5 Maltese karting racing drivers competed in the 2nd Round of the ROK Cup Italia Championship at Pista Azzurra Track in Jesolo, near Venice in Italy on Saturday 13th and Sunday the 14th of April.
The 5 Maltese Drivers were Morgan Tyler Zammit Azzopardi, Nicky Gauci, Jessica Calleja, Benji Westwood and Benji Borg.
Despite a challenging start, Westwood 11, currently competing in the Junior Category, showcased his resilience by qualifying for the final race. With a strong start that saw him gain 10 positions, Westwood maintained a steady pace for the first eight laps out of 19. However, power issues emerged, leading to his finish in position 30. His unwavering spirit is truly inspiring.
Undeterred by the demanding track and physical strain, Jessica Calleja, competing in the Mini Rok Class, demonstrated her unwavering spirit. Despite encountering engine problems on race day, her determination propelled her to finish in position 32 out of 41 drivers, a testament to her grit and perseverance.
Gauci, the most seasoned karting driver among the Maltese competitors, brought his wealth of experience to the Rok Series category. His performance was solid, finishing in position 17 out of 36 drivers. His experience was a key factor in his success, instilling confidence in his fans.
Zammit Azzopardi, competing in the Mini Rok class, tackled the new and technically challenging track at Jesolo with a strategic approach. Despite the steep learning curve, he strategically started the heats at position 12. Beginning the finals at position 22, he tactically climbed to position 14. A small error at the last corner cost him three places, but his impressive racing skills were evident. Zammit Azzopardi finished the race in position 16 overall in the Mini Rok Category and in the position 3 in the under 10 category, a testament to his strategic prowess.
Round 3 of the 2024 Rok Cup Italia Championship is set for the 11th and 12th of May. In the meantime, the drivers are ready for the third round of the 2024 Malta National Karting Championship at the La Reve racetrack in Ħal Far this weekend.
