Maltese karting driver Jessica Calleja took on the demanding ROK CUP 5 ‘Notturna’ event at the South Garda Karting Track in Italy on Saturday, June 21. The endurance-style race, which spans 12 continuous hours and runs into the night, tested both physical stamina and mental focus, pushing drivers to their limits.
Competing under the floodlights in this uniquely intense event, Calleja delivered a steady performance, finishing in 25th place overall. Though she fell short of her target, her determination was clear throughout the evening.
Her campaign got off to a tough start in the first heat, when a collision knocked her out and caused damage to her kart. Undeterred, Calleja fought her way back into contention and managed to recover to 22nd place — a result she repeated in the second heat.
Heat 3 brought even more drama. A collision in the second corner triggered yellow flags, halting momentum. Racing resumed under green, only to be hit by a sudden downpour. Drivers continued on slick tyres, navigating the wet track with difficulty. Despite her efforts, Calleja spun off with three laps to go and finished again in P22.
After the event, Calleja thanked her team and supporters, including Di Pietro Racing, GP Racing Karts, her mechanic Gennaro Coone, and coach Alberto Bernardi, acknowledging the crucial role their support played in her endurance effort.
While the final standings didn’t reflect her ambition, Calleja’s persistence and resilience once again highlighted her competitive spirit on the international karting stage.
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
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