Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy to Conclude Solid Gauteng Regional Kart Championship

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) is scheduled to formally conclude its prominent 2024 karting season this weekend at Zwartkops Kart Raceway.

The academy will participate in the final round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship. Several drivers are in contention for the regional championship title but must continue their impressive form, as the final round will award double points.

Tshepang Shisinwana, the newly crowned 2024 National Mini MAX Champion, is set to compete for the Northern Regions title this weekend, aiming to expand his impressive collection of karting accolades. As he heads into the final round, he trails the leader by 36 points and will need to finish on the podium in all races to have a chance of clinching the title. Shisinwana is determined to build on his impressive record, which includes four victories, two runner-up finishes, and six podium placings.

Emma-Rose Dowling is committed to secure a top-three finish this season in the fiercely competitive Junior MAX class. Her selection for the prestigious Iron Dames Young Talents Program in Italy earlier this season led her to miss one round of competition, but she remains focused and ready to perform. With six podium finishes, including three second-place results, Emma, the academy's only female driver, is not just aiming for success—she is poised to add to her record, having claimed victory in the most recent round.

Former National Junior MAX Champion Kent Swartz is poised to secure his first karting title of 2024 this weekend, commanding a fifteen-point lead. Competing in the super competitive Senior MAX class, Swartz is determined to showcase his dominance on Saturday. With an impressive record this season—six victories, seven runner-up finishes, and three third-place finishes—he is ready to make a statement and further solidify his reputation as a top driver.

Jason Coetzee is firmly in control, commanding a 48-point lead over fellow DD2 academy driver Karabo Malemela due to his impressive seven victories and eight second-place finishes. Coetzee has established himself as a top DD2 driver this season and must only deliver consistent results this weekend to clinch the championship. Conversely, Malemela must fend off significant competition to claim the vice-champion title. Without a win in 2024 and having missed a round, Malemela's five second-place finishes and five additional podium spots have disadvantaged him and therefore he must be on top of his game this weekend to finish second in the championship.

The action begins on Saturday morning with a warm-up before the grid-determining qualifying session. Following that, three race heats will decide the day's overall winner and the outcome of the regional championship.