High Stakes Rotax Regional Awaits as Academy Drivers Prepare for Final National
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returns to action this weekend as the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship enters its second half with Round 4 at Zwartkops Kart Raceway. Fresh from the drama and high stakes of the recent African Open, where coveted tickets to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals were clinched, the focus now shifts back to regional competition.
This round is crucial preparation for the final national round in two weeks' time; it also contributes points to competitors' national tally, where championship titles and spots on Team South Africa are still attainable.
Zwartkops, a cornerstone of South African karting, will provide a familiar yet demanding battleground for the academy's talented lineup. The 1 070-metre circuit is famed for its tight, technical layout combined with flowing sections that reward precision and consistency, essential traits as the season's pressure mounts.
Senior MAX – Swartz Leads the Charge, Lenaerts Recharged
Senior MAX championship leader Kent Swartz will aim to extend his narrow advantage after a strong first half of the season. With multiple wins already under his belt, Swartz knows that a strong showing at Zwartkops could give him the cushion he needs heading into the final stretch.
Teammate Georgia Lenaerts sits inside the top ten and will be determined to convert her pace into big points after a season marked by flashes of brilliance and determined fightbacks. A strong second half keeps her in the hunt for a top-three finish.
Junior MAX – Dowling Eyes Climb, Shisinwana Targets Consistency
In Junior MAX, Emma-Rose Dowling remains in striking distance of the leaders despite missing the opening round. She'll look to make gains at a track that has historically suited her style.
Tshepang Shisinwana, meanwhile, sits comfortably inside the top five, 16 points adrift of the top, and will target consistent podium finishes to keep his championship hopes alive.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins Building Momentum
Namibian brothers Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo have shown steady improvement through the opening rounds, both climbing the points table with each outing. Nande's current top-ten standing reflects his growing pace, while Mandume's resilience has kept him in contention despite early-season setbacks.
With the African Open experience fresh in their minds and the season's business end in sight, the TGRJA squad is primed to deliver another competitive weekend at one of the nation's most iconic karting venues.
Team Principal's Perspective
"The second half of the season is where championships are won or lost," said Team Principal Leeroy Poulter. "We've seen our drivers grow in confidence and capability, and Zwartkops is the perfect place to put that into action ahead of the nationals."
The action kicks off on Saturday with a Warm-Up Session and Qualifying. Three heats will determine the overall winner in what is expected to be another thrilling Rotax karting race day.
