Toyota GR Yaris Cup 2025 The GR Yaris will enhance the challenge for the country’s top motoring journalists this year. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
We are going racing.
That’s right, Independent Media and IOL will be competing in the 2025 GR Cup Media Challenge with myself, Willem van de Putte, behind the wheel of a race-ready GR Yaris across some of South Africa’s most iconic tracks.
The GR Yaris replaces the GR Corolla that competed last year, which, according to Toyota, will enhance the challenge for the country’s top motoring journalists.
The GR Cup dealer challenge shifts to the GR Corolla, with Toyota SA’s GR-focussed dealer network vying for honours.
There’s a fresh line-up of motoring journalists representing some of the country’s leading automotive publications.
The competitors are: Willem van de Putte (Independent Media/IOL), Charl Bosch (Citizen), Lawrence Minnie (Auto Trader), Phuti Mpyane (TimesLive), Kyle Kock (CAR Magazine) and Nabil Abdool (SuperSport).
The Dealer Challenge features familiar names, with several teams opting for a shared drive strategy.
The competitors are: Werner Venter & Theo Brits (NMI Menlyn/Centurion car), Mario de Sousa (Motus), Paul de Vos and Devon Scott (GR Driving Academy car), Johan Boonzaaier and Rudi Boonzaaier (Waterberg Toyota car), Kevin Crowie and Tiaan Combrink (Halfway Toyota), as well as Marius Claasen and Andries de Villiers (Rola Motors car).
The GR86 Development Academy will once again form part of the GR Cup structure, offering up-and-coming drivers a chance to showcase their skills in a competitive environment.
With the Media Challenge moving to the GR Yaris, a highly competitive Dealer Challenge grid, and the return of the GR86 Development Academy, another action-packed season filled with surprises is on the cards.
The first event of the season takes place at Cape Town's Killarney International Raceway on 8 March.
Am I looking forward to it? Absolutely!
Am I nervous? I might have to consult my doctor for some calming medication.
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