Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy Eyes More Glory at Rotax National Round 2
TOYOTA GAZOO RACING JUNIOR ACADEMY EYES MORE GLORY AT ROTAX NATIONAL ROUND 2
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) returns to action this weekend as the 2025 MSA South African Rotax MAX Challenge (SARMC) continues with Round 2 at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit. After a dramatic and weather-affected season opener in Cape Town, the academy’s young stars are ready to turn up the heat on Gauteng soil.
Now in its fourth year, the academy is fast becoming a national benchmark for driver development. With its impressive track record of producing national champions and Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) qualifiers, TGRJA enters the Vereeniging round hungry for more podium success.
DD2 – Coetzee Leads the Charge
Following his masterclass at Killarney, Jason Coetzee will be aiming to extend his lead in the premier DD2 class. The Cape Town ace dominated Round 1 with two wins and a runner-up finish, proving once again why he’s one of the best gearbox drivers in the country. With only a slender lead in the championship standings, the pressure is on to maintain momentum at a circuit where passing is notoriously tricky.
Senior MAX – Redemption and Rivalry
The Senior MAX category remains one of the toughest fields in the SARMC, and both Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts will be gunning for redemption. Swartz endured a difficult Killarney outing plagued by penalties and retirement, while Lenaerts started strong but was unlucky to be hit by a nose-cone infringement.
Swartz made a strong comeback by winning both heats at the recent regional round in Benoni, where he is currently leading the Northern Regions Championship. Lenaerts also showcased impressive speed in Benoni and will be eager to convert that performance into results as both drivers strive to elevate their positions in the championship standings.
Junior MAX – Dowling’s Momentum vs. Shisinwana’s Resolve
Emma-Rose Dowling enters Round 2 as the championship leader in Junior MAX after a sensational debut national win in Cape Town. The versatile young talent made headlines with her commanding heat win and podium consistency in Round 1.
Teammate Tshepang Shisinwana, the reigning national Mini MAX champion, will be looking to bounce back after a tough start to his Junior MAX career, which was marred by nose-cone penalties despite his obvious pace. With both drivers showing flashes of brilliance at the regional level, a TGRJA 1-2 is well within reach.
Mini MAX – Kaiyamo Twins Look to Break Through
Namibian twins Nande and Mandume Kaiyamo continue to grow in confidence as they adapt to the intensity of national competition. Nande showed real promise at Killarney, climbing as high as seventh in Heat 2 before a non-finish ended his charge. Mandume, meanwhile, is eager to put early-season setbacks behind him and deliver a clean, competitive weekend.
Their steady progression is a testament to the academy’s focus on long-term development and international inclusivity. Both brothers were the first Namibians to represent TGRJA.
A Pivotal Weekend in the Title Race
As the national championship reaches its midway point, the stakes are higher than ever. With tickets to the 2025 RMC Grand Finals in Bahrain on the line, every heat, point, and podium counts. The fast, flowing, and technical Vereeniging circuit will be a true test of discipline and racecraft, separating title contenders from the rest.
“We’ve seen the grit and raw speed from all our drivers in both the national and regional events so far. Now it’s time to channel that energy into consistent, front-running performances. Vereeniging is a track that rewards bravery and patience, I believe our team is ready to deliver,” stated Leeroy Poulter, Team Principal TGRJA.
