GR CUP | Van Der Merwe Secures Toyota 86 Title at East London

The East London Grand Prix Circuit faithful were treated to another exciting weekend of racing, which included Dawie van der Merwe's championship-winning performance.

Van der Merwe claimed another double victory in his Toyota 86 at the weekend, extending his unbeaten record to ten consecutive race victories. With only 27 points available in the championship, he now leads his closest rival by 29 points to take an unassailable lead in the Toyota GR Cup with two rounds remaining.

The young businessman from Mbombela narrowly missed his fifth consecutive pole position on Saturday morning. However, he took the early lead in the race and eventually won despite starting second on the grid. In Race 2, the former VW Polo Cup driver started from the pole and led into the infamous Potter's Pass bend ahead of the chasing pack. He secured a lights-to-flag victory, including setting the fastest lap of the day. With this outstanding performance, Van der Merwe secured the title with two rounds remaining, seeing him win a drive in the South African Touring Cars SupaCup behind the wheel of a Toyota Starlet in 2025.

"East London has once again been good to me. I love racing here. It's such a special circuit, and this weekend, I was able to leave here victorious again. I believe I have scored enough points in the championship to go unchallenged for the title for the remainder of the season. If so, I can't think of a better place to clinch the title. The crowds here are amazing and the place was packed as usual. But I could not accomplish anything without my Heavenly Father, my family, and of course, Toyota," said Van Der Merwe.

Round 6 of the championship returns to the Killarney Internationally Raceway on 20-21 September.