The Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championships is set to begin this weekend at the Zwartkops Kart Raceway in Pretoria, South Africa. Many racing enthusiasts highly anticipate this event as it marks the beginning of a new season for the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Junior Academy, the most successful racing academy in the country.
This season’s lineup sees several new drivers joining the team. Jason Coetzee and Karabo Malemela will compete in the premier DD2 class, while 2023 National Junior MAX Champion Kent Swartz makes his second season appearance in TGR colours. Swartz will, however, compete in Senior MAX, where his goal will be to retain the academy’s class title won by KC Ensor-Smith in 2023.
Former Mini MAX challengers Emma-Rose Dowling and Reagile Mailula remain on the team but move up into the Junior MAX class, aiming to defend the academy’s national and regional class title left vacant by Swartz. Dowling and Mailula have been with the academy since its inception in 2021.
Another newcomer and most junior driver, Tshepang Shisinwana, will compete in Mini MAX. While in his first season with the team, Shisinwana is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having claimed the 2019 National Bambino and 2020 National Kid ROK Championships.
This Saturday’s opening championship round commences at 08:30 and will be competed over three race heats. Entry to the circuit is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Jason Coetzee (DD2)
MSA Publishes media releases from a host of different sources on our website as a service to the sport. It is not practically possible to vet/approve every release that is published. Some news items and articles are written by correspondents and do not necessarily represent MSA’s views.