The thrill of motorsport returns as the GR Cup, presented by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa, heads to the iconic Zwartkops Raceway for the highly anticipated Round 3 of the 2024 championship. With the first two rounds delivering exhilarating action and unexpected twists, anticipation is high for another weekend of intense competition.
As the drivers prepare to tackle the challenges of the Zwartkops circuit, Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) leads the championship standings following his impressive double victory at Kyalami. However, with only a 13-point lead over his closest rival, Alex Shahini (CAR), Nurse knows that maintaining his momentum will be crucial to extending his advantage.
Shahini showcased his pace during qualifying at Kyalami, securing pole position and demonstrating his potential to challenge for victory. Despite encountering technical issues during the races, Shahini remains a formidable contender and will be aiming to close the gap to Nurse at Zwartkops.
Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) and Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) also demonstrated their competitiveness in the previous rounds, each securing solid results and showing flashes of brilliance on track. An unfortunate crash saw Visser side lined for the bulk of Round 2. However, the TV host will be keen to get back into a points scoring position. With the championship battle heating up, every point will be crucial as the drivers try to catch the fast disappearing Nurse.
The Zwartkops Speed Festival promises to provide the perfect backdrop for Round 3 of the GR Cup, with its fast and flowing layout testing the drivers’ skills to the limit. As the home race for many competitors and teams, the event holds special significance.
In addition to the GR Cup action, fans can expect to see the GR 86 Development Academy drivers in action, including Setshaba Mashigo, who won the GR Cup last year.
As the weekend draws near, all eyes will be on Zwartkops Raceway as the drivers take to the track for practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying and two exciting races on Saturday. With the championship battle intensifying and the stakes higher than ever, the stage is set for another unforgettable weekend of racing.
GR CUP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 2
| 1. Sean Nurse | 28 |
| 2. Alex Shahini | 15 |
| 3. Hannes Visser | 14 |
| 4. Jaco van der Merwe | 11 |
| 5. Bernie Hellberg | 10 |
| 6. Kumbi Mtshakazi | 9 |
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Garmin, Dunlop, Ferodo and Kinto.
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