Mikel Bezuidenhout made a statement in his one-off appearance in the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa’s GR Cup during the National Extreme Festival opening round, presented by Coca-Cola.
While his primary focus for the 2025 season lies in the upcoming inaugural MSA4 single-seater championship, which kicks off in the second round, the Sandton teenager seized the opportunity to showcase his talent in the one-make Toyota GR86 series.
Returning to the Killarney International Circuit, a track he knows well from his time in Formula 1600, Mikel wasted no time adapting to the rear-wheel-drive GR86. Strong performances in all three Friday practice sessions set the tone for the weekend, culminating in a superb third-place qualifying effort on Saturday morning.
In Race 1, Mikel delivered a commanding drive. Engaged in a fierce battle for second place, he showcased both skill and composure, ultimately crossing the line as the runner-up after an intense contest. The second race saw him raise the stakes, taking on a local favourite for the win. Mikel briefly led the race, demonstrating his racecraft and fearless approach, before eventually finishing a close second to cap off a remarkable debut weekend.
Reflecting on the weekend, Mikel shared, “Racing is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and giving it everything you’ve got. I loved every moment behind the wheel and learned so much from this experience.”
With the GR Cup debut in the books, all eyes now turn to the second round of the National Extreme Festival, where Mikel will begin his highly anticipated MSA4 single-seater campaign, and if his GR Cup performance is any indication, he’s ready to take on the challenge head-on.
Mikel thanks his sponsors, Huawei Mobile and MTN Cosmo-Net, for their continued support in his racing journey.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Mikel Bezuidenhout
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