The 2026 track racing season continues this weekend as TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) returns to action at the Red Star Raceway in Mpumalanga, for Round 2 of both the GR Cup and South African Touring Car (SATC) championships.
Since its inception in 2009, Red Star Raceway has grown into one of the most respected circuits in the country. Originally designed with motorcycles in mind, the circuit has become a regular fixture on the Extreme Festival calendar, offering a technical and demanding layout that rewards precision and bravery in equal measure.
This weekend’s event is set to add another layer of complexity, with cool and overcast conditions forecast and a high probability of rain across both Friday and Saturday. With practice scheduled for Friday, followed by qualifying and two races on Saturday, the weather could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome in all categories.
ABDOOL LEADS MEDIA CHALLENGE INTO ROUND 2
The GR Cup Media Challenge arrives at Red Star with Nabil Abdool leading the championship after a dominant double victory at Killarney. Abdool sits on a maximum 14 points following the opening round, immediately establishing himself as the benchmark in the category.
Behind him, Craig Nicholson holds second place on nine points, with Tayedza Mbiri close behind on eight points after a consistent opening weekend. Justin Ford is in fourth on six points, while Kumbi Mtshakazi, who shares his seat with Brandon Jacobs, and Naresh Maharaj complete the standings after Round 1, with four and three points respectively.
With the field now more familiar with the GR Corolla DAT package, the battle at the front is expected to intensify, particularly if wet conditions come into play.
SCOTT HEADS DEALER CHALLENGE AFTER PERFECT START
In the GR Cup Dealer Challenge, Devon Scott leads the standings after a flawless opening round, having secured both race wins at Killarney to sit on 14 points.
Scott will once again face strong competition from Werner Venter, who is in second on 10 points, and Theo Brits, currently third on eight points, after a pair of podium finishes. Werner Horn is fourth on six points, followed by Riaan du Ru, Johan Boonzaaier, and Andries de Villiers, while Marius Claasen and Kevin Crowie will be looking to open their accounts this weekend. Du Ru will not be racing at Red Star – handing the reigns to his CFAO steed to Jaco Barendse instead.
With Red Star known for its flowing layout and the potential for changing weather conditions, the Dealer Challenge field is expected to deliver another closely contested battle.
REYNEKE SETS THE PACE IN GR86 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
The GR86 Development Academy also heads into Round 2 with a clear early leader, as Kobus Reyneke tops the standings on 14 points following a dominant showing at Killarney.
Just behind him, Connor Weston and Emma Dowling are tied on nine points, highlighting the close competition at the front of the field. Vatiswa Mokonona sits fourth on six points, with Kian Fussell, Tshepang Shisinwana, and Reagile Mailula all within striking distance, while Miklos Hegyi will be aiming to make his mark as the season progresses.
With a tightly packed field and minimal margins between the drivers, the development category is once again expected to produce some of the most exciting racing of the weekend.
COETZEE AND VAN ROOYEN TARGET STRONG SATC RESULTS
In the SATC championship, TGRSA arrives at Red Star with both drivers firmly in the mix following the opening round at Killarney.
Jason Coetzee enjoyed an outstanding debut weekend in the category, securing two second-place finishes to sit second in the championship on 25 points. His rapid adaptation to the GR Corolla has marked him as a serious contender early in the season.
Reigning champion Michael van Rooyen endured a more challenging start, managing technical issues throughout the Killarney weekend. Despite this, he secured valuable points and currently finds himself in fifth place in the standings on 17 points, keeping him well within striking distance as the season progresses.
With both drivers now heading into a new circuit and potentially unpredictable weather conditions, TGRSA will be aiming to build on the strong foundation established at the season opener.
With championship battles beginning to take shape across both GR Cup and SATC categories, and weather conditions likely to play a major role, Round 2 at the Red Star Raceway promises to deliver another weekend of intense and unpredictable racing.
For TGRSA, the focus will be on maintaining momentum, building on early-season performances, and continuing to demonstrate the strength and reliability of its GR racing machinery across all levels of competition.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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