Summarize

The Volkswagen Motorsport Rookie Cup is heading towards an epic conclusion as it breaks away from its regular National Extreme Festival fixture to join the Gauteng Regional Festival on tour at the Killarney international Raceway in Cape Town for its penultimate round on Saturday 10 August. And with just seven points separating Dhivyen Naidoo, Judd Bertholdt and Jayden Goosen, and Josh Moore and Uzair Khan right there to pick up the pieces, it’s all to do for the five hopefuls.

“Our Volkswagen Rookie Cup academy trains its racing recruits in every aspect of racing in a real-world hands-on raceday realm,” Volkswagen Head of Motorsport Mike Rowe explains. “So far in 2024, the Rookie Cup has delivered some brilliant racing and next Saturday our young guns return to Killarney with the lot of them right in title contention to put on a show that will cause Cape race fans to remember each of their names as our young stars continue to develop their skills in racing conditions.” 

It's been a stunning 2024 Rookie Cup so far, with the five young hopefuls all fully focussed on following 2023 winner Kyle Visser into Astron Energy Polo Cup as Volkswagen Motorsport’s official 2025 Cup Rookie. It’s super close up front with Durbanite Dhivyen Naidoo just four points clear of fellow former karter, Gauteng lad Judd Bertholdt, with compatriot Jayden Goosen another two points adrift. Gqeberha hopeful Josh Moore and another Durbanite, Uzair Khan also remain well within striking distance.

The rookies race with champion coaches Matthew Merton and Daniel Rowe to keep the closest eye on progress. The Rookie syllabus covers everything from driver fitness to physical and mental preparation, teamwork, data analysis, collaborating with the team and dealing with the media and every other aspect of a racing career. Young drivers interested in joining the 2025 Volkswagen Rookie Cup should email driving@vwsa.co.za for further info.