The next round of the 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup will take place at the East London Grand Prix Circuit on 27 July. This event marks the second of the mid-winter visits to the Eastern Cape, as the series prepares for an exciting weekend of racing before heading back to Killarney in the Western Cape and Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria for the season’s finale.
Toyota SA Motors’ Anand Pather, the Vice-President for Customer Services, will join the fray as a guest driver in the GR Cup Media Challenge. Pather, who has previously competed in the GR Cup, will make his debut in the GR Corolla this weekend.
GR Cup Media Challenge (GR Corolla)
Current Standings:
| 1. | Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) | 56 points |
| 2. | Alex Shahini (CAR) | 32 points |
| 3. | Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) | 29 points |
| 4. | Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) | 21 points |
| 5. | Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) | 17 points |
| 6. | Bernie Hellberg (Driven) | 15 points |
Sean Nurse leads the GR Cup Media Challenge with a commanding 56 points after four rounds. Alex Shahini and Hannes Visser are locked in a battle for second place, while Jaco van der Merwe and Kumbi Mtshakazi look to close the gap. Bernie Hellberg, in turn, will be aiming to catch up with Mtshakazi ahead of him. Anand Pather’s return adds an exciting element to this round, as he brings experience and enthusiasm to the track.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge (GR Yaris)
Current Standings:
| 1. | Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) | 28 points |
| 2. | Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy) | 26 points |
| 3. | Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy) | 26 points |
| 4. | Johan Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) | 18 points |
| 5. | Andries de Villiers (Rola Toyota) | 11 points |
| 6. | Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn) | 10 points |
| 7. | Theo Brits (NMI Centurion) | 7 points |
The GR Cup Dealer Challenge is hotly contested, with Mario de Sousa leading the standings. However, Paul de Vos and Devon Scott are hot on his heels, tied on 26 points. Johan Snyman, Andries de Villiers, and Werner Venter will be looking to make their mark and climb the leaderboard.
GR86 Development Academy
Current Standings:
| 1. | Dawie van der Merwe (GR86) | 56 points |
| 2. | Niko Zafiris (GR86) | 35 points |
| 3. | Dylan Pragji (GR86) | 25 points |
| 4. | Setshaba Mashigo (GR86) | 24 points |
| 5. | Ryan Naicker (GR86) | 24 points |
| 6. | Kent Swartz (GR86) | 12 points |
Dawie van der Merwe continues to dominate the GR86 Development Academy with a perfect score of 56 points. Niko Zafiris is second, with Dylan Pragji, Setshaba Mashigo, and Ryan Naicker all in close competition. Kent Swartz will be aiming to improve his position as the series progresses.
The weather for the upcoming weekend in East London is expected to be cool but dry, providing ideal racing conditions. The drivers will have practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying and two race heats on Saturday.
With Sean Nurse leading the GR Cup Media Challenge and Dawie van der Merwe dominating the GR86 Development Academy, the upcoming round at the East London Grand Prix Circuit promises to be an exciting event. The addition of Anand Pather as a guest driver adds another layer of intrigue to the weekend’s racing action.
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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