From Crashes to Comebacks – Zwartkops Launches SA Endurance Season in Style

The SA Endurance National Championship kicked off its 2025 season in spectacular fashion at Zwartkops Raceway, delivering a weekend packed with dramatic racing, breakout performances, and wheel-to-wheel action across multiple categories.

At the centre of the opening round was the Samlin Racing Four Hours of Zwartkops, where the trio of Nick Adcock, Michael Jensen, and 17-year-old Ryan Naicker claimed a commanding victory for Rico Barlow Racing/Adjust for Sleep in their Nova prototype.

Naicker and teammates seize control after mid-race shake-up

The race delivered its fair share of unpredictability. Early leaders and defending champions Xolile Letlaka and Stuart White appeared set for another top finish in their Into Africa Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo. But a racing incident midway through the four-hour event forced them to give up valuable time, opening the door for Adcock, Jensen, and Naicker to take advantage.

Letlaka and White recovered well enough to claim second place, but the momentum had already shifted. The victory marks a huge step forward for Naicker, who continues to establish himself as one of South Africa’s most promising young endurance talents.

Picture: ESA

Resilient comeback stories and fierce rivalries

The final podium spot went to Steve Clark and Mike McLaughlin, who overcame mechanical issues with their primary car to secure third place in a spare Backdraft Roadster entered in Class A. Their determination and adaptability earned them crucial championship points to begin the season.

Beyond the headline endurance event, fans were treated to an adrenaline-filled line-up of support races—from the debut of GT Cup SA to the pulse-pounding MRSSA Motorcycle Racing series.

Charl Arangies stamped his authority in the new GT Cup SA series with three wins in his Porsche 911 GT3 R. However, it was far from a solo show—Ryan Naicker again featured prominently, battling with Arnold Neveling and Mo Mia for podium finishes, particularly in a tight contest for second place in the final race.

Picture: ESA

Sports & GT and MRSSA bring more edge-of-seat action

In the Sports & GT category, Andrew Horne took the first race in his Ligier-Honda JS49 with a clean and controlled drive. But the second race saw Mike Verrier respond with an aggressive charge in his Shelby CanAm, snatching victory in a thrilling battle.

Meanwhile, the MRSSA Motorcycle Racing series kept the energy high on two wheels. Adolf Boshoff dominated the Superbike class on his Honda CBR 1000 RRR, while Ora Phiri took the honours in the 600cc class with a commanding ride on his Yamaha YZF.

From four wheels to two, the opening round at Zwartkops set the tone for a fiercely competitive season ahead, blending established experience with rising young talent across every category.

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Sourced:ESA

Picture: Zkhiphani