National go-karting championships end in style

The 2025 National Go-Karting Championships ended on a high note this past weekend at the Tony Rust Raceway, featuring a prize-giving ceremony and a concert by local and international artists.

A total of 24 racers across eight classes, ranging from beginners in the Bambino class to experienced competitors in the DD2 class, took part in the final event to add points to their 2025 season scores.

Throughout the day, races were competitive and closely contested, both on and off the track, with drivers supported by friends and family.

Cecil Koorts of Cema Racing, a driving force behind the sport, at the event said 2025 had been a strong year for karting.

“Just like bigger racing cars, all karts must be inspected by a trained scrutiniser to ensure they comply with safety and karting regulations before participating,” he said.

Richard Slamet Jr explained his role: “We ensure all karts and engines meet the required standards so everyone races on equal specifications.”

Each class uses the same engine size to maintain a level playing field.

Newcomer Caleb Esterhuizen (13), who started his racing career in Panama, described the Tony Rust Raceway as “a really good track” and praised its layout.

Racing in the Junior Max class, Esterhuizen claimed first place. He also won the Rotax Max Challenge at Swakopmund in August and said he came to Windhoek with the goal of winning.

Esterhuizen and his family fell in love with Namibia during a holiday, leading to his participation in the nationals.

Karting is more than simply taking a seat in the car; it requires hours of training and ‘seat time’ to develop the skills and technique needed to stay on track. Many young racers are guided by their fathers, who stand along the track during races to offer advice and support.

With the season concluded on Saturday, teams will now service, repair, and store their karts in preparation of the 2026 season, which begins early next year.

Results:

Bambino: First – Rocco van Eeden; second – Zian Nel; third – Luna dos Santos

Mini Rok: First – Milla Botha; second – Miko Botha

DD2: First – Adriaan Nel; second – Erik Kruger; third – Zain Beuthin

Micro Max: First – Russel Josephat

Mini Rok (jr): First – Cecil Koorts Jr; second – Wian Schouw; third – Herman Schouw

Mini Max: First – Gury dos Santos; second – Cecil Koorts; third – Joubert Espach

Junior Max: First – Caleb Esterhuizen

Senior Max: First – James van den Heever; second – Chucky van Dyk; third – Dylan Zandberg.

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