The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returned to Benoni’s iconic Formula-K Raceway this past weekend for the penultimate round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship. With the championship heading into its final stages, every lap and every result carried weight. Despite fierce competition and testing conditions, the academy’s drivers rose to the occasion, delivering performances that underscored both talent and resilience. Notably absent from the Junior MAX field was Emma-Rose Dowling, who is currently racing in Europe, leaving her teammates to carry the TGRJA banner in South Africa.
Senior MAX – Swartz and Lenaerts Keep the Pressure High
The Senior MAX division produced some of the most intense racing of the weekend. Representing the academy, Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts faced a strong 11-kart grid, showcasing both speed and tenacity. Swartz grabbed pole position and set the pace early in Heat 1, finishing a close second despite the fierce competition. Heat 2 proved cruel, with a retirement after five laps, but he bounced back in Heat 3, battling hard to cross the line second on track. A nose-cone infringement penalty ultimately dropped him down the order, yet his outright pace reaffirmed his status as one of the quickest drivers in the field.
Lenaerts, meanwhile, delivered her most consistent regional performance of the year. Placing fourth in Heat 1, she improved to third in Heat 2 and secured another podium in Heat 3. Her reliability and steady progression saw her finish second overall on the day, signalling strong momentum as the season heads to its conclusion.
Junior MAX – Shisinwana Fights Through a Competitive Field
With Dowling competing overseas, Tshepang Shisinwana stepped up to lead the Junior MAX contingent for TGRJA. After a close qualifying session, Shisinwana started Heat 1 from sixth and, aided by several penalties to rivals, crossed the finish line in fourth. Heat 2 was a rollercoaster; he led late in the race before a nose-cone penalty saw him drop to sixth. In the final heat, Shisinwana engaged in a thrilling duel at the front but was overtaken on the penultimate lap, finishing sixth. His consistent performance earned him fifth overall for the day, keeping him firmly in contention for the championship as the season finale approaches.
Mini MAX – Progress and Setbacks for the Kaiyamo Twins
In the fiercely contested Mini MAX class, Namibian twins Mandume and Nande Kaiyamo represented the academy with determination. Nande demonstrated steady progress, securing consistent top-ten finishes in the opening two heats and showing he can mix it with Gauteng’s best regional talent.
Mandume’s weekend, however, was cut short by a heavy crash in Heat 1, forcing him out of the round. Fortunately, he emerged without serious injury. While disappointed by the setback, Mandume’s earlier-season pace and growth remain a testament to his development within the academy.
Team Principal Reflects on Weekend
Reflecting on the weekend, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter praised the academy’s grit and commitment:
“Formula-K always delivers close, hard racing, and this weekend was no different. Tshepang fought hard in an ultra-competitive Junior field, while Georgia and Kent showed their speed in Senior MAX. The Kaiyamo twins continue to grow and are proving their resilience with every outing in South Africa’s toughest class. With one round to go, the academy is in a strong position, and we’ll be pushing hard to finish the regional season on a high.”
Looking Ahead
With just one round remaining in the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy now turns its focus to the decisive season finale on 18 October. Drivers will be battling not only for regional pride but also for championship standings, promising an electrifying conclusion to the season.
