VW ROOKIE CUP | Goosen Left Disappointed After Solid Killarney Pace

Despite harsh weather conditions, VW Rookie Cup driver Jayden Goosen delivered an impressive performance over the weekend. The Pretoria teenager participated in Round 4 of the one-make cup series, targeted at drivers aged between 14 and 16. This series is designed to provide a smooth transition for drivers moving from karting to main circuit racing.

Competing at the Killarney International Raceway for a second time this season, Goosen headed into Saturday morning's qualifying after several confidence-building practice sessions on Friday. Qualifying in third a mere 0.301 seconds off the pole-setting time, Goosen battled for the lead over the eight-lap race, finishing as runner-up, 0.140 seconds behind the winner, in the smallest winning margin since the series's inception.

Race 2 would, however, end in disappointment for the former karter and current INEX Legends racer when he was tagged from behind in the Porsche Straight, sending him into a high-speed spin and off the circuit, fortunately avoiding the wall. While classified in fifth, the result is provisional pending an inquiry into the incident.

"Disappointed is an understatement," stated Goosen after Race 2. "We were on track for another strong result, but I ended up on the infield grass opposite the finish line. After almost winning Race 1 to a DNF! It's a bitter pill to swallow. There isn't much more I want to say right now."

Goosen will be back in action for Round 5 on 13-14 September 2024 at Aldo Scribante Racetrack, Gqeberha.