Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy Battles Hard at Formula-K Raceway
TOYOTA GAZOO RACING JUNIOR ACADEMY BATTLES HARD AT FORMULA-K RACEWAY
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returned to Benoni’s Formula-K Raceway this past weekend for the penultimate round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship. With the season fast approaching its conclusion, every result carried weight, and the academy’s drivers rose to the challenge despite fierce competition and tricky conditions. Notably, Junior MAX competitor Emma-Rose Dowling was absent from the regional action, competing in Europe, leaving her teammates to fly the flag.
Senior MAX – Swartz and Lenaerts keep the pressure on
The Senior MAX division produced some of the most competitive racing of the weekend, with Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts representing TGRJA in a strong 11-kart grid. Swartz set the early benchmark by grabbing pole position. In Heat 1, he clocked the fastest lap and finished a close second. A cruel twist in Heat 2 saw him retire after five laps, but he rebounded in Heat 3, where he fought hard to finish second on track before a nose-cone infringement penalty dropped him down the order. Despite the setbacks, his outright pace proved he remains one of the quickest drivers in the field.
Lenaerts delivered her most complete regional performance of the year. After placing fourth in Heat 1, she backed it up with a superb third in Heat 2 and another podium finish in Heat 3. Her consistency saw her secure second overall on the day, underlining her steady progress as she builds momentum toward the season finale.
Junior MAX – Shisinwana fights through a competitive field
Without Dowling in the field, Tshepang Shisinwana led the Junior MAX charge for the academy. After a close qualifying session, Shisinwana started the opening heat in sixth and, following several penalties of competitors, finished fourth. Heat 2 was even more dramatic as he led late on before a nose-cone penalty relegated him to sixth. The final race saw him lead a thrilling duel early on before losing out on the penultimate lap to finish sixth. His consistency earned him fifth overall on the day, keeping him in contention for championship honours heading into the final round.
Mini MAX – Progress and challenges for the Kaiyamo twins
The Namibian twins Mandume and Nande Kaiyamo carried the academy’s colours in the fiercely competitive Mini MAX class. Nande once again showed steady progress, securing consistent top-ten finishes across the opening two heats and continuing to prove his ability to mix it with Gauteng’s best regional contenders.
Mandume’s weekend was unfortunately cut short after a heavy crash in Heat 1 forced him out of the round. Fortunately, he did not sustain serious injuries. Despite the setback, his determination and pace earlier in the season remain a testament to his growth within the academy.
Team Principal’s Perspective
Reflecting on the weekend, TGRJA Team Principal Leeroy Poulter praised the grit shown by the academy drivers: “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 left in the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy drivers will now regroup and prepare for the decisive season finale on 18 October, where regional pride and championship standings will be on the line.
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