Summarize

Paulshof, Johannesburg kart racer Kwanda Mokoena enjoyed a strong start to his SA national high school Rotax Junior Max season with a positive showing at a dramatic season opener at the iDube raceway in KwaZulu Natal. Mokoena ended up sixth overall in spite of retiring from the final heat to set himself up well for season ahead aboard his Squadra Corse FA Kart.

“It was a very difficult day all in all,” Kwanda smiled. “The first race was on a drying track but we chose to run on wet rubber and I was up to third when it dried out too much and I slipped back to fifth - I could not hold off some of the guys who gambled on slicks and found so much pace toward the end. “I started race 2 in ninth in the wet and took a bit of time to get my tyres, which were really worn out, to work and I fought back to fourth, but two of the guys ahead hit penalties and I was all of a sudden second. “Great!

“Unfortunately there was something amiss on the kart from the start and I dropped back on the first lap of the final, but then it cleared and I started a fight back, but the kart stopped and that was it - I was out. “Somehow I ended up sixth overall though — we can drop that retirement as the season goes on too, so it was actually a very good start! 

“Thanks to Elijah and all my Squadra Corse team for all the work on such a difficult day and of course to my dad and family for the chance to race like I do - now for the Vereeniging regional in two weeks time — see you there!”