The 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup heads to the Killarney International Race Circuit in Cape Town this weekend for the penultimate round of the season. With the championship battles heating up across all categories, the scenic Killarney circuit is set to host an exciting weekend of racing action as drivers vie for critical points before the season finale.
GR Cup Media Challenge (GR Corolla)
In the GR Cup Media Challenge, Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) currently leads the standings with 63 points, despite experiencing a mechanical gremlins that forced him to retire from the second race in East London. Alex Shahini (CAR), buoyed by his first victory of the season in Race 2, is in second place with 44 points and will be looking to close the gap to Nurse. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel), who has faced some challenges in recent rounds, remains in third with 30 points.
The competition remains fierce with Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) and Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) not far behind, each eager to secure a podium finish.
This weekend, all eyes will be on Nurse as he aims to bounce back from his East London disappointment and potentially secure the championship. Shahini, on the other hand, will be hoping to build on his momentum and keep his title hopes alive. Bernie Hellberg (Driven), who missed out on the previous round following a crash during qualifying, will be back in action in Cape Town.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge (GR Yaris)
The GR Driving Academy continues to lead the points roster, closely followed by Mario de Sousa (GR Zone Motus Bedfordview). The battle for supremacy in the Dealer Challenge has been marked by consistent performances and tight competition. With just two rounds remaining, every point will be crucial as the drivers head into this weekend’s races.
GR86 Development Academy
Dawie van der Merwe has been the class of the field in the GR86 Development Academy, leading the standings with a perfect score of 70 points after five rounds. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji are second and third with 41 and 32 points respectively. Setshaba Mashigo and Ryan Naicker are also within striking distance, with both drivers showing strong form in recent rounds.
Van der Merwe will be looking to extend his perfect record, while Zafiris and Pragji aim to challenge for top honours and reduce the points deficit. With only two rounds left, the GR86 Development Academy promises to deliver more exciting and competitive racing.
The forecast for Cape Town this weekend is for cool but dry conditions, which should provide optimal track conditions for racing. With practice sessions set for Friday; and qualifying followed by two race heats on Saturday, competitors will have plenty of opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and setups.
As the 2024 GR Cup heads to Cape Town, the stakes are higher than ever. With only two rounds left in the season, drivers will be pushing their limits at Killarney International Race Circuit to secure crucial points and bolster their championship campaigns. Fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend of racing action as the season draws closer to its climax.
