Summarize

It’s a matter of defence as much as it is attack, as the South African Touring Cars head into combat at the daunting East London Grand Prix Circuit’s Extreme Festival for their fifth round of seven of 2024 on Saturday 27 July. Besides a little in-house rivalry to take care of, it should be a weekend of defence for the Chemical Logistics Racing team as teammates Robert Wolk and Julian van der Watt lead the way to the Border region. 

It can however only be attack all the way for Toyota Corolla four, Gazoo Racing trio Michael van Rooyen, Saood Variawa and Nathi Msimanga, and privateer Anthony Pretorius, if they want a chance at title glory. The Toyotas have some work to do in the championship with Wolk and van der Watt now clearly ahead. But that’s no guarantee and motor racing is famous for being the cruellest of sports.

Which makes Wolk the man to beat in his Chemical Logistics WCT BMW 128ti TC, although he’s first to admit he’s under pressure. Most of that is from teammate van der Watt and his Investchem WCT Volkswagen Golf GTI TC. The Toyota lads must act now, close the gap, or forever hold their peace. And never ignore third Chemical Logistics lad Andy Schofield and his FlySafair BMW 128ti TC.

It's much the same in the SupaCup, where Volkswagen Motorsport duo Jonathan Mogotsi and Charl Visser have it all to do to keep Keegan Campos from running away with that title too. The Campos Transport driver has quietly built up his championship case to sneak into the championship lead in his Volkswagen SupaPolo, leaving his factory rivals with it all to do in their similar machines. 

It was however Cape Town Angri Racing SupaPolo lad Tate Bishop who stole the show last time out, and he’s out for more too, albeit a little off the pace in the title chase. The Volkswagens however have something else to worry about as the new Gazoo SupaStarlets start to find their feet with champion Bradley Liebenberg leading the Toyota charge and rookie Sa’aad Variawa looking to stake his claim.

Never forget the horde of other SupaPolos driven by among others, Turn 1 Insurance lad Jason Campos, Kalex lass Karah Hill and young Nick Vostanis. VDN Auto man Dean Venter is looking for a break, and Platinum Wheels Master JP van der Walt is an eternal SupaCup threat. Now there’s a whole lot of guaranteed race action!

South Africa’s most daunting racetrack, the East London Grand Prix Circuit always dishes up next level South African Touring Cars and SupaCup action. All considered, Saturday’s Extreme Festival will be no different. Sounds like a great reason to diarise racing for 27 July right now! The East London Extreme Festival South African Touring Car races will also be live streamed on https://extremefestival.co.za/live/.