Tricky Weather Conditions Mark Final Round for Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) concluded its 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship campaign at Zwartkops Kart Raceway under challenging conditions, with heavy rain at times making the circuit unpredictable throughout the day. Despite the adverse weather, the team’s young drivers showcased determination and composure to bring the season to a strong close.
Regular front-runner Emma-Rose Dowling did not compete as she continued to fly the South African flag abroad in international karting competition. Similarly, Namibian twins Mandume and Nande Kaiyamo were absent from the weekend’s action due to school commitments as they focus on their studies.
In Junior MAX, Tshepang Shisinwana endured a demanding weekend in the wet but rose to the challenge with three consistent performances. The Rand Kart Club driver finished sixth in Heat 1, fourth in Heat 2, and sixth in Heat 3, earning him fourth overall for the round. His pace in the treacherous conditions once again demonstrated the race craft and maturity that have become hallmarks of his season.
In Senior MAX, Kent Swartz reaffirmed his championship-winning pace despite the conditions. After a hard-fought battle throughout the day, Swartz’s victory in the final heat secured him the overall round win and the 2025 Northern Regions Senior MAX Championship title.
His TGRJA teammate Georgia Lenaerts showed excellent speed throughout the day, including a superb second place in Heat 2, to finish sixth overall for the weekend, a result that underlines her continuous growth and determination across the season.
Reflecting on the final regional outing of the year, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter praised the team’s collective effort despite the challenges posed by the weather:
“It was a tough weekend for all the drivers, but the way they handled the changing track conditions shows how far they’ve come this season. Kent’s title win is a fantastic achievement, and Georgia’s strong pace in the wet was equally impressive. Even though some of our drivers were unable to compete, their progress throughout the year reflects what this academy stands for, developing complete, resilient athletes both on and off the track.”
Poulter also highlighted the importance of the Northern Regions Championship as a proving ground for South Africa’s future motorsport stars, noting that it consistently produces drivers capable of excelling on national and international stages.
