Presenting Toyota Gazoo Racing SA and sponsored by Netstar, the third edition of the GR Cup is here and prepared to test the mettle of both humans and machines.

Toyota

As always, this season promises to be entertaining, as six media personalities representing different publications and with a passion for cars will be getting ready to compete in seven thrilling rounds. Each member of the media will get a Toyota GR Corolla from Toyota Gazoo Racing SA.

For improved track performance, the basic championship car—a Toyota GR Corolla— has a number of upgrades, including a roll cage, Ferodo track spec brakes, lowered springs, and an OMP Racing Seat with Harness. Black branding adds to the car’s menacing appearance, which goes well with its 221kW of power and the cutting-edge GR-FOUR all-wheel drive system that competitors will need during the gruelling season.

Among the drivers set to compete this season are Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M on Cars), Alex Shahini (CAR), Hannes Visser (La’t Wiel on kykNET), Bernie Hellberg (Driven), and Jaco van der Merwe (Citizen). Returning to the field is Sean Nurse, who represented AutoTrader in the first GR Cup.

The opening weekend of the season will be held on March 15-16 at Killarney International Circuit in Mother City. It is our hope that Kumbi Mtshakazi will reach the podium on his birthday. From April 11th to the 13th, the challenging Kyalami Grand Prix will play host to Round Two.

Following rounds on May 17 and 18, competitors will race in Zwartkops Raceway. In late June, Round 4 will take place at Gqeberha’s Aldo Scribante Raceway. The end of July will see Round 5 at the East London Grand Prix Circuit, while September 21 will see Round 6 at the Killarney International Circuit. On October 25th and 26th, the grand finale will take place at the Zwartkops Raceway, which is close to Pretoria.