TGR Junior Academy Set for Title-Deciding Rotax National Finale
Kent Swarts leads out the Senior MAX field during Round 2 of the SARMC in Vereeniging earlier this season.
The 2025 South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) reaches its climax this weekend at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, just outside of Pretoria, where the final four heats of the season will crown the nation's champions. For the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA), the event represents both opportunity and high stakes as several of its drivers remain firmly in the hunt for national honours. With national titles on the line, the rewards could not be greater. Champions in each class will book their places on Team South Africa for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Bahrain later this year, where they will compete against the world's best Rotax karters.
DD2 – Coetzee on the Verge of Greatness
Academy stalwart Jason Coetzee has been the benchmark in DD2 throughout 2025, racking up seven from nine heat wins and finishing on the podium twice. Arriving at Zwartkops with momentum on his side, Coetzee will look to seal the title in front of a fiercely competitive field. Another strong showing here will see the Capetonian not only add the national title to his African Open title but secure his ticket to Bahrain as South Africa's top gearbox driver.
Senior MAX – Fighting for Pride and Podiums
With the Senior MAX title now out of reach, Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts head to Zwartkops determined to close out their seasons on a high. Swartz, who claimed his first and only national heat victory at Vereeniging, has faced a challenging national campaign and will be aiming to add more wins to his tally and secure a strong championship finish.
Lenaerts has shown flashes of front-running pace throughout the campaign and will be targeting consistency in the final. Her last national outing saw her achieve her best results, and with four heats to battle it out, she will be looking to fight her way onto the overall season podium.
Junior MAX – Dowling Chases the Crown, Shisinwana Seeks Strong Finish
Emma-Rose Dowling remains firmly in the hunt for the Junior MAX title as the season heads into its decisive finale. With her breakthrough win at Killarney, strong iDube results, and international experience, she will be giving everything at Zwartkops to secure the crown and earn her place on Team South Africa.
Teammate Tshepang Shisinwana, meanwhile, has shown instances of pace in his maiden Junior MAX campaign and will be focused on delivering four solid heats to end the year strongly, with a championship top-three finish still a realistic target.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins Close Out Debut Season
Namibian brothers Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo complete their first full SARMC season this weekend. Both have made clear progress in the ultra-competitive Mini MAX class, with Nande consistently edging closer to the top 10. For the twins, Zwartkops provides one last opportunity in 2025 to convert promise into standout results while gaining valuable experience for the future.
Principal’s View
“Zwartkops always delivers thrilling finales,” said Team Principal Leeroy Poulter. “Our drivers have fought with determination all year, and now it comes down to one final push. The chance to represent South Africa on the world stage is an incredible motivator, expect the academy to give everything this weekend.”
With four heats scheduled for the finale, every point and position will be decisive. For some, the dream of a national title and a ticket to Bahrain is within touching distance; for others, the aim will be to finish the season on a high and secure a place on the championship podium.
A livestream of the final will be available from Saturday on the promoter’s YouTube channel:
