New Teams, Cars, Drivers & Record Grids for SA’s Premier Series
South Africa’s premier national championship Global Touring Cars are set for a bumper season when they explode into action at Killarney’s National Extreme Festival at Killarney Saturday 5 March. 2021 title rivals, champion Robert Wolk’s Chemical Logistics Toyota Corolla and Michael van Rooyen’s similar Toyota Gazoo Racing machine will resume battle against thrilling new rivals this year. But the promise of up to a 30-car grid also lays the foundation for the most competitive premier South African race series in decades.
That, as they say, is just the tip of the iceberg. Expect many changes up front. Not least of all, another top South African carmaker returns to the fray in a full factory team in Cape Town, among several other top class GTC novelties and developments. The returning factory squad will once again see three two-car teams competing in Global Touring Cars. Add three further individual entries to stretch the grid to nine cars for the first time from early in the season. They, with up to 21 SupaCups threaten a 30-car grid.
But that’s not all. Wolk and van Rooyen’s teammates were still to be confirmed at the time of writing. Their, as well as the resurgent factory team’s drivers, will continue to expand local racing’s appeal to a far broader audience. On top of that. Last year’s SupaCup champion is expected to step up to the top class. Alongside reigning Formula 1600 champion Andrew Rackstraw, who is confirmed to make his debut at home in a RDSA Audi. Julian van der Watt will be back, but expect a surprise from his Ford Focus RS, too!
There’s also great excitement among the GTC SupaCup Polos, which promise another record grid as the season progresses. Talking of champions progressing, 2021 Polo Cup champion Leyton Fourie’s progress to GTC SupaCup will be watched with great interest. He’s expected to be up against SupaCup regulars, Jeffrey Kruger, Campos Racing brothers, Keegan and Jason, Mikaeel Pitamber’s Toys R Us car and veterans Dawie Joubert, Andre Bezuidenhout and Nick Davidson.
Other SupaCup newcomers include a multiple karting world champion and three more Polo Cup graduates among several others racing out of every corner of the county. Intrigued? Keep an eye on the racing social media and watch this space to follow developments in the build-up to Killarney’s season opener. All will be revealed in due course as the various teams and divers roll out their GTC racing plans over the coming days.
After Killarney, the Global Touring Cars will travel with the National Extreme Festival to Zwartkops in Pretoria on 23 April, Aldo Scribante Gqeberha on 28 May and Red Star, Delmas 2 July. Then it’s off to the East London Grand Prix Circuit on 6 August, back to Killarney on 17 September and then the Zwartkops finale on 15 October. GTC races alongside Polo Cup, Investchem Formula 1600 and ZX10 Masters bikes, and will be joined by the G+H Extreme Supercars among other top series, throughout the season.
Looking forward to Killarney, Entry tickets will be available at the gate, or via Computicket. Adults pay R100, Under 16s get in for R40 and entry is free for under 12s and WPMC members. Face masks must be worn, but social distancing is easy with ample space around the circuit. Killarney’s pits are open to fans, who can also enjoy the action and feel free to move between any of the circuit’s spectator areas. Convenient grassy embankments, shaded and other grandstands offer excellent viewing throughout the day.
The Killarney International Raceway also has children’s play areas, hot snacks and cold beverage outlets around the circuit. So mark your diary now, book those tickets, pack that cooler, gazebo and braai and set up trackside at Killarney Saturday morning 5 March to enjoy a brilliant day’s Global Touring Car and National Extreme Festival racing.
