Cape Town’s Zahir Phillips has beaten 30 karters to become South Africa’s first Red Bull Kart Fight champion and will be competing in the world champions later this year.
The Red Bull Kart Fight is a global racing competition where winners from 20 national competitions meet at the world final.
This is the first year South Africa has been involved.
More than 1800 karting enthusiasts from around the country entered during the qualification period in April.
After going through regional competitions, the top 30 participants from across South Africa met at the Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg on Saturday to battle it out.
“I couldn’t sleep the night before.”
Phillips had never raced in the provided kart or on the Kyalami track before, so he was nervous.
“I fell asleep maybe an hour before I had to wake up.”
Despite his lack of sleep, Phillips emerged victorious, edging out Johannesburg contender Kuda Kwash in the final lap. Yaseen Rhode, another Cape Town karter, finished third.
Phillips said the last lap was the most intense part of the race - although he didn’t realise he was on the final stretch.
He had been neck-and-neck with Kwash, swapping places, for most of the race.
“It came down to the wire.”
“I just took a breath and decided to try something new,” Phillips said.
He has been racing since he was about nine. His father was also a kart racer, and he was exposed to the sport at a very young age.
He says he has always loved the competition.
“Always had a passion for it,” he said. “Motorsport is in my blood.”
Phillips will represent South Africa at the world final later this year. It is still uncertain what country the final will take place in.
“I feel amazing,” said Phillips. “I was just trying to give my all and adapt - that’s what I’ll do in the final - Cape Argus