🚦 Driver Spotlight: Mandela Pluck 🚦

For some drivers, racing is a hobby. For Christchurch's Mandela Pluck, it's a way of life.

At just 19 years old, Mandela already boasts an impressive résumé that many racers spend years trying to build. 

A regular competitor in Kartsport New Zealand's Rotax Max Light and Briggs LO206 classes, he's no stranger to high-level competition and arrives at IORK with genuine pedigree.

His achievements speak for themselves: third in the 2020 Christchurch Rental Kart Club Championship, a two-time CRKC Champion in 2024, 2025 Sodi World Series Endurance Champion, and most notably, 3rd place in the 2025 IORK 70–84.9kg category.

When he's not racing, Mandela is usually thinking about racing. Whether it's Supercars, IndyCar, Formula 1, NASCAR, FIA Karting Championships, or major sim racing events, motorsport is never far from his mind. In fact, when asked for a fun fact about himself, his response was simple: "I'm boring. All I do is race." 🙌

Inspired by stars such as Shane van Gisbergen, Scott McLaughlin, and Andre Heimgartner, Mandela has set his sights high. His short-term goal is to become a New Zealand Champion, while his long-term ambition is to forge a career in Supercars or GT3 racing.

Having raced at circuits throughout New Zealand and even internationally at the famous Kartódromo Granja Viana in São Paulo, Brazil, Mandela brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. With a podium finish already under his belt and plenty of momentum behind him, he'll be aiming to go even better this year.

Whether he's helping others improve, battling with brother Jerome, or chasing championship glory himself, he'll be one of the most interesting stories to follow at IORK 2026 🤩

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We'd love to showcase the drivers who make IORK what it is 🚦

Commentator Notes

• 19 years old from Christchurch.

• Returning for his third IORK appearance.

• Finished 3rd in the 70–84.9kg category in 2025.

• Two-time CRKC Champion (2024).

• 2025 SWS Endurance Champion.

• Active Kartsport NZ competitor in Rotax Max Light and Briggs LO206 Light.

• Has raced internationally in Brazil at Kartódromo Granja Viana.

• Younger brother of fellow competitor Jerome Pluck.

• One of the most accomplished young racers in the field.

• Championship contender and potential class favourite.