Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy head to Round 2 of SA Rotax MAX Challenge
With the second round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) approaching, excitement is building for another chance for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) to showcase its exceptional talent. Six drivers across four classes will compete against the country's top Rotax karters as the championship moves to Pretoria and the Zwartkops Kart Raceway.
Jason Coetzee aims to extend his lead in the national DD2 championship, wanting to add to his single heat victory in the opening round. Meanwhile, fellow academy driver Karabo Malemela had endured a more challenging start to his season and sits in fifth place in the points standings. Nevertheless, both drivers are confidently heading to Zwartkops after solid performances in the recent Northern Regions Championship.
Reigning National Junior MAX Champion Kent Swartz had a tough start to his 2024 National Senior MAX Championship following an incident-filled opener. This weekend's race is crucial for Swartz to get his championship bid back on track, as he's currently placed 14th on the points ladder. Like Coetzee and Malemela, he will rely on his recent regional form, which saw him convincingly beat his rivals.
Following a low-scoring start to their National Junior MAX Championship, TGRJA regulars Reagile Mailula and Emma-Rose Dowling have a mountain to climb should they want to be in contention for national honours. The pair, who also performed admirably in their recent regional championship, will have to hope they can carry that form into this weekend's national in a class that is closely contested between most drivers.
Tshepang Shisinwana is the only representative from the academy in the Micro MAX class and is currently ranked second in the national championship standings. He will be eager to win at Zwartkops and secure the overall lead. With two podium finishes in the opening round and a strong performance in his recent regional outing, the team's youngest member has a strong chance of winning this weekend.
The national championship winner receives an automatic entry to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, often called the "Olympics of Karting." Team South Africa's champions will carry the nation's hopes to Italy this season, competing against the best karters on the world stage. All the action is set to commence on Friday
