Zwartkops Kart Raceway will host the next round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championships, marking Round 5 of the Gauteng regional competition. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Junior Academy (TGRJA) endured a challenging fourth round and will be looking to bounce back this weekend. Karabo Malemela (DD2) and Kent Swartz (Senior MAX), who compete in circuit racing, will be absent with the National Extreme Festival falling on the same weekend.
Driving in the DD2 category, Jason Coetzee will again lead the Academy’s campaign. The Investchem Formula 1600 driver has chosen to participate in this weekend’s karting competition to prepare for the final national karting round at the same venue in August. Coetzee is vying for the national title, with the added incentive of earning a spot in the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Italy later this year.
Emma-Rose Dowling will represent TGRJA in the Junior MAX class for 12-14-year-olds. Dowling has experienced a topsy-turvy season thus far, with several misfortunes plaguing her campaign, including mechanical, technical, and on-track incidents. However, when able to complete a heat without serious issues, she has secured a few podium placings. This weekend, she will look to add to her podium statistics at a circuit she knows well.
Mini MAX pilot Tshepang Shisinwana is another championship contender who will be looking to improve on his last performance. He recorded some of the fastest laps of the previous event but lost out due to post-race penalties resulting from some fierce racing. A regular podium contender, Shisinwana will also be looking to utilise the event as preparation for the upcoming national round, hoping to add to his two national karting titles and compete in his first RMCGF.
Saturday’s program will commence with a warm-up session, qualifying, and three race heats. Entry to the circuit is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Jason Coetzee (DD2)
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