The 2025 South African national circuit racing season roared into action with the first round of the Extreme Festival at the iconic Killarney International Raceway on 7 and 8 March. As the opening round of the GR Cup, which features the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and the GR86 Development Academy, it set the stage for an electrifying season ahead.
GR Cup Media Challenge: Abdool Makes a Statement
The GR Cup Media Challenge once again pitted six of South Africa’s top motoring journalists against each other, each piloting the feisty GR Yaris. In an unexpected turn, SuperSport’s Nabil Abdool, despite limited real-world racing experience, stamped his authority on the competition with a commanding performance.
Abdool signaled his intent early, setting the fastest qualifying lap of 1:25.146—not just the quickest in the Media Challenge, but the best time across the entire GR Cup field. He converted his pole position into a dominant lights-to-flag victory in Race 1, followed closely by Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) and Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive).
Race 2 saw a near-identical outcome, with Abdool once again proving untouchable. Kock held onto second place, while Mpyane rounded off the podium. The results cement Abdool as the early favourite in the championship, though Kock’s improving form suggests a battle may be brewing as the season unfolds.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge: Scott Takes Control
The GR Cup Dealer Challenge saw experienced instructor Devon Scott continue his winning ways from 2024. Piloting his GR Corolla with precision, Scott secured pole position and then dominated both races of the weekend. He was closely pursued by Motus Toyota’s Mario de Sousa, who finished second in both heats, while NMI Toyota’s Werner Venter completed the podium in both outings.
Further down the order, Andries de Villiers (Rola Motors), Rudolf Boonzaaier (Waterberg Toyota), and Tiaan Combrink (Halfway Toyota) put in commendable performances, but Scott’s early form suggests he will be the benchmark in the Dealer Challenge this season.
GR 86 Development Academy: Coetzee’s Perfect Weekend
The GR 86 Development Academy saw young talent Jason Coetzee deliver an impeccable performance. Starting from pole position, he led both races from start to finish, showcasing both skill and composure.
Mikel Bezuidenhout secured second place in Race 1, with Khanya Ngwenya finishing third. Race 2 saw Coetzee once again victorious, followed by Bezuidenhout in second, while Kent Swartz claimed third place, underlining the fierce competition in the junior ranks.
SupaStarlet Debut for Van der Merwe
Away from the GR Cup, Dawie van der Merwe made his debut in the SupaStarlet as part of the SupaCup series. Despite initial setup challenges, Van der Merwe improved his lap times with each session, qualifying sixth and finishing in the same position for Race 1. In Race 2, he surged forward to secure fourth place, showcasing both his talent and the car’s potential.
Looking Ahead to Kyalami
With Round 1 in the books, the championship now moves to the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 12 April. After an electrifying opening round, all eyes will be on the GR Cup challengers to see who can maintain their momentum and who will rise to challenge the early frontrunners.
One thing is certain—the 2025 GR Cup season is off to a thrilling start, and fans can expect plenty more action as the season unfolds.
