the national opening round of the MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge at the iDube Raceway, near Camperdown, KZN, on 3-4 March, where Micro MAX driver Johan Nolte experienced a mixed bag of results.
Qualifying in sixth on Saturday morning, the Gauteng resident recorded his best weekend result in the opening heat. Following a good start, he initially made up one position before moving up another two to be third by Lap 4. Over the following eight laps, the CRG driver battled Brodi Dowling for the runner-up position, eventually triumphing.
Heat 2, would, however, see Nolte record a DNF after again battling for the podium after a collision with an opponent left his kart stranded on the side of the circuit, unable to restart. The final heat, declared a wet race, saw Nolte take the chequered flag on seventh and classified eighth overall.
“Such a pity we couldn’t capitalise on our pace today. After a solid opening heat, it was disappointing not to finish the second heat, especially when we were hunting for the win. In the final heat, Johan couldn’t find any grip in the slippery conditions. But we can lift our heads high. We showed our pace, and I’m sure there are a few that took note. Generally very proud of Johan’s performance today,” said Neil Basilio, Nolte’s driver coach.
Nolte thanks everyone for the support this weekend and returns to the circuit later this week for the second round of the MSA Northern Regions Regional Karting Championships held at the Formula-K Kart Circuit, Benoni.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix – Raymond Cornwell
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