Kyalami youngster has a need for speed

Jarrod Waberski may only be 12 years old but his love for karting has already put him in the fast lane.

Waberski, who lives in Kyalami with his family, was the winner of the Mini Rok National Championship which took place in Port Elizabeth on 21 July. This was his eighth win out of the 12 races held so far this year and has also earned him a place in the International Rok Finals in Italy this October. For this kind of racing, he rides a 60cc kart.

The speedster also competes in a 125cc kart in the Rotax Mini Max class with other racers aged between 12 and 15 years old, and was named Northern Regions Champion for this class in 2017.

“I started karting when I was about four and a half years old,” Waberski said.

“Both my father and my grandfather raced as well, my father raced Formula 3, and I just love going fast. Perhaps it’s in the blood.

“I definitely want to stay in the sport, and I hope one day to race in Formula 1.”

Waberski is sponsored by D.A.W Racing and competes in multiple competitions around the country from February to September each year.

“He practises every weekend at the track, there is no time off in this sport,” said Julie Waberski, Jarrod’s mom.

“To be successful takes a lot of discipline, but it is his passion, it is his love, and that means it’s worth it. I believe Jarrod has the right personality, the determination to be a success. Karting also teaches him discipline, concentration, how to win and lose, and commitment.”

The Grade 7 also gets a lot of support from his teachers at Christ Church Preparatory School and College in Midrand, with some of the staff even showing up to cheer him on during competitions.

“We couldn’t do this without their support, as he so often has to travel around the country and miss school.”