The 2024 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing SA GR Cup delivered an electrifying weekend of racing at the Aldo Scribante Raceway in Gqeberha. Sean Nurse from AutoTrader once again showcased his superior skills in the GR Cup Media Challenge, while fierce competition in the GR Cup Dealer Challenge and GR86 Development Academy categories kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
GR Cup Media Challenge
Qualifying:
Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) continued to assert his dominance, securing pole position with a time of 1:11.553 around the challenging Aldo Scribante circuit. Hot on his heels was Alex Shahini (CAR), displaying impressive speed, followed by Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) in third. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) and Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) completed the top five, with guest driver John Thomson (TSAM) and Bernie Hellberg (Driven) rounding out the grid.
Race 1:
In the first race, Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) took a commanding victory with a total time of 9:57.552. Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel) delivered a spirited performance to claim second, 20.365 seconds behind Nurse, after an intense battle that saw him fiercely contend but ultimately fall short. Alex Shahini (CAR) secured the third spot on the podium after an exciting duel with Visser. The race concluded with Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen), Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars), Bernie Hellberg (Driven), and John Thomson (TSAM) finishing in that order.
Race 2:
In the second race, Sean Nurse (AutoTrader) once again proved his prowess, finishing first with a total time of 10:00.069. John Thomson (TSAM) delivered an outstanding performance to take second, closely followed by Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel). The battle for fourth and fifth saw Alex Shahini (CAR) and Bernie Hellberg (Driven) locked in a competitive duel, while Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars) and Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen) completed the lineup.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge
Qualifying:
Devon Scott, guest driver for Rola Motor Group, set the pace in qualifying with a blistering 1:11.903, followed by GR Driving Academy’s Paul de Vos and seasoned racer Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota). Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn) and Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) completed the top five.
Race 1:
Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy) clinched victory in Race 1 with a total time of 10:01.104, narrowly beating Devon Scott (Rola Motor Group) and Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota), who crossed the line less than a second apart. Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn) and Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Race 2:
Devon Scott (Rola Motor Group) bounced back in Race 2 to take the win with a total time of 9:59.045. Paul de Vos (GR Driving Academy) secured second place, followed once again by Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota). Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn) and Johann Snyman (Rustenburg Toyota) rounded out the top five.
GR86 Development Academy
Qualifying:
Dawie van der Merwe demonstrated his prowess, securing pole position with a time of 1:12.194, followed by Dylan Pragji and Niko Zafiris. Setshaba Mashigo, Ryan Naicker, and Kent Swartz completed the lineup.
Race 1:
Dawie van der Merwe clinched victory in Race 1 with a total time of 9:48.338. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji finished second and third respectively after an exhilarating drive. Ryan Naicker and Kent Swartz rounded out the top five, with the race showcasing the intense action characteristic of the GR86 Development Academy, thanks to identically prepared Toyota GR86 6AT models.
Race 2:
Dawie van der Merwe continued his winning streak in Race 2 with a total time of 9:49.752. Niko Zafiris and Dylan Pragji once again completed the podium, mirroring the results of Race 1. Kent Swartz and Ryan Naicker finished fourth and fifth respectively.
The next event in the 2024 GR Cup will be held at the East London Grand Prix Circuit on July 27. This marks the second mid-winter visit to the Eastern Cape before the season heads back to Killarney in the Western Cape and Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria for the grand finale.
