Summarize

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Astron Energy Polo Cup rookie Christopher Tait stole the show in front of Volkswagen Motorsport’s home crowd National Extreme Festival at Aldo Scribante, while Rory Atkinson made best of a testing weekend with a positive result in SATC SupaCup in Gqeberha. 

“The lads drove out of their boots to thrill our faithful Aldo Scribante Volkswagen Motorsport home fans at the weekend’s Extreme Festival,” Mike Rowe, Volkswagen Head of Motorsport reports. “Our Volkswagen Rookie Cup champion Christopher Tait overcame the odds, and the cruelty of the game to deliver a brilliant maiden podium finish in the second 30th Anniversary Astron Energy Polo Cup race. And Rory Atkinson delivered a solid day’s work to also fight back from a challenging start with two third places in SATC SupaCup.” 

Christopher Tait’s rollercoaster weekend began with his first run in the Astron Energy Polo Cup top six Superpole. He put it third on the grid, but it was all in vain. He lost all his qualifying times when his car failed a technical inspection. Starting race 1 at the back of the Polo Cup grid in 16th, Chris navigated the first turn melee and was up to ninth after the restart. Which became eighth after a late overtake. His fastest lap put Chris fourth on the second heat grid, but a great start saw him up to second from which he grabbed a career best second with both hands.

“Wow, what a rollercoaster weekend!” Tait, who won his drive by taking the 2025 Volkswagen Rookie Cup championship admitted. “From my first Superpole to being kicked to the back of the grid was a huge ordeal. But my team rallied behind me and I just drove my heart out to one of my best finishes yet in race 1. That put me well up on the second heat grid, from which another good start saw me up to second for my maiden podium and my best result so far. Man, I love racing at Aldo and today was a perfect salute to my team and fans. Thanks so much to everyone!”

Volkswagen Motorsport’s tough weekend extended across the pit to reigning Astron Energy Polo Cup champion Rory Atkinson’s side of the box. “We hit problems and missed first practice which put us on the back foot and I only qualified sixth,” Rory explains. “I made a good start to grab fourth, where I stayed, but luck was on our side for once when we inherited third. I started third in race 2 and kept it there for a double podium. Thanks to the team for a great effort and all the Volkswagen fans for all the support. We turned that one around well enough!

“Aldo Scribante challenged Volkswagen Motorsport this weekend but we hit back with great results and podiums across the board,” Mike Rowe concludes. “Now for East London in August, where we are keen to see both drivers take another step forward. See you there!” 

*Volkswagen Motorsport salutes its racing partners, Astron Energy, VW Genuine Parts, and Dunlop Tyres.