The 21st edition of the ROK Superfinal will once again bring together more than 400 drivers from 35 nations to compete for international final honours. Among that list, seven Kiwi drivers will make the trek to Europe for their chance to bring a class trophy back to New Zealand.
Held at the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato, Italy, the event is the culmination of more than 20 ROK-branded national series or championships held throughout the world, with winners and representatives from each attending. On-track action takes place over four days from October 11th to 14th.
In the youngest category, Mini ROK, two Canterbury competitors in Zach Tucker and Henry Fisher will fly the Kiwi flag. The pair are currently ranked number one and two in New Zealand for the category, and each will be looking for a solid result. For Tucker, it’s a return to an event he attended in 2022 in which he showed race-leading pace but faced some terrible misfortune.
National Kartstars series front-runner Raymond Mallin will be the sole New Zealander in the Junior ROK category. He’s coming off a strong year racing here at home, which saw him take double class honours at the CIK Trophy of New Zealand event in early February and be a title contender in nearly every event.
A pair of fast-paced brothers in the form of Blake & Mitchell Corin will contend the Super ROK class. Both have recently stepped up from Junior competition in New Zealand and will compete in the senior category in Italy. While both have tasted success in the New Zealand Championships, Blake is the current New Zealand Vortex ROK DVS Junior champion and will take plenty of momentum into the event.
Rounding out the Kiwi line up is Auckland pair Mason Armstrong and Aarron Cunningham competing in the Expert ROK class. Armstrong is heading into the event as the current Vortex ROK Senior Kartstars series champion, while Cunningham narrowly missed out on a podium in the same series and brings along years of experience.
While each driver has been supported brilliantly by their individual fundraising efforts and sponsors, entry to the event for National ROK winners and additional support was provided by Supreme Kart Supplies, Racer Products, Motul, Lascom Motorsport, SP Tools and the KartSport New Zealand Academy.
Header Image: Reigning New Zealand Champions Blake Corin Tucker will be part of a seven-strong group of Kiwis taking on the World’s best. Image: DJ Mills/ Shutter Media Group.
Words and Images: Supplied
