Summarize

It’s all systems go for Aqil Alibhai as the Ormonde, Johannesburg African Open Junior Max karting champion sets off for his second Rotax Junior Max Grand Finals on the trot at Sarno in Naples, in Italy next week. Alibhai scored his second African Open title in two years to earn himself the back-to-back right South Africa in what is known as the Olympics of Karting.

“We are ready to fly to Italy to represent South Africa at the highest level in karting once again — it’s just a few more sleeps!” an excited Aqil explained. “Most important for us, is that I have the experience of last year’s world championship of Rotax Junior Max karting under my belt, so I’m really looking forward to making the best of this wonderful opportunity.

“In Italy, Rotax Max will provide all the Junior Max drivers with identical brand new karts, engines and everything we need to race. “After when we are allowed to test and make a few set-up adjustments and then we race for the rest of the week with the plan to get through the heats, into the Final!”

Despite his tender age, Aqil has a wealth of international experience behind him with a season racing in Europe in 2016, topped by more overseas forays culminating in last year’s Max Grand Finals “I have been training hard in the gym and on track and I have also worked very hard on my schoolwork so I do not slip as the Finals are around exam time too. “I also have and a great team around me and I intend to make everyone proud in Italy — I can't wait!"