The GR Cup Media Challenge once again forms the headline act within the GR Cup paddock, placing some of South Africa’s leading motoring journalists directly into competitive circuit racing. Photo by TOYOTA GAZOO RACING SA
CAPE TOWN – eNCA sports reporter Justin Ford is trading his microphone for the steering wheel of a racing car as he participates in Toyota’s Gazoo Race on Saturday.
Ford will be charging for the checkered flag in a GR Corolla equipped with Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 221 kW and 400 Nm, the GR Corolla DAT combines all-wheel-drive performance with paddle-shift convenience, making it an ideal platform for close, competitive racing.
The Media Challenge promises plenty of action from the opening round, as Ford prepares for victory and claiming bragging rights against Craig Nicholson (News24 Motoring), Tayedza Mbiri (AutoTrader), defending champion Nabil Abdool (SuperSport), Naresh Maharaj (The Witness / Algoa FM), and the shared entry of Kumbi Mtshakazi (Kumbi-M On Cars) and Brandon Jacobs (Khulekani on Wheels).
“Pushing full throttle around Killarney International Raceway is the kind of feeling dreams are made of. Making my debut in Cape Town, in front of friends and family, makes it even more special.
"I’m definitely feeling that mix of nerves and excitement heading into race day — but honestly, that’s what makes it all so real. I can’t wait to get out there and give it everything I’ve got.”
The fun will also come from various Toyota dealerships who will also be going wheel to wheel.
The dealerships competing in the 2026 season include Rola Toyota Somerset West, NMI Toyota Menlyn, Halfway Toyota Fourways, Waterberg Toyota, CFAO Mobility Toyota, Malalane Toyota, and the GR Driving Academy.
The 2026 GR Cup season roars into life this weekend as the championship returns to the Western Cape for Round 1 at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town.
Fans attending the event can expect a full day of racing on Saturday following Friday’s practice sessions, as the Western Cape circuit once again hosts some of the country’s most exciting racing machinery.
For the competitors, however, the focus will be firmly on starting the season strongly — because in a championship that spans seven rounds, every point counts from the very first race.