Summarize

The Gauteng ATE Brakes VW Challenge is ready to roll with a new series sponsor, new technical regulations and back to the regular three class structure for the 2025 season opener at Zwartkops on Saturday 01 March. Following an interim season where Class A and Class X were split between normally aspirated and latest turbocharged 2-litre engines, both types will race together in a new equalised Class A for 2025. 

Among the early entries, class champion, Performance Master Wayne Masters is back against regular rival Dean Ross’ Norbrake Polo, while former B runners Elna Croeser’s ATE Brakes Polo and ex C champion Ian Walker and his Mellow Veio car step up to the top class. Former karter Jayden Goosen also joins the fun in his Ferro Energia AA Certified Polo. Which engine each will use, will become apparent at the track.

Class B continues as it was in 2024, but with a few more new turbo-litre three-cylinder powered cars expected to join overall reigning champion Stuart Mack’s AutoZone VW Polo. Once again, it remains to be seen if the likes of Chris Davison’s D&L Transport, Francis Aldrich VaporWorx Polo and Martin de Beer’s MLP car will be old school 8-valve 2-litre powered, or if they will have fitted new turbo kits to their cars.

In another change for 2025, latest model AW Volkswagen Polos will be allowed in Class A and B for the first time. It remains to be seen who first takes up that stiffer, if heavier more modern chassis. Class C continues as ever with its 8-valve Vivos, where Philip Croeser’s ATE Brakes entry, Mitch Coetzee, Adriaan de Beer’s Ukwazi car, Insurisk lad Dimitri Zapheriou and Dino Smit’s Rezcom Vivo are among the cars confirmed to return.

They will be joined by Polo Cup racer Bryce Pillay’s Matelico Autobody Vivo and Historic Scirocco regular, Stuart Konig stepping into the ‘modern’ realm in a Northern Bolt and Tool Vivo.

The 2025 ATE Brakes VW Challenge kicks off at Saturday’s season opening Northern Regions Extreme Festival, where a full program of on and off track attractions will be waiting to greet Gauteng race fans with top drawer racing action. See you at Zwartkops Raceway!