Three young Go Kart racers are preparing to represent the country at the Africa Karting Cup in South Africa later this month. The event is set to draw 40 racers from 15 African countries, promising fierce competition on the track and a chance for Botswana to shine on the international motorsport stage once again.
The year 2024 has started on a high note for Botswana's motorsport scene, buoyed by Ross Branch's silver medal at the 2024 Dakar Rally after his second-place finish in Saudi Arabia. Adding to this momentum, Gaborone based Maverick Karting will be making history by sending three talented racers to the African Karting challenge for the first time ever. In a statement from Maverick Karting this week, the significance of Go Karting as a grassroots motorsport development is highlighted, citing examples of Formula One stars like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton who began their careers in karting.
Besides high profile racing series like Formula One, karting provides a solid foundation for aspiring racers to transition into various motorsport disciplines, including rallying, off-road, and endurance races. The three young talents representing Botswana are Kgosi Kgosane (15), Muhammad Ahmad (15), and Hamzah Ahmad (13), all of whom are development drivers at the Maverick Karting Academy.
They are expected to compete in the African Karting challenge, scheduled to take place in Benoni from February 15th to 17th, 2024. BG Sport recently interviewed the three drivers at the Maverick Karting facility in Molapo Crossing, Gaborone, where they expressed their excitement and determination to represent Botswana on the African stage. Muhammad Ahmad, aged 15, expressed pride in representing Botswana and excitement about competing among the best in Africa. He has been karting for a few years and aims to pursue a career in Formula One in the future.
Hamzah Ahmad, the youngest in the team at 13, shared his enthusiasm for transitioning from virtual sim racing to real-life karting competition. Despite limited experience on the track, he believes his skills from sim racing will serve him well. Kgosi Kgosane, aged 15, described the opportunity to compete in South Africa as a dream come true. Confident in his driving abilities, he expressed optimism about achieving success for Botswana at the competition. Team Manager, Moin Ahmad highlighted the diversity within the team, with Kgosane bringing experience, Muhammad Ahmad as an emerging talent, and Hamzah Ahmad representing the latest trend of sim racers transitioning to the track.
Despite the challenges of limited practice facilities in Botswana, the team is committed to supporting the young racers and showcasing Botswana's talent on the international stage. With high expectations for success at the Africa Karting Cup, the team aims to put Botswana on the map and secure top positions in their respective categories. Their performance could also open doors for further opportunities in European competitions, highlighting the potential of motorsport talent from Botswana. Despite the challenges they face, the team is determined to make the most of the opportunity and demonstrate their capabilities with the support they have.
The year 2024 has started on a high note for Botswana's motorsport scene, buoyed by Ross Branch's silver medal at the 2024 Dakar Rally after his second-place finish in Saudi Arabia. Adding to this momentum, Gaborone based Maverick Karting will be making history by sending three talented racers to the African Karting challenge for the first time ever. In a statement from Maverick Karting this week, the significance of Go Karting as a grassroots motorsport development is highlighted, citing examples of Formula One stars like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton who began their careers in karting.
Besides high profile racing series like Formula One, karting provides a solid foundation for aspiring racers to transition into various motorsport disciplines, including rallying, off-road, and endurance races. The three young talents representing Botswana are Kgosi Kgosane (15), Muhammad Ahmad (15), and Hamzah Ahmad (13), all of whom are development drivers at the Maverick Karting Academy.
They are expected to compete in the African Karting challenge, scheduled to take place in Benoni from February 15th to 17th, 2024. BG Sport recently interviewed the three drivers at the Maverick Karting facility in Molapo Crossing, Gaborone, where they expressed their excitement and determination to represent Botswana on the African stage. Muhammad Ahmad, aged 15, expressed pride in representing Botswana and excitement about competing among the best in Africa. He has been karting for a few years and aims to pursue a career in Formula One in the future.
Hamzah Ahmad, the youngest in the team at 13, shared his enthusiasm for transitioning from virtual sim racing to real-life karting competition. Despite limited experience on the track, he believes his skills from sim racing will serve him well. Kgosi Kgosane, aged 15, described the opportunity to compete in South Africa as a dream come true. Confident in his driving abilities, he expressed optimism about achieving success for Botswana at the competition. Team Manager, Moin Ahmad highlighted the diversity within the team, with Kgosane bringing experience, Muhammad Ahmad as an emerging talent, and Hamzah Ahmad representing the latest trend of sim racers transitioning to the track.
Despite the challenges of limited practice facilities in Botswana, the team is committed to supporting the young racers and showcasing Botswana's talent on the international stage. With high expectations for success at the Africa Karting Cup, the team aims to put Botswana on the map and secure top positions in their respective categories. Their performance could also open doors for further opportunities in European competitions, highlighting the potential of motorsport talent from Botswana. Despite the challenges they face, the team is determined to make the most of the opportunity and demonstrate their capabilities with the support they have.
