Go-kart racer, 9, to compete in Italy

A 9-year-old go-kart racer from Hout Bay is planning to feed his need for speed at world champs in Italy later this year.

Grade 4 Llandudno Primary School pupil Michael O’Mahoney won the Cape Town leg of the National Race and the Africa Open in the Micro Max class at Killarney Raceway last month, according to his father, Ryan.

“This was a prestigious race that attracts drivers from all over South Africa and neighbouring countries to compete for the title. He will be competing in the rest of the national races (a total of four races around the country) and hopes to win the South African championship too,” said Mr O’Mahoney.

Michael said he fell in love with racing after watching Formula One with his grandparents.

“All I wanted to do was race F1 cars, and someone said all the best F1 drivers started with karting. My dad took me and my friend to the track to give it a try, and I was hooked from day one, even though I went very slow that first day.”

Michael has now been racing for three years.

“I enjoy going fast and winning. It’s really exciting to race with other drivers, but you have to be really focused to not make mistakes that will cost you the race or cause a crash.

“Last year, I won the National Race in Cape Town and came second in the Africa Open in Pretoria. I also won the Western Province regional championship in both the Bambino and Micro Max classes - a total of eight races in Cape Town across the year.”

Michael was among the overall category winners at the Africa Open that won their place to represent the South African team for October’s Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, in Sarno, Italy.

But his dream to compete in that event almost fell apart at the start of last month’s Africa Open.

“I had a terrible first heat, as someone drove over my kart and bent my chassis. I managed to come home ninth in that heat, but the next day, I was lucky enough to have my kart fixed and to win all three heats.

“The next step is to win the national championship and race in the world final in Italy in October, where the best karters across the world race for the world champion title. That’s my goal - to be a world champion.“

Go-karting is Michael’s greatest passion, but he also plays the drums, the piano and the flute, and he takes part in soccer, cricket and nippers.

Llandudno Primary School Alex Molteno said he was very proud of Michael’s achievements.

“His dedication, resilience and skill are a testament to his character and an inspiration to our school community.”