South Africa’s young karting talents are heating up the track as they chase glory in the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship.
Johannesburg, South Africa (03 October 2025) – The future of South African motorsport was on full display this past weekend as the Toyota Gazoo Racing Junior Academy (TGRJA) hit Benoni’s Formula-K Raceway for the penultimate round of the Northern Regions Rotax Kart Championship. With the championship heading toward its finale, every lap and every move on track mattered, and the academy drivers did not disappoint. This is how the action unfolded in different categories.
In Senior MAX, Kent Swartz and Georgia Lenaerts showed why they are ones to watch. Kent grabbed pole and set the early pace, finishing a tight second in Heat 1. Heat 2 brought heartbreak with a retirement after five laps, but he fought back in Heat 3, crossing the line second before a penalty reshuffled the results. Georgia put together her strongest regional weekend of the year, posting a fourth, third, and another podium to secure second overall, proving her steady climb up the ranks.
Junior MAX saw Tshepang Shisinwana step up in the absence of Emma-Rose Dowling, who was racing in Europe. Tshepang battled a tight field, earning fifth overall and keeping his championship hopes alive.
In the Mini MAX category, Namibian twins Mandume and Nande Kaiyamo brought speed and determination. Nande impressed with consistent top-ten finishes, while Mandume’s weekend ended early due to a heavy crash. Fortunately, he walked away uninjured, and his season-long progress reflects his resilience.
The Team Principal Leeroy Poulter praised the drivers’ effort:
“Formula-K always delivers close, hard racing, and this weekend was no different. Tshepang fought hard in an ultra-competitive Junior field, while Georgia and Kent showed their speed in Senior MAX. The Kaiyamo twins continue to grow and are proving their resilience with every outing in South Africa’s toughest class. With one round to go, the academy is in a strong position, and we’ll be pushing hard to finish the regional season on a high.”
With the championship finale on 18 October, these rising stars are now focused on taking their skills to the next level and ending the Northern Regions Rotax Kart season with a bang!
by 