The fifth round of the 2025 GR Cup, part of Toyota South Africa’s popular one-make racing series, unfolded at the legendary East London Grand Prix Circuit this past weekend. With its combination of sweeping high-speed corners—like Potter’s Pass and Rifle Bend—and the technical, abrasive infield section known as “the Complex,” the Eastern Cape circuit proved a true test of commitment and confidence for the competitors.
While the forecast called for fine weather, Friday night brought unexpected rain. Saturday started with a damp track and soggy run-off areas that remained treacherous throughout the day. High winds continued to batter the venue, adding another layer of challenge. A succession of red flags and incidents across the day’s programme forced organisers to cancel the second scheduled race, opting instead for a single 12-lap feature race to determine honours for the weekend.
Despite the chaos, fans lined the fences, and were treated to a shortened but action-packed day of racing across the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and the GR86 Development Academy.
GR CUP MEDIA CHALLENGE
As the morning dawned wet and unpredictable, the GR Cup Media Challenge drivers were split into two qualifying groups. Nabil Abdool (SuperSport) produced a stunning lap of 1:43.477 on his final flying lap to secure his fifth consecutive pole position, half a second ahead of Jason Coetzee and Devon Scott—respectively from the Development Academy and the Dealer Challenge. Among his media rivals, Nabil outpaced Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) by a margin of 3.604s. Charl Bosch (Citizen), Phuti Mpyane (TimesLIVE), Willem van de Putte (Independent Media/IOL) and Lawrence Minnie (AutoTrader) followed in succession.
“Qualifying was intense,” said Abdool. “It was my first time out in the rain on semi-slicks, and with standing water around the circuit, every corner was a gamble. But we put in a solid lap when it mattered and grabbed another pole.”
Abdool capitalised on pole to control the race from the front. Despite early pressure from Devon Scott in the Dealer Challenge class, he maintained composure, pulling away once he began navigating traffic from the GR86 class. He took his ninth class win from nine starts, with Phuti Mpyane (TimesLIVE) delivering a strong drive to secure second. Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) came home in third, fending off Charl Bosch (Citizen) and Lawrence Minnie (AutoTrader). Willem van de Putte (Independent Media/IOL) completed the Media Challenge field after a mid-race spin following an on-track altercation.
GR CUP DEALER CHALLENGE
In a mixed and expanded field of Dealer Challenge entries, a blend of GR Corolla and manual GR Yaris models took to the track in the damp and unpredictable track conditions. Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) posted the fastest time in class, a 1:44.012, despite being unfamiliar with the circuit. Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) and Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn/Centurion) followed closely, with Werner Horn, Theo Brits and Dylan Jones among the quickest of the chasing pack.
“East London definitely lived up to its reputation,” said Scott. “Despite the weather and delays, qualifying was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a race car. We really got to explore the limits.”
Scott got the jump at the rolling start and controlled the class from lights to flag, finishing second overall behind Abdool in the Media Challenge. De Sousa pushed hard in the opening laps and survived a dice with Kyle Kock that saw some unexpected positioning through the hairpin. Werner Venter completed the Dealer Challenge podium after a consistent drive. The battling pack of Brits, Jones, De Villiers and Boonzaaier kept things tight mid-field. Several drivers were caught out by the damp circuit and tricky wind conditions. Riaan du Ru suffered a crash during Qualifying, and missed the race as a result. The driver was unhurt in the incident.
GR86 DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Despite the greasy circuit, Jason Coetzee topped the timing sheets in the GR86 Development Academy, setting a best time of 1:43.921. Kent Swartz went second-quickest, with Ethan Bostander setting the third-best time. Khaya Ngwenya, Vatiswa Mokhonoana and Gabriel Fernandez completed the field.
Coetzee converted pole into a commanding race victory in class, controlling the pace throughout. Swartz again demonstrated impressive adaptability by securing second in class while running at the front of the combined grid. Ngwenya was impressive, keeping things tidy to bring home a well-deserved third. Behind them, Bostander, Mokhonoana and Fernandez rounded out the results.
While only one race was completed on the day due to the chaos across the schedule, the GR Cup competitors once again demonstrated their ability to adapt, stay sharp, and deliver high-calibre performances despite ever-changing conditions.
With the Eastern Cape now behind them, the field will turn their attention to the Western Cape for Round 6, set to take place at Killarney International Raceway on 13 September 2025. Just two rounds remain in the season, and with titles still on the line, the next event promises yet more fast-paced, close-quarters action.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Garmin, Dunlop, Ferodo and Kinto.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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.