What started as a crazy conversation over a few beers in 2021, when Toyota launched the GR Yaris to the local motoring media, became the inaugural GR Cup in 2022.
I am one of the six lucky motoring journalists to crack the invitation on his behalf Citizen Motoring let loose on the track around the country in the identical GR Yaris car as part of the National Extreme Series.
We have hit the big time, and it was a topsy turvy year which saw me have some great battles and take home some trophies to end up fourth overall.
Being part of the GR Cup last year was a privilege in many ways. The opportunity, the experience, the sound, the taste, the memories and being able to share the track and some beers with the people involved is special. The support crew and hard work behind the scenes is next level.
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Watch how Mark escaped
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) does not do things in half steps, and watching the GR Cup evolve from not even mentioning it in the post-race review after the first race, to become a marketing success story at the end of the year with a 9-hour victory under its belt, which is also special.
Work done, TSAM went back behind closed doors, counted the numbers, made the numbers and came up with a new marketing plan and target for 2023.
I thought I had hung up the race suit for good, but can announce that I have been invited back to represent Citizen Motoring again this year. It felt so bleak. What a privilege.
Meet the Toyota GR86 driver
This time the purist rear-wheel drive car in the GR86 will be used and many new passionate protagonists in Denis Droppa, Chad Lückhoff, Brendon Staniforth, Reuben van Niekerk and Setshaba Mashigo will be there to overcome, plus hope and a bar, which starts more higher than last year, will ensure a busy year.
The shakedown is set for February 6, with the first race on February 18 as part of the Regional Extreme Series in Zwartkops.