The Border region is on alert as the National Extreme Festival, powered by Coca-Cola, prepares for its fifth round this Saturday at the historic East London Grand Prix Circuit. This iconic beachside track, foundational to South African motorsport since the 1930s and host to the country's first World Championship Grand Prix in the 1960s, will resonate once more with the sound of the nation's premier circuit racing categories, including a debut appearance for a new single-seater class.
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Eyes will be firmly fixed on the South African Touring Cars (SATC) battle. Keegan Campos, piloting his BMW 128, continues his pursuit of Toyota's Michael van Rooyen, who strengthened his position at the top of the standings last time out. Close behind, Volkswagen Golf GTI competitors Jagger Robertson and Julian van der Watt occupy third and fourth, themselves under pressure from the Toyota Corollas of Saood Variawa and Nathi Msimanga. Andrew Schofield’s BMW and Siya Mankonkwana’s Corolla also feature in this tightly packed contest.
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Tension simmers within the SATC SupaCup category following a controversial technical inspection outcome at the previous round, leaving certain teams aggrieved. This backdrop ensures the on-track contest between points leader Tate Bishop and challengers Jonathan Mogotsi, Charl Visser, and Jason Loosemore in their Super Polos will carry significant intensity. Dawie van der Merwe, competing solo in his Toyota SupaStarlet, remains poised to capitalise on any slip-ups ahead.
Closer to the circuit's open-wheel heritage, the new Investchem MSA4 class makes its East London debut. KC Ensor-Smith aims to protect his nascent points lead against contenders Mikel Bezuidenhout, Karabo Malemela, Shrien Naidoo, and Renzo Ribeiro. Experienced campaigners Nicholas van Weely and Alex Vos cannot be discounted, while wildcard entries Allen Meyer and Andy Schofield add an element of unpredictability.
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The Astron Energy Polo Cup, known for delivering close competition at this venue, sees Rory Atkinson determined to close the gap to championship leader Mo Karodia. Ethan Coetzee, Hannes Scheepers, Judd Bertholdt, Tyler Robinson, and others join the pursuit. Adding considerable interest is the return of former champion Brad Liebenberg. Simultaneously, Wayne Masters seeks to extend his lead in the Astron Energy Polo Masters over John Kruger, Derick Smalberger, and Mike Barbaglia.
In the SunBet ZX 10 Masters, Clinton Seller has consistently led the charge this season. Competitors including Damion Purificati, Graeme van Breda, Jayson Lamb, Hein McMahon, Adriaan van Dalen, and Keith Agliotti face the challenge of overturning his advantage. A similar pattern emerges in the Toyota Gazoo Cup, where Jason Coetzee (GR86 Rookie), Nabil Abdool (GR Yaris Media), and Mario da Souza (GR Corolla Dealer Cup) have set a strong early pace, compelling their rivals to push harder.
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Action begins with practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying and two races per class on Saturday. The East London Extreme Festival, powered by Coca-Cola, presents a significant draw for motorsport enthusiasts. Spectators can experience the event trackside or via live streams available on the Extreme Festival’s official social media platforms.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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Images: Andre Laubscher, Willie Pretorius & Colin Windell
