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International GT3 racer, 2022 South African Endurance champion, and former multiple SA karting champion Kwanda Mokoena made history when he returned home to contribute to a second South African Endurance 9 title on the trot in December. Mokoena shared the race winning 2022 Killarney 9 Hour MJR Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3, before once again contributing to the title victory in the 2023 Kyalami 9 Hour alongside Charl Arangies and Arnold Neveling.

 

Having raced the European ADAC GT Masters through 2023, Kwanda’s regular team, Into Africa Racing already had an all-star driver line-up in place. “Uncle Xolile Letlaka had unfortunately already chosen his team,” Kwanda explains. 

“I however had a last minute call up from Charl Arangies at my former Polo Cup team, Stradale Motorsport, which challenging as it was, I gladly accepted. The race went very well. We were lying third when I took over, and I handed the car back in the lead for my teammates to push on to see Charl crowned the 2023 champion, which is an achievement that I am very proud of! 

“The big news is that I am now off to Europe to compete in the GT Winter Series and then the ADAC GT Masters. I’m driving an AMG GT3 with official Mercedes-backed HRT Racing. I have no illusions that I will have my work cut out for the year ahead, but I once again have the legend, former DTM champion Manuel Reuter, and a great team in my corner.

“I believe in my team and we’re confident of a great year ahead! So, huge thanks to my parents and all my sponsors for making this dream come true, and to HRT for believing in me. I can’t wait!”