Johannesburg, 14 October 2024 – The anticipation builds as Volkswagen Motorsport driver Jonathan Mogotsi heads into the South African National SupaCup championship finals at the Zwartkops Extreme Festival, scheduled for Saturday, 19 October. With a commendable thirteen-point lead, Mogotsi stands poised to etch his name in the annals of racing history by securing his first championship title. Adding to the excitement, rookie teammate Charl Visser holds a solid third position in the title chase, while younger brother Kyle Visser aims to replicate his recent success in the Astron Energy Polo Cup.
Mogotsi’s journey to this pivotal moment has been a testament to his determination and skill. “Jonathan Mogotsi fought his way into motor racing by winning the Volkswagen Driver Search,” explains Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport. “Now he stands on the verge of winning a major national racing championship.” The Volkswagen Driver Search, launched in 2016, offered aspiring drivers a chance to break into the competitive world of racing. Mogotsi took full advantage of this opportunity, making his debut in the 2017 Volkswagen Polo Cup, where he finished as the junior runner-up in 2018.
Arriving at Zwartkops, Mogotsi reflects on the unique pressure of leading the championship. “I’m not one who usually gets too many butterflies in the tummy before a race, but this weekend is a little different,” he admits. “I have often arrived at the championship finals with a chance to win, but never leading the way. So this time, it’s a matter of bringing it home. It’s been a dramatic season so far, so nothing’s guaranteed, except that I will put my best foot forward. Let’s do this!”
Mogotsi’s teammate, the talented Charl Michael Visser, has also made an impressive mark in his rookie season. Currently sitting third in the SupaCup standings, Visser is eager to leverage his experience at Zwartkops to assist Mogotsi in his championship pursuit. “I have a great record at Zwartkops, so let’s see if we can keep that going while also working with the team to help Jonathan take a very significant title,” he states. Charl’s impressive trajectory to this point came after clinching a seat with Volkswagen Motorsport by winning the 2023 Volkswagen Polo Cup.
The excitement doesn’t end there. Younger brother Kyle Visser, also a rookie in the Astron Energy Polo Cup, is riding high after securing his first race victory at Killarney. “I am so happy to reward my Volkswagen Motorsport team’s belief in me by winning at Killarney,” Kyle shares. This victory has propelled him into contention for the championship top three, with his sights set on further success at Zwartkops. “That puts me in a position to leapfrog two places up into the championship top three, and that’s our aim this weekend. I can’t wait!”
With a shared ambition and camaraderie within the Volkswagen Motorsport team, the Zwartkops event promises to be a landmark occasion. Mike Rowe emphasizes the significance of the weekend, stating, “Zwartkops promises to be a milestone weekend for Volkswagen Motorsport. Let’s go make a little history!”
As the final countdown to the Zwartkops Extreme Festival begins, all eyes will be on Mogotsi, the Visser brothers, and the Volkswagen Motorsport team as they strive for victory on the track, poised to capture both titles and create a memorable chapter in South African motorsport history.
