As reported, and promised, on the DFA website last week, the SA Endurance Samlin Racing Four Hours of Zwartkops kicked off the season with thrilling GT Cup SA, Sports and GT, and MRSSA motorcycle races, keeping fans at the edge of their seats.

ALSO READ: Mouthwatering endurance racing on the menu at Zwartkops this weekend

GT Cup SA: Arangies vs Young Challenger

Seventeen Porsche GT3 cars roared around Zwartkops Raceway, with Charl Arangies clinching victory in all three races. The highlight was his fierce battle with 17-year-old sensation Ryan Naicker, who pushed hard but spun out in race one. In race three, Naicker staged an incredible drive, finishing just 3.9 seconds behind Arangies in the closest finish of the day.

Sports and GT: Horne’s Dominance

Andrew Horne returned in style, taking a commanding victory in race one in his Ligier-Honda JS49. The tables turned in race two when Mike Verrier grabbed the lead early in his Shelby CanAm, but Horne fought back after three intense laps to reclaim the top spot. A dramatic battle unfolded, but Horne held his nerve to complete a double victory.

EDGE-OF-THE SEAT SUPPORT CLASS RACING AT SA ENDURANCE SAMLIN RACING FOUR-HOURS OF ZWARTKOPS

The SA Endurance Samlin Racing Four Hours of Zwartkops got the new season off on a high note at Zwartkops Raceway, offering three GT Cup SA races, two Sports and GT events and a full… pic.twitter.com/WjF6PXABby
— Motorsport SA (MSA) (@MotorsportSA) February 24, 2025

MRSSA Motorcycles: High-Speed Drama

The 46-bike MRSSA grid delivered breathtaking action. The opening Superbike race was red-flagged when Luca Bertolini crashed heavily while running seventh. Reigning champion Adolf Boshoff powered his Honda CBR 1000 RRR to a dominant victory, while Themba Khumalo’s Ducati Panigale kept the pressure on in race two, reigniting their season-long rivalry.

The 600cc class saw a fierce three-way Yamaha battle, with Ora Phiri taking the win by just 0.291 seconds. Clive Turnbull dominated the Senior Club races on his Suzuki GSXR, while Fergal McAdam ruled the Junior SBK category, winning both races by a massive margin.

Next Stop: Aldo Scribante

With the season off to an electrifying start, all eyes now turn to the SAE Five Hours of Aldo Scribante on April 5, promising another round of high-speed excitement.