Young kartist Matthew Shuttleworth looks forward to grand Finals in Italy
North Riding based Matthew Shuttleworth is proud of his performances and honoured to receive national colours.
North Riding based Matthew Shuttleworth (11) won the 2024 South African Rotax Micro Max karting championship and will be representing team South Africa at the Rotax Max Grand Finals in Italy.
The championship consisted of four national rounds and four regional rounds. The 10 best results of the national championship counted towards the championship, in which Matthew won five of the 10 heats, was runner up three times, and third twice. In terms of the four regional rounds, the six best results contributed towards the championship, and he scored six wins.
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Matthew explained that his experience was a very enjoyable one, full of excitement, as well as stress.
“Most of the drivers get along with each other very well, and we have fun with each other on and off the track. It’s nice to do nationals as you see your friends from different parts of the country, who you don’t see at regionals. But with that said, when the visor comes down everyone wants to beat each other. The competition was intense. You can’t afford to make a mistake on the track.”
Matthew, along with the other national champions, will participate at the Rotax Max Grand Finals between October 19th and 26th. The event is known as the ‘Olympics of Karting’ as only the champions across the world get to participate for an opportunity of being crowned the world champion in their respective classes.
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Matthew said that he is very proud of his overall performance as he was consistent throughout the national championship.
“I didn’t have the strong start at the first national in Cape Town. I achieved a third overall. I had solid rounds at Zwartkops, taking overall firsts for both. I am very pleased with the regional performances, where I had a large number of wins, and only podium finishes.”
He added that he is super honoured to be representing the country, along with his fellow South African karters.
“I just hope I can do my country proud. Just thinking about walking onto the track waving the South African flag makes me very emotional. I have never competed internationally before, and the competition from overseas is on another level. It will be a huge learning experience for me, which I am looking forward to.”
Matthew will be testing intensively prior to the departure to Italy, both on the track as well as on simulators, using the track they will be racing on to get familiar with it. They are also planning on being a day or two early, in order for him to go out on the track to get a real feel for it, before the official practice starts.
“I am hoping to win, however, I need to be realistic. I have never driven the track, compared to most of my European competitors, so I will be at a disadvantage. I am hoping to learn from the very best in the world, in order to make me a better driver.”
He thanks his sponsor, Golden Impalas Bush Resort, for all their support over the years.
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