Under the warmth of a clear Cape Town sky, Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) embarked on Round 6 of the 2024 South African Touring Car Championship (SATC) at Killarney Raceway. While much of the nation was shrouded in the chill of an unseasonable cold front, the Mother City offered a perfect backdrop for a weekend of racing, filled with unexpected twists and familial camaraderie.
A Family Affair: The Variawa Lineage
The weekend took an unforeseen turn for TGRSA as Saood Variawa, a vital contributor to the team’s SATC aspirations, was sidelined due to a crash during testing for the South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC). Although Saood emerged unscathed, he made the prudent decision to forgo the Cape Town race, allowing his younger brother, Sa’aad Variawa, to step into the powerful SATC GR Corolla for his debut. This marked a significant milestone not just for Sa’aad but for the entire Variawa family, as their father, Shameer Variawa, also participated in the SupaCup, driving the SupaStarlet. The blend of competitive spirit and family legacy added a unique dimension to the weekend.
SATC Qualifying: A Competitive Field
The qualifying session revealed the depth of competition within the SATC ranks. Michael van Rooyen emerged as the fastest among the TGRSA drivers, securing an impressive 4th overall, just ahead of teammate Nathi Msimanga, who clocked in 5th, a mere tenth of a second adrift. Meanwhile, Sa’aad faced a challenging debut, plagued by turbo boost issues that relegated him to the back of the grid for Race 1.
Race 1: Mixed Fortunes
As the lights went out for Race 1, van Rooyen exhibited remarkable composure, swiftly ascending to 3rd place and briefly threatening the runner-up position. However, as the twelve-lap race unfolded, he settled into a solid podium finish, showcasing his resilience amid fierce competition. Msimanga’s race, however, took a downturn after just five laps, when overheating issues forced him to retire, also sidelining him for Race 2. Sa’aad’s debut did not go as planned; his struggles with turbo boost persisted, resulting in him finishing last in the SATC field.
Race 2: A Difficult Challenge
The second race featured a reverse grid, which offered van Rooyen an opportunity to capitalize on his previous performance. Yet, he found it challenging to gain traction, ultimately finishing 4th. Sa’aad’s turbo issues continued to plague him, leading to his retirement after merely two laps. The weekend culminated in a tough outing for TGRSA, as Msimanga’s mechanical woes and Sa’aad’s debut struggles left the team yearning for a stronger performance.
SupaCup: A Legacy in the Making
Amid the challenges faced by TGRSA, Shameer Variawa’s participation in the SupaCup stood out as a heartwarming subplot. Despite a challenging qualifying session that placed him at the rear of the grid, he approached the experience with enthusiasm. In his first-ever SupaCup race, he completed all twelve laps, finishing as the last car in the field. The focus was less on results and more on enjoyment and gaining familiarity with the car.
In Race 2, while he again finished at the back, the shared experience with his son Sa’aad and the camaraderie of racing added a fulfilling layer to the weekend. Shameer’s participation not only showcased the family’s racing legacy but also underscored the spirit of the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown
As the TGRSA team prepares for the season finale at Zwartkops International Raceway near Pretoria on 19 October 2024, Michael van Rooyen aims to close the gap in the championship standings. The team, still eager to end the season on a high note, looks forward to a thrilling conclusion to what has been an eventful year.
The challenges faced at Killarney Raceway, from mechanical issues to debut jitters, only serve to strengthen the resolve of TGRSA. With familial bonds and a competitive spirit driving them, the stage is set for an exciting climax to the 2024 SATC season.
