As the 2024 Toyota Gazoo Racing National GR 86 Championship enters its second half, driver Dawie van der Merwe from Mbombela remains undefeated. This weekend, he will head to the East London Grand Prix Circuit for Round 5 of the competition. Van der Merwe aims to maintain his perfect record, having triumphed in all eight races and secured pole position at every event.
With historical roots, the circuit, formerly known as the Prince George Circuit, underwent several redesigns over numerous decades and shortened from its original 24.461 km to become what we know today as the East London Grand Prix Circuit. Modified to meet Formula One regulations in 1959, the circuit was built into a seaside amphitheatre with a length of 3.920 km. It hosted three rounds of the South African Grand Prix in the 1960s before the race was moved to Kyalami. Home to South African Motorsport’s fastest bend (Potter’s Pass Curve), the circuit will again be a hive of activity this weekend as spectators support the National Extreme Festival tour.
Van der Merwe is familiar with the Eastern Cape circuit, where he won his first Polo Cup race in 2022. That day, he won both races, secured the pole position, set the fastest lap, and took the winner’s trophy home. In 2023, he followed up with two podium finishes and another fastest lap, demonstrating his mastery of this circuit.
“I look forward to racing in East London again,” said Van der Merwe. “Since competing on the national tour, it’s a circuit where I’ve performed best. The GR 86 is, however, a completely different car and will, therefore, perform somewhat differently compared to the Polo Cup car. I am confident we can continue our strong form at the circuit and out on an entertaining performance for the appreciative crowd that always come out in their droves. Thanks to Toyota Gazoo Racing, Bucket List Racing and everyone for their support.”
Spectators can purchase tickets at the circuit entrance on Saturday, 27 July. Tickets are R100.00 per person, and children under 12 enter for free. The entire race day programme will also be broadcast live on https://extremefestival.co.za/live/ .
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Dawie van der Merwe
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