FORMULA 1600 | Top-Nine Finish for Bezuidenhout Despite Damage

Investchem Formula 1600 rookie Mikel Bezuidenhout overcame an opening race incident to record a top-nine finish in the premier single-seater championship at Zwartkops Raceway this weekend as the third round of the Extreme Festival concluded.

After qualifying in seventh on Saturday morning, the Johannesburg teenager was confident of a potential top-five achievement in only his third outing. Unfortunately for him, an incident on the opening lap saw him on the receiving end when two competitors collided, sending one over his rear wing and causing severe damage to the car. Despite the damage, Mikel continued to race on, finishing tenth.

The team made some structural repairs to the car's rear ahead of the second race but Mikel was unable to utilise the car's full potential and finished in tenth place again, concluding a disappointing round.

Mikel returns to karting this weekend competing in the regional Senior MAX competition ahead of the next round of the Investchem Formula 1600 Championship set to resume on 28-29 Jun at the Aldo Scribante  Racetrack in Gqeberha.