Johannesburg, 7 October 2024 – Volkswagen Motorsport delivered a captivating performance at the inaugural Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge in Pretoria this past weekend. Jonathan Mogotsi, piloting his formidable SupaPolo, stood out in the Hillclimb event, while Volkswagen’s Rookie Cup entrants added their own flair to the competition with stellar victories.
Headlining the event, Mogotsi’s drive in the SupaPolo was nothing short of extraordinary. Competing against some of South Africa’s most powerful road and race cars, Mogotsi secured an impressive seventh-place overall and sixth in the highly competitive Modified class. The class, dominated by machines boasting over a thousand horsepower, highlighted the sheer capabilities of the Volkswagen SupaPolo. Reflecting on his achievement, Mogotsi remarked, “We came here aiming for a top ten finish but ended up much higher. That speaks volumes about the Volkswagen SupaPolo – it’s a true giant killer on this tight and twisty Zwartkops climb.”
In addition to Mogotsi’s strong showing, Volkswagen’s Rookie Cup class delivered thrilling results. The unique format saw four Volkswagen rookies paired with members of the motoring media following Friday’s practice. Judd Bertholdt, Dhivyen Naidoo, and Uzair Khan led the charge, posting the fastest times in their individual races. The team of Judd Bertholdt and Brendon Staniforth, representing Maroela Media, claimed first place, showcasing their precision and teamwork. Cars.co.za’s duo of Dhivyen Naidoo and Jacob Moshokoa followed closely in second, while team Isolezwe’s Uzair Khan and Fanele Bengu secured a commendable third.
Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport, praised the team’s efforts: “Jonathan Mogotsi’s performance was nothing short of memorable, and the Rookie Cup class added another layer of excitement to the event. Congratulations to Judd and Brendon for taking the Rookie Cup win. The Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge was a fun and exhilarating event, but now our focus shifts as we prepare for the Extreme Festival finals in two weeks.”
As Volkswagen Motorsport shifts gears towards their next challenge, the Zwartkops Top of the Hill Challenge has set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the racing season. Fans can expect the team to return to Zwartkops, ready to push the limits once again in the upcoming Extreme Festival.
