Drivers honoured at glittering prize-giving ceremony

Collin Matiza Sports Editor

KART Sport Club’s inaugural prize-giving ceremony was held last Saturday where drivers were awarded prizes for their efforts during the 2023 season and also got together to enjoy the end of a hard fought season.

At the function, competitors were awarded prizes for the championship winners as well as for podium finishes from the seven rounds of the club championships which were hosted at the Pole Position Karts National Sports Stadium kart track venue.

In the Kid ROK class for ages 6 – 10years, young Devin Van De Linde had a fantastic year, winning 26 of the 28 races and finished the season in 1st place with an amazing 840 points.

The accolades didn’t stop there as Devin was also awarded the Axcil Jefferies Floating trophy for Kart Sport Club Champion; this award is given to the driver that secures the highest number of points at the end of the race season.

Elroy Shamu stepped up into 2nd place with a very good season that showed his tremendous potential with young Zack Staples following up in 3rd position with a solid performance.

The awards didn’t end there though, young Rayaan Savania in the Kid Rok class was awarded the Matabeleland Engineering Most Improved Driver award and looks like a championship contender in the years to come.

In the Mini Rok category for 8 – 13 years, TK Mapiro was able to stand on the top step in 1st position after dominating the class for the entire year and showed his amazing race-craft and experience which proved what a top class driver he has become in only a few short years.

Mapiro also won the ROK Cup Zimbabwe title and represented Zimbabwe at the Rok World Final held in Italy during October last year.

Mapiro was also awarded the Yagden Engineering Champion Driver title, an award voted on by all the drivers who they thought was the best driver of the year.

Next on the podium and in close attendance stood Tawana Shambare, securing the 2nd place position with some very competitive performances and in 3rd place position showing major growth from his previous years was Seth Rukato. Shambare also competed in the African Open held in South Africa where he gained valuable experience competing against top South African competitors.

The club’s fastest championship, the 125 Max class was won by rookie Zaydaan Savania, who showed that consistency pays off in a championship challenge and finished on the top step of the podium after an amazing first year of karting.

Jaedon Masiyanise raced hard all year but a school sports injury compromised his championship chances and resulted in a commendable 2nd place finish.

Yeftach Sivan finished in third position even though he missed several rounds due to university commitments.

The ProKart championships was up next and this new class did not fail to entertain. The class aimed to introduce new drivers to the sport with an affordable package had a total of 18 competitors racing during the year which was testimony to the success.

In a tightly-contested championships, Muhummad Moosa emerged winner in the Prokart Summer series and Colin Botha displayed a master class, winning six races to take the Prokart winter series title.

The class is poised for further growth with the exciting announcement that Sodi 390 karts will be introduced for the 2024 ProKart championship.

Kart Sport Club Chairman, Victor Shambare said: “It has been a year filled with excitement, achievements, and growth for our club and we have managed to run successful, enjoyable, and memorable race days.

“Our new members have added to the vibrancy and diversity of our club and I congratulate all our drivers, coaches, mechanics and support staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.” Shambare added: “I am pleased to announce that we made significant upgrades to our facilities during 2023. Thanks to the generous support of our Patron Kevin Dufty, Pole Position karts, our sponsors and all members concerned. These improvements have provided our Drivers with a better environment to train and compete.”

This Sunday sees the first round of the Kart Sport Club & ROK Cup Zimbabwe championship races at the Pole Position Karts National Sports Stadium track. Racing starts at 10am with gate entry $5 per person and under 10’s free.