The 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) enters a critical stage as the championship heads to KwaZulu-Natal for Round 3, the penultimate stop in the national title fight. For the first time this season, the iDube Raceway will host the country’s best Rotax competitors, marking a long-awaited return to the undulating and unforgiving short circuit just outside of Pietermaritzburg after its absence from the 2024 calendar.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) arrives in KZN with momentum on its side and a growing trophy haul, poised to strengthen its grip on championship positions across multiple classes.
DD2 – Coetzee Looks to Seal the Deal
Jason Coetzee has been the standout force in DD2 this year, winning five out of six heats across the opening two rounds. His dominance at Killarney and a clean sweep at Vereeniging have made him the clear title favourite. With iDube’s challenging elevation changes and fast corkscrew-styled drop, the Cape Town driver’s finesse and mechanical sympathy will be tested. A strong result here could all but seal his ticket to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain.
Senior MAX – Swartz Eyes a National Win, Lenaerts Seeks Redemption
After a rollercoaster start to the season, Kent Swartz finds himself climbing the championship ladder thanks to a heat win and overall podium in Vereeniging. Now fully back in the groove, Swartz is gunning for his first overall national round victory, and iDube might be the perfect place to do it.
Meanwhile, Georgia Lenaerts has shown glimpses of her potential despite a string of misfortunes. Her recovery drive in Heat 3 at Vereeniging showcased her resilience. If she can stay clear of incidents, the KZN round could be her breakthrough moment in Senior MAX.
Junior MAX – Dowling in the Hunt, Shisinwana Charges
Round 1 winner Emma-Rose Dowling returns to iDube filled with confidence and on the back of international duty. Her commanding win at the Cape Town national and solid showing in Vereeniging have made her one to watch. Another consistent weekend could cement her as South Africa’s Junior MAX benchmark for 2025.
At the other end of the spectrum, reigning Mini MAX champion Tshepang Shisinwana is building steam in Junior MAX, having bounced back with a final heat podium in Round 2. With overtaking at a premium on iDube’s narrow ribbon of tarmac, his improving racecraft will be vital.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins on the Rise
Namibian siblings Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have quietly been climbing the ranks. Nande cracked the top 10 in Vereeniging and has looked increasingly at home in the rough-and-tumble of national Mini MAX racing. iDube’s demanding layout will reward precise inputs and consistency, two areas in which the Kaiyamos have shown noticeable improvement.
All Eyes on iDube
With RMC Grand Finals spots on the line and the season’s final in sight, iDube represents more than just a race; it’s a proving ground. From its tight double-right at the top of the hill to the air-grabbing ‘Pipeline’ along with the infamous drop into ‘Thunderdome,’ the circuit is a true test of bravery and balance.
“TGRJA has shown tremendous growth across the season,” says team principal Leeroy Poulter. “iDube is a drivers’ track. It’ll reward those who have put in the work. We’re confident that our drivers are ready for the challenge.”
The weekend kicks off with several practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, giving drivers ample opportunity to fine-tune their setups. Qualifying will wrap up Saturday’s programme, setting the stage for race day. On Sunday, competitors will return for a morning warm-up, followed by three championship heats per class, with the overall winners being crowned at the end of the day.
