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The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) had a successful weekend at the Vereeniging Kart Circuit. All drivers secured at least one podium result in Saturday's Northern Regions heats. Most drivers stood on the afternoon's overall podium, contributing to the academy's increasing success and trophy collection in 2024.
Jason Coetzee and Karabo Malemela rounded out the overall podium in DD2. After a technical issue in the opening heat, Coetzee claimed two runner-up finishes in the remaining heats. Fellow academy driver Malemela took advantage of Coetzee's misfortune to claim second in Heat 1 and add two third place finishes in the remaining two heats.
Kent Swartz achieved two runner-up finishes and a third place, securing three podium finishes on the day and earning second place in the overall standings. This was an impressive performance by the current Junior MAX champion, recovering from some bruising sustained in an accident the week before.
In a race filled with incidents, Emma-Rose Dowling's chances of claiming an overall podium result were dashed when she retired from the opening heat following an accident. While she performed well in the two remaining heats, she finished her weekend on a high by claiming third place in the final heat.
Tshepang Shisinwana finished second overall in another closely contested Mini MAX round, with two third place finishes and a win, keeping his regional championship hopes alive.
With Round 4's outcome pending and drivers able to drop their six lowest point-scoring rounds, all regional titles are still up for grabs. The potential for unexpected outcomes adds an element of intrigue to the remaining two rounds.
While the penultimate round of the regional competition is scheduled for 19 October, the TGRJA will take on the nation's best in the final round of the South African Rotax MAX Challenge on 30-31 August at Zwartkops Kart Raceway.
