Round 5 of the 2024 South African Touring Car Championship (SATC) delivered thrilling action at the East London Grand Prix Circuit this past weekend. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) fielded their familiar line-up of Saood Variawa, Michael van Rooyen, and Nathi Msimanga in the SATC GR Corolla, with Sa’aad Variawa competing in the SupaCup Championship with the TGRSA SupaStarlet.
South African Touring Cars (SATC)
Qualifying showcased TGRSA’s pace, with Saood Variawa securing P2, Nathi Msimanga P5, and Michael van Rooyen P6. Despite some setup challenges and minor car issues, the team was upbeat about their chances during the two races that followed.
Race 1 was a rollercoaster. Michael van Rooyen’s strong start was hampered by a power steering pump issue due to an early incident, but swift repairs during the ensuing red flag allowed him to salvage points. Saood Variawa, who finished as the highest-placed TGRSA driver despite boost problems, commented, “Race 1 was a tough one, but we managed to bring it home and score some valuable points. It’s all about staying focused and minimising mistakes in these situations.”
Nathi Msimanga bravely nursed a damaged suspension all the way to the finish, to ensure pole position for Race 2.
Race 2 saw TGRSA capitalise on the reverse grid system. Michael van Rooyen and Nathi Msimanga stormed to a 1-2 finish, showcasing the team’s resilience and strategic acumen. A jubilant Michael van Rooyen remarked, “It feels great to bounce back from Race 1 with a win. The team did an amazing job with the repairs, and Nathi drove brilliantly to secure the 1-2 for TGRSA.”
Saood Variawa, despite a pit stop for quick repairs due to boost issues and a broken upright bolt, managed to complete the race, demonstrating his determination and the team’s adaptability.
SupaCup Championship
In the SupaCup, Sa’aad Variawa continued his development in the TGRSA SupaStarlet. Qualifying in P8, he faced challenges in both races, including an incident in Race 1. However, a 7th place finish in Race 2 demonstrated his progress and the car’s potential for improvement.
The penultimate round of the season, the Killarney Speed Festival, awaits on 21st September at the Killarney Race Circuit near Cape Town. TGRSA is poised to continue their pursuit of excellence and deliver more exciting racing action.
SATC Race 1
| Position | Driver | Car |
| 1st | Robert Wolk | BMW 335i |
| 2nd | Anthony Pretorius | Toyota Corolla |
| 3rd | Andrew Schofield | BMW 128ti |
| 4th | Saood Variawa | Toyota Corolla |
| 5th | Michael van Rooyen | Toyota Corolla |
| 6th | Nathi Msimanga | Toyota Corolla |
SATC Race 2
| Position | Driver | Car |
| 1st | Michael van Rooyen | Toyota GR Corolla |
| 2nd | Nathi Msimanga | Toyota GR Corolla |
| 3rd | Anthony Pretorius | Toyota Corolla |
| 4th | Robert Wolk | BMW 128Ti |
| 5th | Andrew Schofield | BMW 128ti |
| 6th | Saood Variawa | Toyota GR Corolla |
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa Acknowledges Its Sponsors
Toyota enjoys a mutually beneficial relationship with Toyota Financial Services, Innovation Group Services and Kinto.
Published by: Karabo Sethusha
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