The Zwartkops Speed Festival, part of the National Extreme Festival, lived up to its reputation as the 2024 GR Cup delivered another weekend of thrilling racing action. Round 3 of the championship saw intense battles, unexpected twists, and remarkable performances from the motoring writers competing in the series, all behind the wheel of the formidable GR Corolla.
Nurse Continues Dominance, But Competition Closes In
Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) extended his championship lead with another strong showing at Zwartkops. Nurse secured pole position during qualifying, setting the stage for two exciting races. He went on to win both races of the weekend, further solidifying his position at the top of the standings.
Qualifying Results:
GR Cup Media Challenge:
| 1. Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) | 1:11.980 |
| 2. Alex Shahini (CAR) | 1:13.310 |
| 3. Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) | 1:13.416 |
| 4. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) | 1:14.030 |
| 5. Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) | 1:14.092 |
| 6. Bernie Hellberg (Driven) | 1:15.925 |
GR Cup Dealer Challenge:
| 1. Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) | 1:12.417 |
| 2. Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) | 1:13.132 |
| 3. Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn) | 1:13.722 |
| 4. Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) | 1:13.850 |
| 5. Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) | 1:13.892 |
GR86 Development Academy:
| 1. Dawie van der Merwe (GR86) | 1:13.107 |
| 2. Setshaba Mashigo (GR86) | 1:13.640 |
| 3. Ryan Naicker (GR86) | 1:13.738 |
| 4. Kent Swartz (GR86) | 1:13.799 |
| 5. Niko Zafiris (GR86) | 1:13.811 |
| 6. Dylan Pragji (GR86) | 1:13.951 |
Race 1: Nurse Triumphs Amidst Fierce Competition
Race 1 saw Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) lead from start to finish, but not without significant pressure from Alex Shahini (CAR), who pushed hard throughout the race. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) delivered a strong performance, finishing third and showcasing his resilience after a challenging previous round. Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) and Bernie Hellberg (Driven) battled for fourth and fifth positions respectively, with Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) completing the media entries.
In the GR Cup Dealer Challenge, Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) led the way, followed by Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) and Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn). Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) and Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) rounded out the top five.
The GR86 Development Academy saw Dawie van der Merwe take the top spot, followed by Setshaba Mashigo and Ryan Naicker. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji completed the top five.
Race 1 Results:
GR Cup Media Challenge:
| 1. Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) | 10:01.988 |
| 2. Alex Shahini (CAR) | 10:21.997 |
| 3. Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) | 10:23.546 |
| 4. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) | 10:27.118 |
| 5. Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) | 10:24.909 |
| 6. Bernie Hellberg (Driven) | 10:44.131 |
GR Cup Dealer Challenge:
| 1. Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) | 10:04.432 |
| 2. Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) | 10:12.038 |
| 3. Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn) | 10:24.127 |
| 4. Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) | 10:19.980 |
| 5. Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) | 10:27.952 |
GR86 Development Academy:
| 1. Dawie van der Merwe (GR86) | 9:53.733 |
| 2. Setshaba Mashigo (GR86) | 9:55.387 |
| 3. Ryan Naicker (GR86) | 9:59.689 |
| 4. Niko Zafiris (GR86) | 10:00.324 |
| 5. Dylan Pragji (GR86) | 10:00.670 |
| 6. Kent Swartz (GR86) | 10:01.016 |
Race 2: Nurse Secures Another Victory
The second race of the weekend was another masterclass from Sean Nurse (AutoTrader), who managed to fend off the competition to secure his second win of the day. Alex Shahini (CAR) finished a close second, continuing to demonstrate his strong form. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) rounded out the podium in third place. Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) and Bernie Hellberg (Driven) continued their competitive streak, finishing fourth and fifth respectively, with Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) completing the media entries.
In the GR Cup Dealer Challenge, Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) once again led the pack, followed by Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) and Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn). Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) and Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) completed the top five.
The GR86 Development Academy saw Dawie van der Merwe secure another victory, followed by Setshaba Mashigo and Ryan Naicker. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Race 2 Results:
GR Cup Media Challenge:
| 1. Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) | 10:06.328 |
| 2. Alex Shahini (CAR) | 10:18.303 |
| 3. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) | 10:19.687 |
| 4. Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) | 10:27.725 |
| 5. Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) | 10:30.782 |
| 6. Bernie Hellberg (Driven) | 10:31.336 |
GR Cup Dealer Challenge:
| 1. Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) | 10:05.678 |
| 2. Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) | 10:14.795 |
| 3. Theo Brits (NMI Toyota Menlyn) | 10:28.348 |
| 4. Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) | 10:38.502 |
| 5. Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) | 10:30.345 |
GR86 Development Academy:
| 1. Dawie van der Merwe (GR86) | 9:58.062 |
| 2. Setshaba Mashigo (GR86) | 10:00.912 |
| 3. Ryan Naicker (GR86) | 10:04.632 |
| 4. Niko Zafiris (GR86) | 10:04.856 |
| 5. Dylan Pragji (GR86) | 10:05.337 |
| 6. Kent Swartz (GR86) | 10:07.064 |
Next Up: Aldo Scribante Raceway
The GR Cup now heads to the Aldo Scribante Raceway for Round 4 of the championship, promising more high-speed thrills and intense competition. Fans can stay tuned for updates, race highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content on the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa website and social media channels.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Garmin, Dunlop, Ferodo and Kinto.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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