TGR Junior Academy Drivers Still in the Hunt for National Rotax Honours
Tshepang Shisinwana (Mini MAX)
This weekend, all eyes will be on the prestigious Zwartkops Kart Raceway in Pretoria as the South African Rotax MAX Challenge gears up for its highly anticipated final round. The event signifies the culmination of the competition to crown South Africa's newest Rotax champions, with the thrill of high stakes adding to the excitement.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) will again be represented across four classes. The only change is that Karabo Malemela (DD2) will be absent due to personal commitments and will be substituted by TGR South African Touring Cars driver Nathi Msimang. Msimang, no stranger to karting, participated in the 2017-2018 season in Junior MAX before stepping up into circuit racing but will be competing in the premier class for the first time.
Looking at the various championships, Jason Coetzee is third in the DD2 championship standings with a significant margin to make up to the championship leader. Coetzee has, however, been victorious three times so far, winning a heat in each round. His previous trip to Zwartkops was also promising, with the Cape Town-based driver adding two podiums to his victory.
In the fiercely-contested Senior MAX class, last year's Junior MAX Champion and 2024 rookie, Kent Swartz, will again go toe-to-toe with some of the best drivers in the country. While a disastrous opening round ruined any chances of Swartz fighting for this year's title, he has recorded numerous runner-up finishes, three of which came at Zwartkops.
Junior MAX pilot Emma-Rose Dowling returns to the national fold after a brief stint in Italy, where she participated in the Iron Dames Young Talents Program to improve young female drivers' skills. Like Swartz, her 2024 campaign, too, got off to a ruinous start, further exacerbated by unfortunate DNFs and a technical exclusion. Dowling finds herself well out of contention for the championship despite a much-improved previous round, where she displayed the skills and maturity she has become known for.
With two victories, three runner-up finishes, and a further podium, Tshepang Shisinwana leads the Mini MAX championship standings. The two-time national champion has performed impressively throughout the season. He will look to stamp his authority on the competition, dominate the final round, and heed his challenges en route to a third national title.
Prepare for a rousing showdown as the TGRJA drivers take on the nation's best. They are all vying for the prestigious championship title and the exclusive chance to compete in the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) set for a return to Italy this October.
We invite you to join us for what promises to be a spectacular finale packed with high-speed thrills, intense competition, and unforgettable moments! Entry for spectators is free. If you cannot make it, the action will be live-streamed on the YouTube channel SA Rotax MAX Challenge (http://www.youtube.com/@sarotaxmaxchallenge3045).
