Race prodigy zooms past expectations
In a sport traditionally dominated by males, Hannah Daniel is making her mark in karting.
AFTER only a year and a half of karting, Hannah Daniel was able to achieve a podium finish in the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal Rotax Max Challenge Regional Championships.
Coming third in the series that consists of eight rounds was a huge achievement for Hannah in a sport known to be dominated by men. She was and still is the only girl in her class and age group competing in the senior max challenge.
The 16-year-old said she has always loved karting.
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“I used to do mall karting, and I asked my dad if I could do it in a professional setting,” she said.
Her father did some research and found details of the KZN Kart Club which is the home of karting in KwaZulu-Natal.
“My father contacted them. They told him I should come down and enrol in the academy and do four sessions, and from there, you can decide if it is something you want to continue doing,” she said.
From those sessions, the Hillcrest resident said she knew this was what she was meant to do.
Hannah said she trains two to three times a week. “To get this far, it has taken a lot of patience and determination,” said the Grade Ten learner who is studying online at Curro.
Hannah said that before she took up karting professionally, she used to play water polo and horse ride, and last year, she was selected to represent KZN and compete in the South African National Youth Show Jumping Championship at Shongweni Club.
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She said her future plan is to see herself racing in a main circuit racing series or in a rally car.
KZN Kart Club offers a family sport – the club has karters from as young as age five to over 65 years old.
The club’s secretary, Karen Foley, said they offer a regional and a club championship.
In addition, they also have a Four-Stroke Social Class who compete for the fun of it.
“We offer on-site catering on the day, so why not visit us and see what its all about?” said Foley.
The club is based at iDube Raceway in Camperdown, and entry to their events if free of charge. Contact Karen on 083 232 3084 or email secretary@kznkartclub.co.za with queries or alternatively visit www.kznkartclub.co.za.
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