Christopher Tait heads to the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 13–14 November for the final round of the 2026 Astron Energy Polo Cup, aiming to finish his rookie campaign strongly after claiming his maiden pole position at Zwartkops.
The Volkswagen Motorsport SA driver has already celebrated his first Polo Cup podium this season. Now, the 2025 Volkswagen Rookie Cup champion faces one final weekend in which to build on that progress, as the championship joins the South African Endurance Series season finale.
Tait’s first year in the category has demanded patience. Mechanical difficulties complicated the opening rounds, but his performances improved as he gained experience. The breakthrough came at Aldo Scribante in June, where a technical infringement sent him to the back of the grid for Race 1. He recovered to eighth before finishing second in Race 2, securing his maiden podium and fourth overall for the meeting.
His most recent appearance at Zwartkops provided further evidence of that speed. Tait delivered a blistering lap in Friday’s Superpole shootout to secure his first Polo Cup pole. A difficult start then left him fighting through the field on Saturday, with finishes of 12th and 10th placing him 11th overall.
That qualifying performance gives him an encouraging reference point for Kyalami. The challenge is to carry that pace through the races and make the most of his final two starts of the season.
The 4.522 km Kyalami circuit brings a different examination. Its 16-turn, anti-clockwise layout combines fast straights, technical corners and natural elevation changes. Against that backdrop, Tait will have Friday’s three practice sessions to prepare before qualifying and Superpole later in the afternoon.
Both Polo Cup races take place on Saturday, giving Tait two opportunities to close his rookie season with a result that reflects the progress behind his maiden podium and pole position.
Polo Cup schedule — all times SAST
Friday 13 November
Practice 1 - 07:30–07:45
Practice 2 - 10:35–10:50
Practice 3 - 14:00–14:15
Qualifying 15:35–15:55
Saturday 14 November
Warm-up 07:25–07:35
Race 1 10:40–10:55
Race 2 - 14:15–14:30
Official programme: View the Kyalami event programme
Livestream: SAES Racing YouTube channel
Ticket Sales: https://computicket-boxoffice.com/e/nine-hours-of-kyalami-m9s0Fd/tickets
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