The 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Karting Championship is gearing up for an electrifying finale this Saturday at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, where South Africa’s brightest young racers will battle for glory and close out a thrilling season of growth and competition....Click to Read More >>➤
Future Stars Ready to Shine
After a season filled with blistering pace, determination, and standout performances, the focus now turns to the final round — a fitting stage for the next generation of South African motorsport talent. Among them are members of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA), a program dedicated to nurturing young drivers from South Africa and Namibia.
This year’s campaign has showcased not only raw speed but also the resilience and discipline required to excel on the track. For Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo, the Zwartkops finale marks the end of their debut Mini MAX season. While the title may be out of reach, both drivers have made impressive progress — Nande consistently showing strong pace and Mandume bouncing back from early-season challenges.
Junior MAX Title Race Heats Up
In the fiercely contested Junior MAX category, Tshepang Shisinwana remains just 14 points behind the championship leader, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Known for his composure and racecraft, Shisinwana has emerged as one of the standout talents of 2025. His teammate, Emma-Rose Dowling, who missed a few rounds due to international racing commitments, is equally determined to end her domestic campaign on a high note before returning to compete in Europe.
Senior MAX Contenders Aim for Glory
In the Senior MAX division, Kent Swartz heads into the weekend as the frontrunner, aiming to seal the regional title after a season defined by consistency and multiple wins. His teammate, Georgia Lenaerts, has also impressed throughout the campaign and is eyeing a top-three finish to cap off her most confident season yet.
As engines roar and the championship battles come to an end, the young drivers of the TGRJA have once again demonstrated that the future of South African motorsport is in skilled and passionate hands.
Who will cross the line first in Zwartkops? Share your predictions and cheer on your favourite young drivers in the comments below.
Reflecting on the year, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter said:
“The Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship is without a doubt the most competitive regional series in South Africa. It’s usually just short of a national field every weekend, making it an excellent proving ground for young drivers. For us at TGRJA, this championship plays a crucial role in identifying and developing future champions. The progress our drivers have shown, both on and off the track, highlights the success of the academy’s structured approach.”
As the final round gets underway with qualifying and three race heats, the focus is to finish strong, celebrate progress, and keep building toward bigger stages ahead. ...Click to Read More >>➤
