This weekend, the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa GR Cup heads to Zwartkops International Raceway, setting the stage for a grand finale you won’t want to miss.
With a jam-packed Extreme Festival schedule, the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa GR Cup action kicks off today with practice sessions, before the real adrenaline rush hits on Saturday with qualifying and two epic race heats. Prepare for a weekend where the rubber will truly meet the road.
MEDIA CHALLENGE SHOWDOWN
While Sean Nurse from AutoTrader has already locked down the GR Cup Media Challenge title, the remaining podium spots are anything but a done deal. The battle for second is heating up, with Alex Shahini sitting on 53 points and Hannes Visser trailing with 39. Adding even more fuel to the fire, Kumbi Mtshakazi and Jaco van der Merwe are neck and neck with 29 points apiece. And don’t count out Bernie Hellberg from Driven –he’s right in the thick of things, ready to keep the pressure on and shake up the standings as the drivers push their Toyota GR Corollas to their limits on Zwartkops’ demanding and twisty layout.
DEALER CHALLENGE DRAMA
The GR Cup Dealer Challenge is also shaping up to be a thrilling closer. Devon Scott and Paul de Vos have already clinched the championship with their stellar season in the GR Yaris, but don’t think the action is over. The competitors chasing them have every reason to push hard for a solid finish, with pride and podium spots still very much up for grabs.
GR86 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY FINAL SHOWDOWN
Over in the GR86 Development Academy, Dawie van der Merwe has been nothing short of unstoppable, already securing the championship. But with drivers like Niko Zafiris, Dylan Pragji, and Setshaba Mashigo all hungry for their slice of victory pie, the final race promises to be far from a cruise to the finish line. Expect an all-out brawl as these racers battle for the top step on the podium and the chance to end their seasons on a high.
As the dust settles on what has been a spectacular 2024 season, the grand finale at Zwartkops promises to deliver a weekend packed with high-octane racing and thrilling showdowns. The weather forecast suggests scorching hot conditions on Saturday, which will push both man and machine to their absolute limits. Fans can also look forward to the TGRSA Merchandise Stand and plenty of off-track activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the event.
LAST WORD
With Zwartkops’ blend of fast straights and tight technical corners, this is the perfect place for the season to come to a roaring conclusion. Buckle up – this weekend is set to be one for the books!
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SOUTH AFRICA
