As the 2025 Northern Regions Rotax Karting Championship approaches its climax, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) is gearing up for a weekend of high-stakes racing at Zwartkops Kart Raceway. This Saturday marks the sixth and final round of a fiercely competitive regional season, offering a defining moment for South Africa’s and Namibia’s emerging motorsport talent.
For the academy, the finale represents more than the conclusion of another campaign; it is a vital milestone in the structured development of the continent’s next generation of racing stars. Through mentorship, technical guidance, and exposure to a competitive racing environment, TGRJA continues to refine the skills and resilience of young drivers, preparing them for national and international arenas.
In the Mini MAX class, Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo will wrap up their debut season in TGR colours. While a championship victory remains beyond reach, the duo has demonstrated notable growth throughout the year. Nande has impressed with consistent pace and sharp racecraft, while Mandume has shown commendable resilience, overcoming early-season challenges with determination. Their adaptation to the intensity of South African competition underscores the academy’s commitment to nurturing international talent through hands-on learning and structured progression.
The Junior MAX category promises a thrilling showdown, with Tshepang Shisinwana firmly in contention for the title. With only 14 points separating the top three drivers, Shisinwana enters the final round as a strong favourite, his speed and consistency making him a formidable contender. Team mate Emma-Rose Dowling, despite missing several rounds due to international commitments, has continued to impress. Her focus this weekend will be on finishing the season strongly and carrying momentum into her European racing programme, further testament to the academy’s ability to balance regional development with global opportunities.
In Senior MAX, Kent Swartz looks poised to seal the regional championship following a season marked by both victories and steadfast consistency. Stablemate Georgia Lenaerts has also shown impressive form, targeting a top-three finish to close out the season. Her performance reflects a growing maturity and confidence behind the wheel, hallmarks of TGRJA’s developmental philosophy.
Reflecting on the year, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter highlighted the dual value of the Northern Regions Championship: as both a fiercely competitive racing series and a proving ground for emerging talent. “The Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship is without a doubt the most competitive regional series in South Africa. It’s usually just short of a national field every weekend, making it an excellent proving ground for young drivers,” Poulter said. “For us at TGRJA, this championship plays a crucial role in identifying and developing future champions. The progress our drivers have shown, both on and off the track, highlights the success of the academy’s structured approach.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, Poulter emphasised that the focus remains on strong finishes across all classes. “The lessons learned at the regional level will continue to shape the academy’s ambitions for the national and international stages ahead,” he added.
The season finale will kick off on Saturday with a warm-up session, followed by qualifying and three decisive race heats. As TGRJA prepares to close another chapter in its regional campaign, the spotlight will once again shine on the academy’s rising stars, whose performances promise to set the tone for South Africa’s next generation of motorsport champions.
