Colin-on-Cars - Action aplenty expected in East London

The fearsome Potters Pass – the fastest corner in South African motor racing – awaits the GR Cup at the weekend when the series visits the iconic East London Grand Prix Circuit for the first time.

The GR Cup driven by Netstar, part of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, heads to East London for the fifth round of the 2023 season. The stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as six of the country's top motoring writers once again take the wheel of the stock Toyota GR86 cars, only slightly modified for track use.  

Located within sight of the Indian Ocean, the East London Grand Prix Circuit offers a picturesque backdrop to racing action that is usually intense. The circuit is renowned for its challenging nature and features high-speed corners such as Potter's Pass and Rifle, where drivers must exhibit exceptional skill and bravery to navigate the demanding right-hander, before braking hard for the following series of corners.  

Following the races of the previous rounds, the familiar faces of Mark Jones (Citizen), Denis Droppa (TimesLIVE), Setshaba Mashigo (ASAMM), Chad Luckhoff (Auto Trader), Reuben van Niekerk (Jumping Kids/Wheels24), and Brendon Staniforth will return to continue their battle for GR Cup glory.  

In an exciting addition to the event, Mario De Sousa will join the competition as a guest driver. De Sousa is no stranger to the world of motor racing, having previously participated in the GR Cup, driving the GR Yaris in Gqeberha last year.

However, this will be his first opportunity to unleash his skills behind the wheel of the GR86.  

As the championship reaches the latter half of the season, Setshaba Mashigo leads the GR Cup driven by Netstar standings with an impressive 47 points, holding a 15-point advantage over Mark Jones, who sits in second place. Denis Droppa occupies the third position with 24 points, just one point ahead of fourth-placed Chad Luckhoff. Reuben van Niekerk follows in fifth place, while Brendon Staniforth rounds out the standings in sixth place. 

"We are thrilled to bring the GR Cup to the prestigious East London Grand Prix Circuit," said Riaan Esterhuysen on behalf of Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa. "With the drivers' skills, the thrilling GR86 cars, and the rich racing heritage of the circuit, we are set for an electrifying event that will keep fans on the edge of their seats."

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Colin-on-Cars - Extended warranty from Isuzu

A five-year and 700 000 kilometre warranty is on offer for new Isuzu truck buyers for less than R10 000 and guarantees the truck against breakdowns and mechanical failure for the duration of the warranty.  

Craig Uren, Senior Vice President: Revenue Generation at Isuzu says: “Isuzu is committed to helping our Customers keep their trucks on the road for longer and guarantees their durability and reliability. With the extended warranty on offer, for a nominal upfront cost of the purchase cost of the truck, you are getting more than double your normal warranty.

“The warranty guarantees the truck against breakdowns and mechanical failure for the duration of the warranty, as long as the customer correctly maintains their truck according to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual,” says Uren.  

Customers will need to elect to purchase the extended warranty at the same time as they purchase the new vehicle.  

“So, for example, if you buy your truck today, an extended warranty cannot be purchased six months down the line,” adds Uren. “If a failure occurs, and the Customer has maintained their truck according to the schedule, Isuzu will ensure the issue is resolved and return the truck to its original specification.

"Owning and using your Isuzu enables you and your organisation to continue to build your business with the total value offered by our trucks,” he adds.  

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Colin-on-Cars - Boogie time with Jimny

Suzuki Auto SA is holding up on its promise made last year to host the largest ever gathering of Suzuki Jimny owners and fans – and it all goes down in Clarens in the Free State from September 22 to 24.

Entertainment for the get-together will come in the form of the Suzuki Safari Town Festival, which will be hosted on September 23 in the Clarens Town Square.

Unlike the Suzuki Jimny Gathering, the Suzuki Safari Town Festival will be open to Suzuki and non-Suzuki owners alike. Tickets are available from R60 to R250 per person.

“We have a jam-packed day of music, food and entertainment planned for the Suzuki Safari Town Festival,” says Henk van der Schyf, the event organiser.

“The event will be headlined by Goodluck, Mango Groove and Spoegwolf, and we have many other artists on the roster, including Femi Koya and Black Heidi. The comedian, Schalk Bezuidenhout, is our host for the day, and we will stream the SA/Ireland rugby game at 9 pm to wrap up the festivities.”

Bezuidenhout, a proud Jimny owner himself, will also be a feature at the Suzuki Jimny Gathering.

While live music and comedy are the main attractions, Suzuki and the event organisers have also arranged for a large selection of food and craft vendors. There will also be multiple craft bars, a large kids entertainment area and several opportunities throughout the day to meet and mingle with the artists.

“The Suzuki brand is for everyone. So, while we have many special treats planned for the Jimny owners, we wanted to make sure that everyone who visits Clarens on the weekend can have a jol. That is why we are so excited to be the headline sponsor of the Safari Town Festival,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa.

The Suzuki Jimny Gathering hopes to attract and entertain hundreds of the Jimny, SJ, LJ and Samurai owners in South Africa. By most estimates, there are over 20 000 owners of these vehicles in South Africa.

Jimny owners can register on jimnygathering.co.za to join the gathering, while fans of live music, good food and craft beer can purchase tickets online to join the fun.

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