Six SA Karters Compete in Global Champions of the Future Academy Program
Six rising talents from South Africa are proudly represented in the Champions of the Future Academy Program (COTFA), an international karting championship launched to elevate grassroots motorsport and uncover future racing stars. Now in its second season, the Academy Program features three classes designed to cater to young drivers across key developmental stages:
Mini-60 (8–12 years) and includes Mini U/10
OK-N Junior (11–14 years)
OK-N Senior (14–17 years)
All drivers compete using identical machinery: Parolin chassis with TM engines for Mini and Kart Republic chassis with IAME engines for OK-N Junior and Senior. This ensures that talent, not budget, takes centre stage. The series follows an “arrive and drive” format, dramatically lowering the barrier to entry for competitive karting.
South African drivers competing are Ronald Venter (Mini-60 U/10), Brodi Cooper Dowling (Mini 60), Emma-Rose Dowling (OK-N Junior), William Marshall, Gianna Pascoal and Anastasia Gerasis, all in OK-N Senior.
The 2025 COTFA season takes place across six race weekends, divided between Europe and the Middle East, offering young drivers world-class experience on renowned circuits:
Portimao (Portugal): 28 February – 2 March
Valencia (Spain): 11 – 13 April
Jesolo (Italy): 4 – 6 July
Pannonia-Ring (Hungary): 19 – 21 September
Lusail (Qatar): 24 – 26 November
Al Forsan (UAE): 1 – 3 December
Each round includes free practice, qualifying, heats, and finals, all broadcast live via Motorsport TV, providing participants with unparalleled exposure.
The 2025 COTFA season is proudly supported by the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive initiative, which aims to boost female inclusion in motorsport. Nine female drivers will receive financial backing and increased media visibility. The top-performing female in the OK-N Senior class will earn a coveted spot in an official F1 Academy Discover Your Drive test.
Following the second round, here are the current championship standings for the respective South African drivers. Total participants are indicated in brackets:
Ronald Venter – 6th (7)
Brodi Cooper Dowling – 23rd (32)
Emma-Rose Dowling – 29th (37)
William Marshall – 16th (36)
Gianna Pascoal – 19th (36)
Anastasia Gerasis – 29th (36)
More than just a championship, the COTFA is redefining the landscape of youth motorsport. Through its focus on equal opportunity, accessibility, and global visibility, it is fast becoming an essential platform for drivers seeking a pathway to professional racing. Entries for the 2025 season remain open, and the year ahead promises another exhilarating chapter of competition and talent development.
For more, please visit www.championskartingacademy.com by tapping on the link.
Tyler Robinson Makes History with Maiden Polo Cup Victory
Tyler became the youngest female driver to win in the Polo Cup and also the second to do so.
Round 2 of the 2025 Astron Energy Polo Cup delivered high drama at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and none more so than for rising star Tyler Robinson, who etched her name into South Africa’s history books with a stunning maiden victory.
Tyler, a former FIA Girls on Track - Rising Stars finalist, carried her strong early-season form into Kyalami, storming to her first-ever SuperPole and converting it into a commanding win in Race 1. In doing so, she became only the second female driver in Polo Cup history to win a race and the youngest to do so, a landmark moment in South African motorsport.
Despite her Race 1 heroics, Tyler’s weekend wasn’t without its challenges. The high-intensity battle for position took its toll, and she could only manage the seventh-fastest race lap. This meant she started Race 2 further back and had to dig deep, fighting her way through a fiercely competitive field to finish seventh. Her combined efforts across both races earned her third overall for the round, a reward for her grit, speed, and resilience.
“Winning my first Polo Cup race at a place like Kyalami is something I’ll never forget,” Tyler said after the podium. “We had to fight for every inch out there, and while Race 2 was tough, I’m proud of the overall result. Huge thanks to my team, supporters, and everyone behind the scenes who are making this championship so special.”
Tyler also thanked the event organisers, officials, and marshals for ensuring a smooth and safe race weekend.
Tyler's next stop on the calendar is the Aldo Scribante Racetrack in Gqeberha over the weekend of 9–10 May, where she’ll be looking to build on her momentum.
Van der Nest Claims First GR Cup Podium at Kyalami
Brandon made a leap forward this weekend with a maiden podium in ther GR Cup.
Brandon van der Nest made significant strides in the Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) GR Cup at this past weekend’s Extreme Festival presented by Coca-Cola, held at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. In only his second outing on the national tour, Brandon delivered an impressive performance that culminated in his first podium of the season.
Brandon returned with renewed determination after enduring a challenging debut in Cape Town last month. Despite a frustrating driveshaft issue that hampered Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions, the GR 86 driver pushed through the setbacks and qualified fifth on the grid.
In Race 1, Brandon put in a solid drive, gaining a position to finish fourth. Encouraged by the progress, the team made a few key changes to the car ahead of Race 2. The adjustments paid off, with Brandon confidently racing his way to third place, securing his maiden GR Cup podium finish.
“I’m really proud of how we bounced back after a tough start to the weekend,” said Brandon. “The car felt strong in Race 2, and getting onto the podium is a big confidence boost. We’ll keep building from here.”
Brandon’s next stop on the calendar is the Aldo Scribante Racetrack in Gqeberha over the weekend of 9–10 May, where he’ll be looking to build on his momentum.
Van der Merwe Makes Strides at Kyalami SupaCup Round
Dawie van der Merwe overcame a few challenges at Kyalami to narrowly miss out on a top-five SupaCup finish.
Dawie van der Merwe showed spirit and resolve at the second round of the South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup Championship, held at the legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg as part of the Extreme Festival, presented by Coca-Cola over this past weekend.
Representing Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA), Dawie piloted the only Toyota on the SupaCup grid. In a class dominated by purpose-built Volkswagen Polos tailored for the SATC regulations, the Starlet has faced a steep learning curve since it’s debut in late 2023. Despite this, Dawie and his team took on the challenge head-on, which marked his first competitive outing in the car around the Kyalamu circuit.
Although familiar with the Kyalami layout, the weekend presented a fresh test for Dawie as the Starlet battled some issues, most notably with braking performance. Despite the setback, the team made solid progress throughout the weekend. After qualifying tenth, Dawie knew he needed to gain ground early and keep the pressure on his rivals to earn a solid result.
He did just that in Race 1, climbing the order to cross the line in an impressive sixth place amid fierce competition. In Race 2, he maintained his pace and consistency to notch up a seventh-place finish. The combined result saw him narrowly miss out on a top-five overall classification by just 0.168 seconds.
“It was a weekend full of understanding, and while we had some challenges with the brakes, I’m proud of what we achieved,” said Dawie. “The Starlet has a lot of potential, and I’m confident we’ll come back even stronger at Aldo Scribante.”
The championship next heads to Gqeberha’s Aldo Scribante Racetrack for Round 3, set for 9–10 May.