The 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup season came to an exhilarating conclusion at the Zwartkops International Raceway near Pretoria this past weekend, with all three categories delivering exciting racing action in hot and challenging conditions. The track temperatures soared, pushing the drivers to their limits as they vied for one last opportunity to claim victory in the final round of the championship.
With the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and GR86 Development Academy titles already decided before the event, it was all about pride, podium finishes, and strong performances to close out the season. Fans were treated to two exciting race heats in the blistering Zwartkops sunshine, rounding off a fantastic year of GR Cup action.
GR Cup Media Challenge (GR Corolla):
Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) continued to showcase his dominance in the GR Cup Media Challenge by securing pole position with a time of 1:12.631. Riaan Esterhuysen (Toyota South Africa Motors) set the second-fastest time, followed by Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel), who narrowly edged out Alex Shahini (CAR). Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) rounded out the field, with Bernie Hellberg (Driven) and Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) also putting in solid qualifying performances.
In the first race of the day, Sean Nurse continued his imperious form, taking a commanding victory over Riaan Esterhuysen. Bernie Hellberg finished in third, completing a strong race despite tough conditions. Jaco van der Merwe and Kumbi Mtshakazi fought hard for fourth, with Van der Merwe ultimately taking the position. Hannes Visser and Alex Shahini rounded out the field after a tough opening race for both.
Race 2 saw Nurse once again taking the victory, cementing his dominance in the 2024 season. Esterhuysen finished second, but this time, Jaco van der Merwe managed to claim the final podium spot ahead of Hellberg. Kumbi Mtshakazi maintained a consistent pace to finish fifth, while Shahini and Visser closed out the results in sixth and seventh.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge (GR Yaris)
In the Dealer Challenge, Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn) secured pole position with a time of 1:13.598, ahead of Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) and Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy). Werner Venter and Marius Claassen completed the grid.
Race 1 in the GR Cup Dealer Challenge saw a tight battle at the front, with Theo Brits taking the win ahead of Paul de Vos and Mario de Sousa. Werner Venter finished fourth, with Claassen coming in fifth.
In Race 2, Paul de Vos turned the tables, taking victory ahead of Mario de Sousa and Theo Brits, who finished third. Venter and Claassen completed the standings.
GR86 Development Academy
The GR86 Development Academy saw Dawie van der Merwe continue his fine form, securing pole position ahead of Niko Zafiris and Setshaba Mashigo. Ryan Naicker and Dylan Pragji followed closely behind, setting the stage for an exciting battle.
In Race 1, Dawie van der Merwe proved his class once again, taking the win ahead of Niko Zafiris and Ryan Naicker. Dylan Pragji and Setshaba Mashigo completed the results in fourth and fifth.
Race 2 saw Dawie van der Merwe close out the season in style with another victory, further solidifying his dominance in the GR86 Development Academy. Zafiris finished second, with Pragji completing the podium in third.
With the final round at Zwartkops now complete, the 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup season came to a thrilling conclusion. The intense heat on race day added another layer of challenge for the competitors, but it didn’t stop Sean Nurse, the GR Driving Academy pair of Devon Scott and Paul de Vos, as well as Dawie van der Merwe from securing their final wins of the year.
Fans were treated to exciting racing, while the TGRSA Merchandise Stand and activation area offered unique experiences and exclusive items to close out the season in style.
The GR Cup heads into the off-season after an unforgettable year of action, with all eyes set on 2025 for more exciting racing to come!
