While many South Africans celebrated the Day of Reconciliation public holiday, young Tyler Robinson celebrated two podiums at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, finishing third in class in both races held separately over Friday and Saturday.
Forming part of the final South African Endurance Series (SAES) round, a grid of over thirty VW Polos made up of competitors from the CompCare Polo Cup and Pabar VW Challenge took to the iconic South African circuit for the final time in 2023. Tyler, competing in her AF Fans-backed Universal Racing Team Red Polo Cup race car, showed strong form throughout, ranking consistently in the top three of her class. She would carry that momentum into Qualifying, where she finished third, securing a second-row start for Friday afternoon’s opening race.
After a solid start, Tyler slotted into third, remaining within striking distance of second-placed Charl Smalberger. As the laps counted down, the former FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars finalist edged ever closer to Smalberger to take the chequered flag less than a second behind. A red flag disrupted Saturday’s race on Lap 1, but was soon restarted after the circuit was cleared. At the restart, Tyler dropped a position before finding her rhythm to make a pass for fourth along the main straight. Initially pressed to defend the position from Kyle Visser, she opened a slight margin before making up another position to cross the finish line and record a consecutive podium finish. In the overall results, she was ranked second.
“Nothing beats racing here at Kyalami,” said Tyler. “The circuit is world-class and is part of South African motorsport history. Not many have the privilege to race it, so I appreciate the South African Endurance Series inviting us to participate in this event. Having made my Polo Cup debut here, it has also been a great way to cap off my rookie season. Thank you to AF Fans, Universal Racing and everyone for their support.”
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Tyler Robinson
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