KARTING | Tenacious Antunes Claims Top-7 Mini ROK Finish

In what can only be described as a gutsy performance, Mini ROK racer Diego Antunes claimed a seventh overall finish this past weekend as the curtain fell on the National ROK Cup Season, a significant achievement in a highly competitive field.

Competing at the final round of the ROK Cup National Championships at Red Star Raceway, Diego put the experience he gained at the last regional at the same venue to good use with a robust national performance.

After qualifying in ninth, Diego was still somewhat off the pace of the front runners. He, however, mixed it with the midpack in the first two heats, finishing eighth on both occasions. However, the TrevPar World-backed driver would rise to the occasion to improve in the third heat racing from ninth to a gritty sixth position, equalling his best national heat result. Unfortunately, with the kart bogging down, a disastrous start to his final heat saw him drop back to 15th. Despite this setback, Diego battled his way back up the order to finish in 12th to cap off a successful national round.

Diego's enjoyment of the race was palpable. "I think we did well, considering I had to miss half the practice sessions on Friday due to a school commitment. The team did all they could, and it was down to me on Saturday morning to qualify well. Clearly, we were still off the pace, but the racing was tough as always, and I managed to get my elbows out and stay within the top ten of a large Mini ROK field. Heat 3 was probably one of my best races this season. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Big thanks to me team for all they did," said Diego.

Diego will return for another regional leg of the ROK Cup competition on 7 September, aiming to continue his strong form.