The 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup season wrapped up spectacularly at the Zwartkops

International Raceway near Pretoria this past weekend. Under the blazing sun and soaring track temperatures, drivers pushed their limits in a quest for glory during this thrilling finale.

With the titles for the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and GR86 Development Academy already clinched, it was all about pride and podium finishes. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness two gripping race heats, capping off a fantastic year of motorsport action.

GR Cup Media Challenge: Sean Nurse Shines Bright

In the GR Cup Media Challenge featuring the GR Corolla, Sean Nurse from AutoTrader continued to demonstrate his dominance by clinching pole position with an impressive lap time of 1:12.631. Following closely was Riaan Esterhuysen of Toyota South Africa Motors, with Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) just ahead of Alex Shahini (CAR). Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars), Bernie Hellberg (Driven), and Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) rounded out the competitive field.

Race 1 kicked off with Nurse taking a commanding lead, finishing first ahead of Esterhuysen, while Hellberg secured a solid third place despite the challenging conditions. The battle for fourth place was fierce, but Van der Merwe emerged victorious over Mtshakazi. Visser and Shahini wrapped up a tough race in sixth and seventh, respectively.

In Race 2, Nurse once again demonstrated his prowess, crossing the finish line first and solidifying his status as the season’s champion. Esterhuysen followed him closely in second, while Jaco van der Merwe snatched the final podium position from Hellberg. Mtshakazi, consistent as ever, claimed fifth place, with Shahini and Visser finishing in sixth and seventh.

GR Cup Dealer Challenge: A Battle of Wits

In the GR Cup Dealer Challenge featuring the GR Yaris, Theo Brits from NMI Toyota Menlyn secured pole position with a lap time of 1:13.598. Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) and Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy) filled the second and third spots, respectively.

Race 1 unfolded with Brits emerging victorious, edging out Paul de Vos and Mario de Sousa, who finished second and third, respectively. Werner Venter and Marius Claassen completed the field.

The tables turned in Race 2, where Paul de Vos triumphed, finishing ahead of Mario de Sousa, with Brits slipping to third. Venter and Claassen followed to complete the results.

GR86 Development Academy: Dawie van der Merwe’s Dominance

The GR86 Development Academy saw Dawie van der Merwe shine once again, clinching pole position ahead of Niko Zafiris and Setshaba Mashigo. Race 1 showcased van der Merwe’s skills as he crossed the finish line first, followed closely by Zafiris and Ryan Naicker. Dylan Pragji and Mashigo rounded out the top five.

In a spectacular season finale, van der Merwe continued his winning streak in Race 2, further solidifying his dominance. Zafiris secured second place, while Pragji completed the podium in third.

A Thrilling Conclusion to an Unforgettable Season

As the dust settled on the final round at Zwartkops, the 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup season concluded with excitement and fierce competition. Despite the sweltering heat, the day was filled with remarkable performances, with standout racers like Sean Nurse, Devon Scott, Paul de Vos, and Dawie van der Merwe making their marks.

Fans enjoyed thrilling racing alongside the TGRSA Merchandise Stand and activation area, which offered unique experiences and exclusive items, wrapping up the season in style.

As the GR Cup heads into the off-season, anticipation builds for 2025, promising more exhilarating races and unforgettable moments in South Africa’s motorsport scene!