Great performances by Junior Academy racers securing wins, podiums and global opportunities for young talent.
Centurion, South Africa (13 July 2025) – Big grids, big drama, and even bigger performances from the academy’s finest. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) had a lot to celebrate at the 2025 Rotax African Open held at Zwartkops Kart Raceway, with stellar performances across every major class. Let’s talk about the headline act, Jason Coetzee, who swept the DD2 class to clinch a ticket to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) in Bahrain.
Coetzee was untouchable in the DD2 class as he grabbed the pole position under immense pressure. This was a masterclass in consistency and race management, earning Jason his second appearance at the RMCGF.
In the Senior Max category, Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts kept the momentum going. It was unfortunate for Swartz, who narrowly missed out on pole and rebounded from a penalty. In the final, he was back at the sharp end, finishing a strong second. Lenaerts delivered her best time of the season, progressing through and ultimately finishing sixth in the final.
Junior Max brought thrills and heartbreak. Emma-Rose Dowling lit up the timing screens in qualifying, snatched a close second in Pre-Final 1, and then won in Pre-Final 2. Heading into the final, she looked unstoppable until a braking error sent her to the back. Despite the setback, she spirited to a 12th finish proving her fighting character.
In the Mini Max category, Namibian brothers Mandume and Nande Kaiyamo took on a massive 35-kart grid like it was nothing. Nande impressed early with a top-20 qualifying and fought to finish 19th in a chaotic final. Mandume, starting further, battled hard to gain positions and vital experience in a tough event.
Reflecting on the teams’ efforts, Team Principal Leeroy Poulter was full of praise.
“We saw some phenomenal performances this weekend. Jason was flawless, and it’s incredible to have one of our drivers already heading to Bahrain. Kent and Georgia both showed real grit in a tough Senior field, and while Emma and Tshepang didn’t get the results they deserved, their speed was undeniable. This is what the African Open is all about, high-pressure racing, and our team stepped up.”
Next up the team returns to Zwartkops in August for the penultimate round of the national championship, and they will definitely be one to look out for.
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