The excitement continues to build as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) heads to the Aldo Scribante Raceway in Gqeberha for Round 4 of the 2024 South African Touring Car Championship (SATC) this weekend. The upcoming race promises to deliver high-speed action and intense competition as the National Extreme Festival makes its midwinter stop in the Eastern Cape.
South African Touring Cars (SATC) Preview
TGRSA will field its usual trio of talented drivers: Saood Variawa, Nathi Msimanga, and Michael van Rooyen, all eager to maintain their strong performances and secure valuable championship points. Saood Variawa, currently in fourth place with 51 points, is determined to close the gap to the leaders. Michael van Rooyen, in third place with 58 points, and Nathi Msimanga, in sixth place with 40 points, are also aiming for top finishes. Toyota currently leads the manufacturer’s championship by ten points over BMW.
The Aldo Scribante Raceway, known for its technical layout and demanding corners, will test the drivers’ skills and strategy. The weekend will begin with practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying and two race heats on Saturday, where the competitors will battle for supremacy.
SupaCup Championship Preview
From this round, Sa’aad Variawa, the younger brother of Saood Variawa, will be taking over the TGRSA SupaStarlet from Bradley Liebenberg, who had been campaigning it for the first part of the season. Liebenberg will now race a similar car in Bucketlist Racing colours. This switch is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the SupaCup Championship, as Sa’aad Variawa aims to make a significant impact in his new ride.
Bradley Liebenberg, despite facing challenges in previous rounds, remains a formidable competitor and will be looking to secure strong results in his new car. The SupaCup races will add an extra layer of excitement to the weekend, running concurrently with the SATC races.
As the season progresses, TGRSA remains focused on maintaining their competitive edge in both the SATC and SupaCup championships. The team is well-positioned for a strong finish and is determined to continue their successful campaign.
“We are looking forward to the challenge at Aldo Scribante Raceway,” said Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager at TGRSA. “Our drivers have shown incredible resilience and skill throughout the season. With Sa’aad Variawa taking over the SupaStarlet, we anticipate an exciting weekend of racing. We are committed to delivering strong performances and building on our momentum.”
CURRENT STANDINGS
SATC Championship Standings:
| 1. Robert Wolk – BMW | 78 points |
| 2. Julian van der Watt – VW | 66 points |
| 3. Michael van Rooyen – Toyota | 58 points |
| 4. Saood Variawa – Toyota | 51 points |
| 5. Anthony Pretorius – Toyota | 47 points |
| 6. Nathi Msimanga – Toyota | 40 points |
| 7. Andrew Schofield – BMW | 27 points |
SATC Manufacturer’s Championship:
| 1. Toyota | 130 points |
| 2. BMW | 120 points |
| 3. VW | 64 points |
SupaCup Standings:
| 1. Keegan Campos | 60 points |
| 2. Jonathan Mogotsi | 52 points |
| 3. Charl Visser | 40 points |
| 4. Jason Campos | 38 points |
| 5. Tate Bishop | 32 points |
| 6. Bradley Liebenberg | 28 points |
| 7. David Franco | 25 points |
| 8. Karah Hill | 20 points |
