Toyota Gazoo Racing SA dominate Zwartkops weekend with win and double podium

I HAVE a small confession to make. Whether it’s sunny or cold, rain or shine, if I’m driving around and hear a V8 or Harley idling or revving nearby, I instinctively switch off the radio and roll down my window. I live for that rumble and roar – always have.

Motorsport has always been my thing.

So allow me a moment to gush over Round 4 of the 2025 South African Touring Car Championship (SATC) and SupaCup season, which took place this past weekend at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria. 

I wasn’t there – sadly – but you’d better believe I was there in spirit. And I envy everyone who was there, especially those who could feel that vibration in their bones.

Don’t judge me too harshly. Everyone has their favourite sport. These days people are crazy over the Proteas, they are raving over the Bokke, and they absolutely love Bafana Bafana … and good for them, I say.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy watching the “big three” – cricket, rugby and soccer, but it’s motor sport that holds a special place in my heart; always has.

So, on to the “better things”.

This past weekend, Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) fielded three GR Corolla entries in the SATC, along with the nimble GR SupaStarlet in the SupaCup. 

The team didn’t disappoint, making the most of the mild, sunny weather and pushing their title campaign forward as the season hit its midpoint.

SATC – teamwork, tactics and titles

Practice on Friday saw Michael van Rooyen dominate the sessions, clocking the fastest times each round. Come qualifying on Saturday morning, he narrowly missed out on pole and started second on the grid. 

Teammates Nathi Msimanga and Saood Variawa qualified fifth and sixth respectively – all still well placed.

Race 1 saw Van Rooyen settle in behind the leader early on, choosing to play it safe and secure points rather than take risks. Msimanga held his own to finish fourth, and Variawa brought his car home in sixth – a strong collective showing from the GR Corolla trio.

In Race 2, which used the reverse-grid format, Van Rooyen started fifth. After a strong initial launch, the race was red-flagged on the first lap. 

On the restart, he lost some ground, but battled back up the field – thanks in part to some smart teamwork. Msimanga and Variawa made way for Van Rooyen to pass, helping him take the win and strengthen his grip on the championship standings. 

Variawa finished second, with Msimanga in fourth – another successful sweep for the TGRSA team.

SupaCup – quiet consistency

Over in the SupaCup, Dawie van der Merwe continued to build on his solid season. He qualified sixth in class with a best lap time of 1:05.982 – positioning him well for both races.

Van der Merwe held his position in Race 1, driving a clean and calculated race. In Race 2, he repeated the performance, again finishing sixth. It wasn’t flashy, but it was consistent – and consistency means points, especially in a tightly contested championship.

Eyes on East London

With a win and double-podium finish in the SATC, and more points from the SupaCup, TGRSA continues to lead the charge in both categories. Round 5 is set for July 19 at the famously fast and sweeping East London Grand Prix Circuit – and if Zwartkops was anything to go by, fans can expect more edge-of-the-seat action.