Wadeley Racing had an impressive showing at the final round of the RMC South African Kart Championships held at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria this past weekend.
The team’s drivers, Matthew Wadeley in the Senior Max category and Jordon Wadeley in the Junior Max category delivered solid performances throughout the event.
The 2023 racing season has been a testament to Wadeley Racing’s unwavering determination and resilience. This year, the family-run team faced challenges that extended beyond the racetrack, with the heartbreaking loss of Leigh Wadeley, a cherished mother and wife to team boss Brad. In the face of personal tragedy, the Wadeley Racing family rallied together, demonstrating immense grit and courage to persevere. Their collective efforts and the support of those around them have fueled their drive to excel. As the season reached its pinnacle at the national finale held at Zwartkops Raceway, Wadeley Racing’s commitment to honouring Leigh’s memory by giving their best on the track shone brighter than ever.
Matthew faced unique challenges due to his height, struggling to manage the immense levels of grip that occasionally caused his kart to teeter on two wheels. Despite this hurdle, Matthew’s determination and skill shone through. He performed consistently well in the heats, showcasing his adaptability and finding improved performance with each race. Unfortunately, his efforts were hampered by being caught in a race-long train during the final race. Chassis issues emerged, attributed to the strains caused by the grip struggles. Undeterred, Matthew got his kart back onto the track, demonstrating his resilience and commitment. While qualifying proved to be a challenge, his race results of P8, P9, P6, and P9 were commendable. Matthew secured an overall P10 finish for the weekend and secured a respectable seventh position in the final national standings for the 2023 season.
A weekend of mixed emotions. I’m not happy with my results but looking at the bigger picture, I’m proud of what we achieved this year finishing seventh overall in the national standings. Thanks to my dad for all the effort he puts into my racing and bring on the African Open,” said Matthew.
In Junior Max, Jordon delivered an outstanding performance, marked by his determination. Despite a minor mistake during his super pole session that potentially impacted his starting position for Race 1, Jordon exhibited exceptional racing prowess. He successfully identified a favourable kart setup window, resulting in consistently strong performances. The team made minor adjustments to further optimize performance, highlighting Jordon’s dedication to continuous improvement. His race results of P5, P5, P6, and P7 culminated in an impressive overall P6 finish for the weekend. Jordon secured a well-earned fourth position in the final RMC SA National standings, a testament to his remarkable debut year in the Junior Max category.
“I was very happy with how the weekend went. A small mistake in qualifying wasn’t great but we were there in the races and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who continues to support me including my dad! We will be back for the African Open and I’ll be focused on getting my super pole qualifying right this time,” said the younger Wadeley lad.
Looking ahead, Wadeley Racing is gearing up for the African Open at Zwartkops Raceway in early October, with a regional round at Killarney in between. Armed with invaluable insights from the past weekend’s competition, the team is motivated to achieve even better results in the upcoming events. Team boss Brad Wadeley expressed his pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging the inherent challenges in motorsport and the resilience his drivers displayed. Brad also extended his gratitude to the supporters, emphasizing the team’s love for racing and eagerness to return for more exhilarating challenges on the track.
“I’m very proud of my boys, we had a good weekend with a few hiccups as is expected with motorsport but ultimately we had a great time. Jordan’s first year in Junior Max has been really impressive and with Matthew, we can fine-tune a few things and find him that last bit he needs when racing away from home. Thank you to everyone for the support, we love racing and can’t wait to be back for more,” said Brad
The final round of the RMC South African Kart Championships at Zwartkops Raceway showcased Wadeley Racing’s dedication, adaptability, and skill. With the 2023 season coming to a close, the team’s remarkable performances have left a lasting impression on the karting community, setting the stage for their future endeavours on the track.