After a four-year absence, Tarlton International Raceway, made a highly anticipated comeback to MSA-sanctioned Drag Racing in 2024.
The 2024 events were initially held under closed Club status; however, overwhelming demand and strong competitor interest led to the introduction of a Northern Regions Regional Drag Racing Championship for 2025.
The 2025 MSA Northern Regions Regional Drag Racing Championship comprised four thrilling rounds, concluding on Saturday, 27 September 2025.
A pioneering bracket/handicap racing format, a first for South African Drag Racing, was successfully introduced during the season. The innovative system provided organisers with valuable data to further refine competitiveness and achieve greater balance in side-by-side racing for future events.
One of the most notable statistics from the season revealed that over 70% of all entries recorded times faster than 11.000 seconds over the standing quarter mile. This marks a significant transformation from previous years, when roughly 60% of entries were slower than 11.000 seconds. The improvement highlights both the rapid progress in modern performance engineering and the increasing competitiveness of local racers.
The 2025 season showcased a diverse range of classes, culminating in the crowning of six MSA Northern Regions Regional Champions and the recognition of four Club Class winners for their outstanding performance.
Notable Results
Car Classes:
- Prean Govender (Toyota Supra – Ice Motorsport)
Dominated his class and emerged as the top overall points scorer, demonstrating that consistency and full-season remain the keys to motorsport success. Earned the MSA NR Regional Championship in Pro Competition Class B, - Dalmain Hattingh (Top Alcohol Funny Car)
A veteran Tarlton racer, clinched Club Class victory in Extreme Comp with his powerful Top Alcohol Funny Car. - Hermann Mostert (Nissan Champ – 2JZ-powered)
Captured Pro Comp A Club Class honours in his 7-second quarter-mile Nissan Champ. Having competed across the country, he has now based his racing at Tarlton, praising the circuit’s safety and track quality. - Rudolf van Biljoen (1400 Pushrod Nissan Champ)
Made a strong comeback to narrowly defeat Yaseerah Ebrahim and Charlotte Czank in Super Comp A. His efforts earned him the MSA NR Regional Championship in Super Comp A, showcasing the potential of his turbocharged pushrod Nissan Champ. - Richard van Zyl (2JZ Turbo Toyota Hilux)
Claimed the MSA NR Regional Championship in Super Comp B, proving that even a bakkie can dominate when engineered to perfection. - Johan Minnaar (Honda CRX)
Captured the MSA NR Regional Championship title in Modified Street Class A, while Jeroen Slooten (Classic Ford Mustang) claimed top honours in Modified Street Class B. - Heinrich Walker (BMW 335i)
Took Club Class victory in Street Class A, with Tanya Breytenbach (Golf Mk1) winning Street Class B, once again proving that there’s always a Golf Mk1 every racer must contend with.
Bike Classes:
- Cobus van Wyk (BMW S1000RR) claimed the Club Class win in Pro Bike, while Loumari Grobler (Suzuki GSXR) earned the MSA NR Regional Championship in Street Bike Class, edging out veteran racer Peter de la Ray. Loumari also finished as the top overall points scorer in the bike categories.
The 2025 season proved to be a resounding success, demonstrating phenomenal growth from the opening round to the finale, a true testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of everyone involved, both on and off the track.
On behalf of Motorsport South Africa, Kuvenderen Govender, Chairman of the MSA National Drag Racing Working Group, extended congratulations to all Club Class winners and Northern Regions Regional Champions, stating, “This is truly well-deserved recognition after a full and fiercely competitive season.”
Special appreciation was expressed to all the officials and marshals, the unsung heroes who ensure every event runs safely and smoothly. In addition, heartfelt thanks were extended to the organisers and owners of Tarlton International Raceway, the Van Rensburg family, for their enduring commitment, investment, and decades-long contribution to South African Drag Racing. Their continued passion and support ensure that Tarlton remains a cornerstone of motorsport in South Africa.
The 2025 season also saw the welcome of international participation, with Priyesh Patel from Zambia competing at Tarlton in his twin-turbo Audi R8 V10. Having tested and raced during the fourth round of the Northern Regions Regional Championship, Patel is hopefully the first of many international competitors to join future South African Drag Racing events.
The 2025 Northern Regions Regional Champions now have the opportunity to contend for Regional or Provincial Colours recognition in 2025, subject to meeting the prescribed criteria..
Competitors can look forward to even more excitement at the Mick Memorial National Invitational stand-aloneevent, which will bring the season to a close on 29 November 2025.
Published by: Kuven Govender
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