The Toyota Gazoo Junior Academy has proudly concluded its Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship season, celebrating the remarkable achievements of two regional champions, a vice-champion, and two top-four finishes. The final round at the Zwartkops Kart Raceway in Pretoria embodies the spirit of determination and excellence that defines this successful academy season.
Jason Coetzee achieved his first karting title after a remarkable second-place finish this weekend, showcasing his perseverance and consistency throughout the season. Coetzee recorded seven victories, nine runner-up finishes, and five podium placings. His outstanding results also led to him being named the Rand Kart Club’s Senior Victor Ludorum.
Fellow academy driver and DD2 competitor Karabo Malemela finished third in the championship, narrowing missing out on the Vice-Championship by a single point. Claiming fourth overall at the final round, Malemela boasts statistics that include five runner-up and five third-place finishes.
Senior MAX driver Kent Swartz added another karting title to his trophy cabinet since joining the academy in 2023. The newly crowned regional champion finished as runner-up at the weekend. Swartz has recorded seven wins, nine runner-up finishes and three podiums in another impressive season.
A solid finish to her regional season saw Emma-Rose Dowling elevate herself up the regional rankings to claim fourth in the championship. Dowling, one of karting’s up-and-coming female motorsport talents, claimed a maiden win at the penultimate round, finishing as runner-up three times and third five times.
Tshepang Shisinwana narrowly missed out on achieving the double after the 2024 National Mini MAX Champion ended his impressive season as the regional Vice-Champion. Shisinwana, who placed second at the weekend, boasts impressive season statistics of six victories, two runner-up finishes, and seven third-place results.
“At TGR Junior Academy, the achievements of the 2024 season truly reflect our commitment to nurturing talent and instilling our core values. It’s exciting to see our young drivers not only grow on the track but also embody the spirit of our academy. This season has demonstrated the potential we foster, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and their accomplishments.” – Leeroy Poulter, Team Principal, TGR Junior Academy.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Jason Coetzee
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