The Toyota GR Yaris race car number 60 is ready for action.
Image: Willem van de Putte
Things are about to get real.
When you get an email from Motorsport South Africa to create your profile and register as a driver for the 2025 Toyota GR Cup Season representing Independent Media and "IOL", on one hand it’s exciting and on the other, it is rather nerve-wracking.
I mean, every legend of motorsport in South Africa has had their profile there.
There’s no turning back now. We’ve completed our shakedown, signed indemnity forms and participation agreements and had our kit fitted so drivers start your engines!
Round one
The first round of racing takes place at Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town this weekend.
It will be my first time racing in anger with my motoring journalist colleagues, GR Cup Dealer Challenge drivers in GR Corollas and GR86 Development Academy youngsters all going flat out when the lights turn green.
I suspect it could get tight especially with most of us in the Media Cup Challenge not having raced before.
The branded Toyota GR Yaris that Independent Media and IOL will be racing at Killarney International Raceway.
Image: Willem van de Putte
Making their debut are Willem van de Putte, aka me, (Independent Media/IOL), Charl Bosch (The Citizen), Lawrence Minnie (Auto Trader), Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive), Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) and Nabil Abdool (SuperSport).
At the shakedown, there was an air of friendly banter and exchange of information and tips but I reckon once we’re on the track that will all change.
How it works
For those not familiar with how things work, on a race weekend, it starts on a Friday with a number of practice sessions.
That’s where I’ll have to sharpen up very quickly. It’s not just getting to grips with a racing GR Yaris. Killarney is a complete unknown so I’ll have to delve deep into the Garmin Catalyst Driving Performance Optimiser attached to the windscreen and analyse as much data as possible.
Fortunately, there will be experienced instructors on hand to help and guide us.
Saturday is race day. We’re on track early for qualifying to determine the starting line-up for the first race so there’s no place to hide.
Race one is not long after qualifying and it’s a rolling start which provides its own challenges.
The second sprint takes place in the afternoon and hopefully by then, the nerves would have settled.
It’s racing so anything can happen. A puncture, a missed gear or mechanical problems happen very quickly and can change the outcome in seconds so here’s hoping for a successful campaign.