Rudi Schüssler is continuing his dream of representing South Africa in motorsports one day, his latest success saw him joining a team.
South Africa (17 May 2024) – With famous drivers like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen, it all started as young boys on the karting circuit. Many motorsport hopefuls start here and work their way up and that is South African Rudi Schüssler‘s goal too! To race and one day represent South Africa internationally (not that he hasn’t already!).
During his 2023 career, Rudi was on the cusp of aging out of his group but was able to represent South Africa in the before his 16th birthday. He got to take part in the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup at the Kartodromo Lucas Guerrero in Valencia, Spain.
Now with his sights set on competing in 2024, the talented kart racer has joined locally acclaimed racing team NBR: Neil Basilio Racing – based at Zwartkops Race Track. On Saturday the 6th of April 2024 Schüssler raced in the OK-N class in Round 1 of the Rok Cup Northern Regions event.
According to his mother, Grethe Doubell Schüssler, the day was a rollercoaster of changing tyres and equipment to accompany the weather that changed constantly.
“Starting the day with full sun and a dry track, the conditions soon changed, and after the qualifying rounds there was a big downpour resulting in a change to wet tyres for all the karts and the race being declared a wet race. Schüssler showed his skill in the rain by winning this round convincingly and being 1 of only 2 to complete the wet round, the other competitors all spun out and subsequently watched the race from onside the track alongside the Marshals.
For the 2nd round, the track was dry enough to change to slick tyres again and the race was on. Schüssler struggled a bit on older tyres but still managed to finish the race. By the 3rd race, the weather conditions took a turn for the worst and a big storm with thunder and lightning followed. The event was declared over as a result of ‘Force Majeure’.
Schüssler took overall 2nd place for the day and also secured the coveted ‘OK-N class Driver of the Day’ award. He will be competing in his first National Round in May at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit and again in Gqeberha in mid June.”
Local events lead to international ones so the hope is to find sponsorship to make these events a reality. You can connect with Grethe via email to discuss any branding or sponsorships for the hopeful young sportsman.
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