Gauteng’s Zwartkops Raceway played host to an electrifying conclusion to the 2025 TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA) GR Cup season over the weekend of 24 and 25 October. Despite titles already secured in the GR Cup Media Challenge, GR Cup Dealer Challenge, and the GR86 Development Academy, the final round delivered two rounds of fierce racing across all categories, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Under clear skies and warm temperatures peaking in the low 30s, the tight and technical Zwartkops circuit showcased the skill, determination, and raw speed of South Africa’s emerging motorsport talent.
GR Cup Media Challenge: Abdool and Kock Trade Blows
With the championship already in his pocket, Nabil Abdool of SuperSport remained as competitive as ever, setting the benchmark in Qualifying with a lap of 1:12.384. CAR Magazine’s Kyle Kock was just 0.587 seconds behind, with Phuti Mpyane (TimesLIVE) and the rest of the tightly packed field in close pursuit.
Race 1 saw Abdool return to winning form, taking victory in 10:13.387 ahead of Kock and AutoTrader’s Lawrence Minnie. Charl Bosch (Citizen) finished fourth, followed by Mpyane and Willem van de Putte (IOL).
Race 2 flipped the script. Kock capitalised on a strong start to take the win in 7:45.672, with Abdool and Bosch completing the podium. Mpyane finished fourth, van de Putte fifth, and Minnie sixth, rounding off a thrilling end to the media category.
GR Cup Dealer Challenge: Venter Shines Despite De Sousa’s Title
Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota) had already sealed the Dealer Challenge crown in Cape Town, but the final round remained fiercely contested. Pole position went to Werner Horn (Halfway Toyota) with a lap of 1:12.801, closely followed by de Sousa and Werner Venter (NMI Toyota Menlyn/Centurion).
Race 1 belonged to Venter, who crossed the line in 10:21.735 after a composed drive. De Sousa secured second place, with Johan Boonzaaier (Waterberg Toyota) completing the podium. Race 2 mirrored the first, as Venter once again led the way, followed by de Sousa and De Vos. Several drivers faced retirements, including Theo Brits and Andries de Villiers, highlighting the unpredictability of the season finale.
GR86 Development Academy: Coetzee Dominates, Namibian Talent Impresses
Jason Coetzee had already claimed the 2025 Development Academy title, but the focus turned to two debutant Namibian drivers: Kobus Reyneke and Kian Fussell. Both showcased impressive pace and composure for their first foray into saloon car racing.
Coetzee topped Qualifying with a 1:13.088 lap, narrowly ahead of Kent Swartz, with Reyneke, Jonno Wilson, Fussell, and Vatiswa Mokhonoana rounding out the top six. Race 1 and Race 2 both saw Coetzee lead from start to finish, with Reyneke consistently second and Swartz third. The strong performances from the Namibian newcomers underscored the depth of talent entering the academy.
A Season to Remember
The curtain falls on a remarkable 2025 GR Cup season, defined by close battles, emerging talent, and the growing appeal of TGRSA’s one-make series. Across all categories, the season has delivered on its promise of developing driver skill, encouraging spirited competition, and strengthening the connection between road and race.
2025 GR Cup Champions:
- GR Cup Media Challenge: Nabil Abdool (SuperSport)
- GR Cup Dealer Challenge: Mario de Sousa (Motus Toyota)
- GR86 Development Academy: Jason Coetzee
With plans already underway for the 2026 season—including more cars, more races, and even more action—TGRSA is set to keep South African motorsport fans captivated. The next challenge for the team comes this weekend, with the South African Rally-Raid Championship and SA National Rally Championship events in Vryheid and Dullstroom.
