For the past 5-6 years adventurous South African Karters have been travelling to Maputo in Mozambique, to participate and help develop Karting in this region. The enticement or big sell as all been, the ice cold beer, the grilled prawns, the sea and the karting.  For the first of three International karting Challenges, it was no difference.

“Come and Race in Maputo, Ice cold beer, tasty Grilled Prawns, the Sea, and race”.

But now, after the 1^st event, we have, or rather ATCM and Maputo have, another BIG SELL or Enticement, for the next Karting Event.  ATCM’s BRAND NEW TRACK.  As our very own CoC for the event put “ The most stunning circuit, that I have seen, and by this I mean the design, the corners, the chicanes, and the quality of the curbing – The best I have ever seen”, quoted from the CoC’s report.  Add the  fact that ATCM and the Mozambican karters, are always keen on welcoming the South African Karters with open arms, their keenness to compete with the South African Karters, and willingness to learn and develop, not only their karting skills, but also the hosting of  Karting events, and all the administrative work  that come with that. But most of all facilitate the  participation of the Karters, without which their would not exist.

The 1^st of three events, was a great success, as some locals called the most organized event, they have experienced, this is thanks to ATCM, Frans Du Plessis and Family  for the Time Keeping, and Rodney Williams race COC and Family, and Neels Dunn for the assistance.  ATCM arranged the  medical staff, with 2 ambulances were present, ready to assist.  2 x TV stations covered the event, one our very own DSTV’s SuperSport Maximo, was there, and the other was RTPi, International TV station.

The Motorsport mad spectators as per usual were there to support their local heroes. The weather as per the norm, was  clear blue skies and sun shine, and the sea just  600-800 meters away.  I had hoped that more South African Karters,  would have joined us, but due to the Nationals in PE were just a week away, it was understandable.

Unfortunately, there were a few hic hups  did occur, due the language barrier, and misunderstanding,  and I may have also cause some confusion to the classes that were due to race. But things in Maputo change very quickly, and this I believe is due to the tremendous development that is happening in Maputo.

In December, the Mozambicans had six 100c power stocks, and now they have none, as they have all moved to the Max 125 class. So the power stocks guys were a little disappointed, but had fun anyway.

The local police were a  menace and probably the most negative part of this trip and to Maputo and Mozambique as a whole.  This cannot be remedied overnight but ATCM and I have a what we may see a possible solution. For Future events, we’re going to recommend that at least one person in a travelling party arranges International Roaming on their cell phones, and carry with them a invitational letter from ATCM in Portuguese, as well as local ATCM committee members contact details, this we believe will make things  much easier and less stressful.

The prize giving was held a terrific venue, and a great spread was put out for all to enjoy. Unfortunately,  my wife did not have our camera, so I ‘m still hoping to get some pics from the prize giving.  Overall it was a successful and magnificent event, and I’m pretty sure that the 2^nd leg will be even better, and more representative of the Gauteng karters, Natal Karters and Free Staters. (Can’t forget the Orange Crowd).  I heard from a solid source, that a even bigger Orange cloud will be in Maputo for the 26^th of July.

I have better also make mention of the Natalers that were present, the GP junipor and  the Max and 125 GP guys that competed had great fun and vowed to return at the next event,  and as in the past, they (Natalers) have always represented the majority of the travelling South African Karters, and by the way they enjoyed themselves, you can bet your house that they will be there again at the next event with all their Shark karting buddies.

So It’s my goal to have the greatest representation of karting  Gautengers, at the next Maputo event, so The Orange Crowd and the Karting Sharks better watch out.!!!!

The Track, the ice cold beer, the mouth watering grilled prawns were  enjoyed  by all, and so another magnificent race event came to end, and I’m sure we’re all can’t wait for the next event in July the 26^th .

I want to take this time to extend a big thank you from ATCM, to all of the South African karters and their families that came to  participate, and support ATCM’s efforts to develop Karting in Maputo, and they  hope that we all return on the 26^th of  July 2008, for the 2^nd leg of the Maputo’s International Karting Challenge.

Muito Obrigado
Paulo Dos Santos