Summarize

Jason Loosemore is on the cusp of securing the 2024 South African National Astron Energy Polo Cup title at the Zwartkops Extreme Festival finale on Saturday 19 October.  However, Ethan Coetzee remains in contention ensuring that the race will be a thrilling conclusion to the championship battle. 

It’s a similar situation in Astron Energy Polo Masters, where Wayne Masters still has Derick Smalberger within striking distance. One young man however intends to beat them all again. Volkswagen rookie champion Kyle Visser heads north with nothing less than a repeat victory in mind in Pretoria.

Loosemore took two seasons to learn the Polo Cup ropes, and while he has benefited early season rival Nathan Victor exiting the series, he has been ahead most of the 2024 season in his Security Fencing & Alarms Team Red Polo. His closest rival, Ethan Coetzee has since taken up the chase and cannily kept in title contention with a double win in East London, while matching Loosemore’s points tally in the Cape last time out. 

Mo Karodia moved ahead of Victor in the chase at Killarney last time out. Kyle Visser however dramatically closed the gap to third and fourth with his win at home last time out, and he now takes aim at Karodia’s third championship position at Zwartkops.

Sabertek driver, Charl Smalberger is another who is by no means out of contention for a win after his previous victory in Killarney including Rory Atkinson who will be out to make amends for failing to convert no less than four pole positions to success at the previous meeting. 

Keep an eye on Jeandre Marais’ Syrabix Team Red, or rookie Dainfern Dental doctor Hannes Scheepers. Team Red duo Roshaan Goodman and AF Fans Team Red lass Tyler Robinson have both proven faster than their championship positions suggest. Also watch for Nirav Singh, Pierluigi Muzzulini and Bjorn Bertholdt among the Astron Energy Polo Cup youngsters. 

Wayne Masters has quietly been piling on the pressure and his five wins in the past six races see the Alpha FSS Polo veteran in a strong Astron Energy Polo Masters title advantage. Old rival, Derick Smalberger has however kept the championship alive and both arrive at their Zwartkops home track with much to prove. 

John Kruger’s Habot Lubricants Polo is likely to run interference in Pretoria. Other Masters’ drivers to look out for, include PABAR man Mike Barbaglia and Luigi Ferro’s second Alpha FSS entry in their own fight for fourth, Chris Dale’s Dale Automation Polo, quick ATE Brakes lady Elna Croeser, and FSS dad Elio Muzzulini.

Gauteng race fans have some exceptional Astron Energy Polo Cup racing to look forward to at Zwartkops’ Extreme Festival finale on Saturday.