Preview: RMCGF24

The karting world is abuzz with excitement as we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the prestigious Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF), a landmark event often hailed as the 'Olympics of Karting.'

 

From October 19-26, 2024, the Circuito Internazionale di Napoli in Sarno, Italy, will be the epicentre of the sport as drivers from around the world vie for the title of RMCGF champion. This will be the circuit's third time hosting the finals, following its successful runs in 2016 and 2019.

 

TEAM SOUTH AFRICA is ready to make a resounding statement at the RMCGF, with a lineup of national champions and Africa Open winners who have earned their spots on the international stage. These gifted drivers are prepared to go toe-to-toe with the best in the world, eager to demonstrate their determination to succeed. South Africa has a rich history at the RMCGF, and 2024 is set to add another compelling chapter to its legacy.

 

As the competition draws closer, the demanding Sarno circuit, renowned for its fast straights and technical corners, will provide the perfect proving ground for the drivers. In the event's 24-year history, South Africa has been a dominant force, victorious at 12 of the first 14 events hosted. The Rainbow Nation has added two more titles to its list, with the most recent coming in 2018. In 2014, despite not securing any driver titles, TEAM SOUTH AFRICA took home the RMCGF Nations Cup. South Africa is ranked second in the all-time winners' list, behind only the United Kingdom, represented by England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. South Africa also did not participate in the 2021 event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Brothers Gavin (2000) and Mark Cronje (2002) were both early winners, along with Claudio Piazza-Musso (2001). Wesleigh Orr won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005, with Leeroy Poulter taking top honours in 2008. Caleb Williams was another South African driver who won consecutive finals in 2009 and 2010. In 2016, a young Jayden Els was victorious. However, no one has won more individual RMCGF titles than Cristiano Morgado, who reeled in five (2004, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2018). South Africa continues to have a strong presence at the event, once hosted at Zwartkops Kart Raceway in 2002.

 

At this year's finals, TEAM SOUTH AFRICA will rely on the extensive experience of six-time finalists Sebastian Boyd and Bradley Liebenberg. Charl Visser makes his third RMCGF appearance, while Bjorn Roos returns more than two decades later for a second attempt at glory.

 

The team representing South Africa in Italy is:

 

Micro MAX: Matthew Shuttleworth

Mini MAX: Tshepang Shisinwana and Aaryan Singh

Junior MAX: William Marshall and Luke Hill

Senior MAX: Charl Visser + driver still TBA

DD2: Bradley Liebenberg and Sebastian Boyd

DD2 Masters: Bjorn Roos

 

We are also excited to announce that Motorsport Fanatix™ will again be at the event on behalf of Rotax South Africa, having done so in 2022 in Portugal.