Round 4 of the 2025 GR Cup is set to unfold this weekend (21 June) at the renowned Zwartkops Raceway, just outside Pretoria. As one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar, Zwartkops always delivers close, high-speed racing — and with championship momentum building across all three GR Cup categories, the stage is perfectly set.
Drivers in the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and GR86 Development Academy will once again share the track in two head-to-head heats following Friday’s practice and Saturday morning Qualifying. Forecasts point to sunny skies and dry conditions, with typical Gauteng mid-winter temperatures expected — perfect for extracting maximum performance from the GR machines.
GR Cup Media Challenge (GR Yaris AT)
At the halfway mark in the season, Nabil Abdool (SuperSport) has been the standout performer in the GR Cup Media Challenge, holding a perfect score of 42 points after three rounds. Abdool has shown both pace and composure, and will arrive at Zwartkops as the clear favourite.
Behind him, Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) is in second with 29 points, with Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive) still in striking distance on 25 points. Just behind, Lawrence Minnie (AutoTrader) sits in fourth on 18 points, while Charl Bosch (Citizen) and Willem van de Putte (Independent Media/IOL) round out the pack with 11 and 7 points respectively.
All eyes will be on Abdool, as he attempts to extend his commanding lead – if his rivals don’t begin to claw their way back into title contention on Zwartkops’ fast, narrow straights and tight braking zones — an environment that rewards racecraft and consistency.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge (GR Corolla)
While several of the GR Cup Dealer Challenge drivers share their drives with colleagues — such as the pairing of Paul de Vos and Devon Scott for the GR Driving Academy — Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) has contested every round so far, giving him a notable advantage in the overall standings.
De Sousa currently leads the charge thanks to a string of strong performances. Behind him, the battle for the remaining Top 5 spots includes Werner Venter (NMI Menlyn/Centurion), Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy), Andries de Villiers (Rola Motors), and Riaan du Ru (CFAO Mobility) — all of whom have shown strong pace at various rounds.
With the nature of shared drives and rotation among team members, the championship points can sometimes be misleading, but this weekend’s double-header at Zwartkops may go a long way in clarifying who the main title contenders will be heading into the second half of the season.
GR86 Development Academy
The GR86 Development Academy has been a showcase of young talent in 2025, and Jason Coetzee has been the standout so far. With 39 points, he holds a strong advantage over second-placed Mbuso Ngwenya (24 points).
Kent Swartz sits third on 22 points, with Brandon van der Nest (16), Justin Rogers (12), and Mikel Bezuidenhout (10) all in the mix. Jordan Moodley and Vatiswa Mokhonoana round out the leaderboard on 7 and 2 points respectively.
With Coetzee having won five of the six races run so far, the rest of the field will be looking to turn the tide at Zwartkops. The track’s mix of high-speed entry and late-braking zones may offer the perfect setting for a surprise result — particularly if qualifying throws up a mixed grid.
With the season now at full pace, Round 4 promises critical battles across all three categories. A strong result at Zwartkops could reshape the championship trajectories heading into the second half of the year. Practice sessions take place on Friday, with Qualifying and two race heats scheduled for Saturday, 21 June.
Weather conditions are expected to be fine and sunny, offering a clear stage for Gauteng’s motorsport fans to witness South Africa’s top driving talent at work.
