The 2025 South African Touring Car (SATC) Championship reaches its thrilling conclusion this weekend (24–25 October) as the nation’s top touring car drivers take on Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria. For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing South Africa (TGRSA), the final round presents not only a home race, but also an opportunity to close out a stellar season on a high note.
TGRSA will again field three Toyota Corollas in SATC specification, driven by the experienced Michael van Rooyen, rising star Nathi Msimanga, and young talent Sa’aad Variawa. The 2.4 km Zwartkops circuit—known for its tight corners, short straights and demanding rhythm—has long been a favourite for both drivers and fans, often producing dramatic battles and door-to-door action. With warm and clear weather forecast throughout the weekend, another spectacular finale is on the cards.
Van Rooyen on the Verge of Glory
All eyes will be on Michael van Rooyen, who has all but sealed the 2025 SATC Drivers’ Championship crown. After a season defined by consistency and precision, the TGRSA veteran heads into the final round with 143 points—nearly 30 clear of his nearest rival. While the title remains mathematically open, it would take a near-impossible set of circumstances for Van Rooyen to be dethroned.
“Consistency has been our strength this season,” said Van Rooyen. “The Corolla has been faultless, and the team’s preparation has been second to none. Now it’s about finishing strong at our home circuit.”
Msimanga and Variawa Looking to End Strong
Team-mate Nathi Msimanga currently sits fifth in the championship standings and will be pushing to move further up the order in the season finale. His pace and composure throughout 2025 have underscored his growing status within the SATC paddock.
Meanwhile, Saood Variawa—who missed several rounds earlier in the season—holds sixth overall but remains within striking distance of the top five. His younger brother, Sa’aad Variawa, joined the grid mid-season at Round 5 and has since impressed with solid, composed performances that have earned him eighth in the standings. Both will be eager to round off the season with strong results in front of local supporters.
Van der Merwe Targets Top-Four Finish in SupaCup
In the SupaCup category, Dawie van der Merwe will once again represent TGRSA in the potent SupaStarlet. Sitting fifth in the standings heading into the finale, Van der Merwe has shown impressive speed and racecraft all year. A strong outing at Zwartkops could see him climb to fourth overall—a fitting reward for his hard-fought consistency across the season.
“The SupaStarlet has been fantastic to drive all year,” said Van der Merwe. “Zwartkops always delivers close racing, and I’m confident we can end the season on a high.”
Finishing the Season in Style
With one final weekend remaining, TGRSA’s focus now turns to execution—aiming to close out 2025 with another commanding display. The team has already secured championship silverware, but as always, the goal remains clear: to win races and uphold the spirit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing—pushing the limits for better.
Fans can look forward to an action-packed finale at Zwartkops Raceway, where the roar of the Corollas will echo one last time this season as TGRSA signs off a remarkable 2025 campaign in style.
