The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returns to familiar ground this weekend as Round 3 of the 2025 MSA Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championships heads to the technical and fast-paced Zwartkops Kart Raceway. With the season nearing its midpoint, the Academy’s young drivers will be eager to translate the promise and performance of earlier rounds into championship-defining results.
Senior MAX – Swartz Eyes Consistency, Lenaerts Looks to Strike Back
Championship leader Kent Swartz has been a force in Senior MAX, stringing together strong results, including three heat victories from six races. Currently topping the regional points table, Swartz will look to extend his advantage at a circuit where he’s historically been strong. His mix of aggression and control has set the tone for TGRJA’s 2025 campaign.
Teammate Georgia Lenaerts, who lies seventh in the standings, has shown serious pace but has yet to string together a clean weekend. With some luck on her side, the tenacious racer could be a podium spoiler at Zwartkops.
Junior MAX – Shisinwana Charges Toward the Front, Dowling Returns
After claiming his second season podium at the previous round, Tshepang Shisinwana sits fourth overall in the Junior MAX championship. His speed is unquestionable, and the reigning national Mini MAX champion will be determined to break into the top three this weekend.
Fresh from her stint in Spain as part of the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, Emma-Rose Dowling will look to climb up the points ranking. Now 11th in the standings, Dowling’s pace suggests a surge up the leaderboard is on the cards if she avoids misfortune.
Mini MAX – Namibian Twins Continue to Learn and Impress
Since joining the Academy in 2025, the Kaiyamo twins, Nande and Mandume, have steadily built experience and confidence. Nande currently sits ninth in the Mini MAX standings with 81 points, while Mandume is 12th with 74. Both Namibian stars have delivered encouraging performances, with Nande especially proving consistent in the opening heats. Zwartkops will offer them another opportunity to close the gap to the frontrunners and continue their development in the ultra-competitive Mini MAX ranks.
Team Principal Leeroy Poulter’s Outlook
“We’re reaching a crucial point in the championship,” said TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter. “Zwartkops is a circuit that rewards rhythm and commitment. Kent has a chance to extend his lead, while Georgia, Tshepang, and Emma-Rose are all in striking distance of big results. The twins continue to improve, and that’s what our programme is about, building champions over time.”
With tight battles expected in every class, TGRJA’s drivers will aim to assert themselves ahead of the season’s final stretch. The action begins with practice on Friday, followed by Qualifying and three heats on Saturday.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo
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