Italy awaits Koorts Jr later this year

The 6th leg of the National Go-karting Championships saw stiff competition this past weekend.

But overall, it was the Mini Max category that had all eyes on them, as these youngsters gave their all for the podium finish.

While the event drew a large number of Go-kart racers in the past, attendance was on the lower end, with 35 racers in the various classes and age groups.

In the Mini Max category, the Kaiyamo twins, Nande and Mandume, gave Cecil Koorts (Jr) a hard time during the three heats. But at the end, it was Koorts that finished in first place, ensuring his place at the world finale in Italy in October.

“The competition was very tough as Junior and the twins are all racing in the same event. The time between the first three places were literally spilt seconds,” his father, Cecil Koorts (Sr) from Cema Racing, says.

Koorts Jr came second in the first heat. In the second heat, he started in a pole position. Once the green flag was lowered, he went full out and took second place with Mandume leading the pack. The time between the two was a mere 0,07 seconds over the finish line.

It was during the third heat of the race that Mandume struck bad luck due to a penalty, leading to Junior winning the heat, a victory that opened the doors to Italy.

Koorts Sr says, as preparation for the international event, Koorts Jr is undergoing a series of strict training and diet programmes.

“Jr is now under a strict training programme. He is undergoing training under the supervision of a professional instructor and he is really training hard,” Koorts Sr told Top Revs.

In the meantime, he still plays rugby for his school while undergoing track practice to ensure he is fit and well-prepared, Koorts Sr adds.

Despite the intense programme that entails school work, sport, and physical training, Koorts Jr still finds time to spend with family and friends.

The next event is slated for 7 September at Swakopmund, while the 8th leg will also take place at Swakopmund on 4 October. Team Cema leaves for Italy on 8 October.