Kyalami karter goes the distance
KYALAMI – 15-year-old karter Kwanda Mokoena from Kyalami is a star on the rise as he gears up for another year of racing.
Kwanda Mokoena has felt a need for speed since he was five years old and is now karting his way to the top.
The 15-year-old is currently in Grade 9 at Pinnacle College Kyalami and began racing when he was in Grade 1. Having represented South Africa in Italy last year, more recently Kwanda was placed fourth in the Rotax Karting Nationals which was hosted in Cape Town in late March.
The young karting protégé is now preparing to participate in the Rok Karting National event in Port Elizabeth in mid-April.
“I love karting. I love the speed and the adrenaline rush I get from riding. My uncle races and I remember watching him as a kid. When I was in Grade 0 I told my parents that I wanted to race too,” Kwanda told the Fourways Review. “They decided that I could start karting when I was in Grade 1, so a year later I started on a 50cc which I rode for two years.”
Kwanda continued to develop faster than many of his peers and in Grade 3 he moved up an engine class to a 125cc, which is usually only ridden by children from Grade 5 upwards, and was a challenge to this young boy with a small build. Kwanda kept his focus and dedication and has been riding a 200cc since Grade 7.
“I practise most weekends at a number of different tracks – I’ll practise Saturday afternoons and also on Sundays from 8am until 5pm. Every second weekend there will be a race.”
His dedication is paying off. In perhaps the most exciting development of his career so far, Kwanda was asked to represent South Africa internationally last year when he qualified for the Rok International World Finals, held in Italy last year.
“It was cold but exciting,” the young racer admitted. “There were about 180 people in my class and at the end, I came 10th overall.”
Kwanda plans to continue his passion for karting: He hopes one day to become a professional in the world of motocross and inspire youngsters such as himself to get into the sport.
“My advice for kids who want to get into the sport is that you’ll need lots of practice, but never give up although sometimes it is tough. You must focus and be consistent on the track.”
Besides karting, Kwanda is also an avid cyclist and enjoys playing both soccer and cricket.
Details: www.kwandamokoena.com
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