Tait Claims Superb Overall Runner-Up Finish at Aldo

Christopher Tait delivered his strongest overall result of the season with a superb runner-up finish in the fifth round of the Astron Energy Polo Cup at Aldo Scribante Racetrack on Saturday.

The Volkswagen Motorsport rookie returned to the Gqeberha circuit carrying renewed confidence and valuable track knowledge. Tait had competed at the same venue during the Regional Extreme Festival’s away round just one week earlier, where he finished runner-up in the VW Challenge Class A competition.

Against the country’s leading Polo Cup competitors, the Johannesburg teenager immediately demonstrated how far he has progressed during his debut season.

Tait secured his second national race podium at Aldo Scribante by bringing his Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa Polo home in third place in the opening 10-lap encounter. With the front runners separated by only a few seconds at the chequered flag, it was a composed performance that kept him firmly in contention for a strong combined result.

He followed that performance with another competitive drive in Race 2, finishing fourth after once again running among the leading contenders.

The combined results elevated Tait to second overall for the weekend. The fight for the runner-up position could hardly have been closer, with Tait edging out third by only 0.043 seconds on aggregate.

The result represents another important breakthrough for the 2025 Volkswagen Rookie Cup champion. Having already claimed his maiden Polo Cup podium during the championship’s previous visit to Aldo Scribante, he returned to secure another race podium and his first overall runner-up result in the national championship.

After mechanical problems and difficult weekends complicated the opening part of his rookie campaign, Tait has responded with steadily improving performances. His latest result further shows he is developing into a regular front-running contender as the championship approaches its final rounds.

“It was a really positive weekend, and I’m stoked to finish second overall,” said Tait. “The opening rounds were difficult, particularly with the mechanical problems we faced, but we kept working and learning. I’m gaining confidence in the car with every round, and it’s encouraging to see that progress reflected in our results. A big thank you to the team and everyone who continues to support me. Having the encouragement of those closest to me means a great deal. I’m looking forward to returning to Cape Town in September with renewed confidence and continuing our push towards that first win.”

The penultimate round of the championship will see the Extreme Festival national tour return to Killarney International Raceway over 18-19 September.