Kyalami race driver Kwanda Mokoena was right back on the podium as he finally commenced his 2024 main racing season in the German ADAC Masters at Oschersleben over the weekend. Sharing Amandla Coal Fields Haupt Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 with German Max Reis, the two youngsters put in a workmanlike performance to start their season on the front foot.
Reis qualified ninth for the first race Saturday morning and started that first hour heat, before Mokoena took over mid-distance. Kwanda continued his climb up the field to score a splendid third place on his first time out for Haupt Racing. Kwanda then made best of a slippery Sunday qualifying to hand the car over to Max, as the pair drove home ninth to close off a satisfactory start to their season together.
“I have to say it was great to be back on the podium again, this time as part of my main season,” Kwanda admitted. “The first race was really good. Max kept out of trouble in those rough first few laps, before a safety car phase after just five minutes. He took advantage of the trouble around him to hand me the car in good working order and I fought home to a podium third. What a way to start the season!
“Besides the challenges of Sunday’s damp qualifying, the second race was a far simpler affair. I kept my nose clean, handed the car over to Max Reis in tip-top condition and he brought it home just like that to wrap up a fine weekend of racing. Special thanks as ever to my sponsors Amandla Coal Fields, my entire great Haupt team and my family, friends, and fans for all the support. Onward and upward to Holland and Zandvoort 7-9 June – can’t wait!”
