Motor racing enthusiasts were in for a treat at the weekend when the Tony Rust racing track hosted the second leg of the Rotax Max National Go-Kart championship on Saturday.
Although a considerable number of participants took part in the one-day event, a six-year-old by the name Russell Josephat turned heads with his amazing speed and driving skills.
The Delta Windhoek School learner schooled the field on the day, resulting in him winning two of the three heats. He was the overall winner of the Bambino class with an impressive 105 points.
“We put in a great effort by practising at least four times per week, leading up to Saturday,” his beaming father JP Josephat said.
Russell only started racing competitively last year. But his debut season was short-lived, as he dropped out.
“He only completed three races. His car engine had to be upgraded from 50cc to 52cc,” his father added.
The rest, as they say, is history. During the first leg of the Rotax Max National Go-Kart championship held in Swakopmund earlier this year, Russell came third, with fellow Bambino racer Nico Botha winning the leg.
This time around, Russell was determined to be no pushover and put up a great race against Botha, who had initially won the first heat on the day.
An avid Lewis Hamilton follower, Russell has already set his sights on the upcoming races, including the April third leg in Swakopmund.
For his father, the racing sport builds the necessary bond between dad and son.
“It is a great bond really. There is so much discipline as well,” he noted.
The sport is also an expensive undertaking, which requires massive investment. “It is quite expensive; from travelling, mechanical and tyre costs. We don’t have a sponsor at the moment and we are doing it all by ourselves, which makes things difficult. It is our sincere hope that individuals and corporates will reach out to us so that we take the sport a step further.”