Q & A with Boksburg karter, Kashen Naicker

Kashen, who is the son of three-time South African drag-racing champion Logan Naicker, heads to Verona in Italy today, October 14, to compete in the World Rok Finals.

His other achievements this year include the Port Elizabeth National Series where he won all three participating races.

Kashen took time out from his preparations for Europe to share details of his involvement in the sport.

The Advertiser asked:

How did you start karting?

My dad’s friend Shaun Sing introduced my dad and I to karting four years ago, because his son use to also kart.

When you began the sport, what made you fall in love with it?

My dad also participated in drag racing, so I took a liking to motorsport at a young age.

What’s your favourite car brand?

BMW.

And your favourite car from BMW?

BMW 760 Li.

Is Italy this year your first international tournament?

No, I’ve been there last year for the Rok World Finals in Verona and I finished 23rd out of 96 competitors. I was up to seventh and then got bumped off and found myself in 30th position, before coming back and finishing strong.

How do you think you’ll do this time around?

Hopefully, I can make top 10 if I don’t get bumped off again.

Which school are you in and which primary school did you go to?

St Dunstan’s College, I’ve been there my whole school career.

Rugby and soccer players, for example, would train for, let’s say, four times a week on the training grounds, including sessions in the gym; how and when do you keep your driving skills in tact?

I practice at the track prior to the race wherever we are racing, and I also go to the gym to keep fit. Data is also recorded during training to see where I can go faster and how much time I can gain according to engine optimums.

What do you want to do after matric?

I’d love to become a Formula 1, DTM or Nascar driver; or become a neurosurgeon.

Do you have any favourite local drivers?

Yes. Michael Stephens, Caleb Williams and Arnold Neveling.

Which international driver do you look up to and why?

Lewis Hamilton; he’s a great driver and very humble. He doesn’t talk much but produces the results.

Do you need a specific type of license to do the sport?

Yes, an MSA (Motorsport South Africa) license is needed, and to go overseas, you need an international license.

What’s the highest speed you’ve driven?

118km/h.

What would you say are the toughest challenges in the sport?

The competition and how consistent you have to be.

Anything else you would like to mention?

I would like to thank Roos Kart Team (RKT), my mechanic and family and fans for the great support and motivation. – @SabeloBoksburg

Naicker destroys drag racing record

Local karter ranked third in Italy at worlds