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2020 South African Mini Max karting champion Ghazi Motlekar concluded the racing season of his life is fine style when he ended up second in the 2021 Italian Junior Max championship in Jesolo, Italy over the weekend. Motlekar, who embarked on a triple program of international races alongside an attack on the European and Italian Rotax Junior Max titles, relocated to Italy with his family to facilitate his racing dream, where he raced on his maternal Mozambican licence.

“2021 was the biggest year of my life,” Ghazi admitted. “We moved to Italy, which is the centre of the karting universe to race a full international program. “So I am beyond delighted to end my Italian racing season with a fight back to second in Junior Max! “It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, because I missed the Rotax Max Grand Finals by just one point. “But it is what it is — that's just racing!   

“We had a wonderful season — I was competitive throughout in Northern Italian Junior Max on my way to second in championship and that prepared me for this past great weekend in the Italian Finals. “I also raced in the European Rotax Junior Max Challenge. "Wow - that was a steep learning curve!  “But 2021 was my learning year and we have looked, learned and will be back much stronger next year."

Ghazi also represented Mozambique in the 2021 FIA Karting Academy. “I am proud to have flown the flag and most importantly, for the opportunity to once again learn so much at the highest level of karting for my age group. “I am most grateful for the opportunity to grow as a driver at the Academy, all of which I know will help me continue to grow and thrive as a driver throughout my career.” 

“At the end, it was the right decision to make the sacrifice to race in Europe and I must first thank my Italo-South African team, Munaretto Performance — Mauro and Luca took me under their wing this season and we came out tops! “I also cannot find the words to thank my mom enough for her sacrifice to move to Europe and support me over the past year.  “Mom, you pushed me so hard to excel, and dad I will always cherish your never ending support. "I am truly blessed!”