Round 1 of the 2011 SA Engen Super Kart Championsh

Just five months ago Wesleigh Orr delivered a sensational performance to win the Super Rok World Cup title in Italy. By doing so he timeously reminded the international motorsport community that South African karting is as good as it gets anywhere around the globe.

Under the guidence of Terry Moss, one of South Africa’s best known drivers during the ‘90s, the Vortex Rok powered Engen Superkart championships have grown to become one of the highlights of the South African motorsport year. Comprising of three classes, they are known for producing non-stop explosive action.

“With quality fields, champions can honestly say they’ve had to work hard all year for their trophy,” said Moss who won a number of circuit racing national championships during his years with Audi. Port Elizabeth’s technically challenging Celso Scribante circuit will once again host the opening round of the four leg championships.

The track boasts a unique mixture of fast flowing sweeps and a tight section with no less than three 180-degree hairpins which test both driver and race engineers as they battle to find a chassis set-up that works best. After a tentative start last year, the new Mini-Rok junior series has full South African national championship status for 2011.

Built according to the new CIK technical rules the 60cc Mini-Rok is an air-cooled piston port design which features an electric start and centrifugal clutch. Although new to South Africa the engine has proved itself beyond doubt in Europe. Front runners to keep an eye on will be Keagan Masters (TonyKart) and Clinton Bezuidenhout (Birel) with Liam Pienaar (RKT) also capable of being in the front bunch.

Local stars to watch include Ashley Bezuidenhout, Jeandre Marais (Birel) and Kaylim Cordier (Top Kart) As always the Junior Rok class promises to be hard fought and predicting a winner here is virtually impossible. Regarded as an entry into full size karts this class features the tried and tested water-cooled Vortex 125cc engine fitted with a centrifugal clutch.

Established stars are the likes of current champion Sheldon van der Linde aboard the Autoquip Ferodo backed Birel, Morgan McColl (Castrol Toyota/Birel), Michael Taylor (The Grid/TonyKart) and the Birel pairing of Nathan Parkins and Aston Hare. Picking a winner is almost impossible and an outside bet is local star Herman Stoltz (TonyKart).

The most eagerly awaited event is Super Rok which caters for drivers over the age of 15-yrs. The engine is a highly tweaked version of the unit used in Junior Rok and these are the fastest non-gearbox karts currently racing in South Africa. Simon Moss heads the list of local aces and is joined by fellow home stars Jason Greyling (Techno), Chassen Bright (RKT/Zanardi) and Ayrton Good (TonyKart), all of whom will be determined to beat reigning champion Ian Young (Birel).

Also capable of winning as is Birel’s Chad van Beurden. But all eyes will be on teenage sensation Naomi Schiff (RKT/Zanardi) who scored a brilliant win at the opening round of the Northern Regions championships a few weeks ago. A few years ago F1 guru Bernie Ecclestone suggested that Formula One needed a black, female, Jewish driver and this rapid, well spoken lass fits the bill perfectly. It promises to be a spectacular day out for the entire family and the Celso Scribante Kart Circuit is on Victoria Drive on the way to Skoenmakerskop.

The circuit is regarded by many as the finest track for viewing in the country. This is thanks to the clubhouse which is situated nicely on a hillside overlooking the circuit which makes for superb viewing. It ptomises to be a spectacular day out for the entire family.