Wondering where the year has gone? So are we! Alas, it’s true, the penultimate round of the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing SA GR Cup takes place the coming weekend (21 and 22 September 2024) at the Killarney International Race Circuit in Cape Town.
It’s race week for the sixth time in the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing SA GR Cup, with the championship battles heating up across all categories and the scenic Killarney circuit prepares to host an exciting weekend of racing action as drivers vie for critical points before the season finale.
GR Cup Media Challenge (GR Corolla)
There has been no change in the standing for the GR Cup Media Challenge since Driven’s hopes were dashed in East London when Bernie Hellberg Jr crashed out of contention during qualifying. Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) still leads the standings with 63 points, despite experiencing mechanical gremlins that forced him to retire from the second race, also in East London. Alex Shahini (Car), buoyed by his first victory of the season in Race 2, is in second place with 44 points and will be looking to close the gap to Nurse. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel), who has faced some challenges in recent rounds, remains in third with 30 points.
The competition remains fierce with Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) and Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) not far behind, each eager to secure a podium finish. Bernie Hellberg Jr (Driven) will be back in action in Cape Town, and will face the almost impossible task of catching up to the rest of the field after scoring no points during Round 5 in East London.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge (GR Yaris)
The GR Driving Academy continues to lead the points roster, closely followed by Mario de Sousa (GR Zone Motus Bedfordview). The battle for supremacy in the Dealer Challenge has been marked by consistent performances and tight competition. With just two rounds remaining, every point will be crucial as the drivers head into this weekend’s races.
GR86 Development Academy
Dawie van der Merwe has been the class of the field in the GR86 Development Academy, leading the standings with a perfect score of 70 points after five rounds. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji are second and third with 41 and 32 points respectively. Setshaba Mashigo and Ryan Naicker are also within striking distance, with both drivers showing strong form in recent rounds.
Van der Merwe will be looking to extend his perfect record, while Zafiris and Pragji aim to challenge for top honours and reduce the points deficit. With only two rounds left, the GR86 Development Academy promises to deliver more exciting and competitive racing.
As the 2024 GR Cup heads to Cape Town, the stakes are higher than ever. With only two rounds left in the season, drivers will be pushing their limits at Killarney International Race Circuit to secure crucial points and bolster their championship campaigns. Fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend of racing action as the season draws closer to its climax.
Acknowledging The Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Garmin, Dunlop, Ferodo and Kinto.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR & TGRSA | Images © TGRSA
