Extreme Festival | Zwartkops Raceway | 7 March
111 GT Sports & Saloons launches its 2026 season as the Extreme Festival arrives at Zwartkops Raceway on 7 March, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive and highly anticipated opening round.
Following an active off-season filled with development, new builds, and driver movements, the series returns with renewed momentum and impressive grid growth across multiple classes.
GT Class Evolution for 2026
A major talking point for 2026 is the evolution of the GT category. Previously run as a single GT class, the category now introduces a refined breakout structure with the ultimate performance benchmark set at a 1:07 at Zwartkops. This adjustment provides a competitive home for quicker machinery that previously lacked clear separation, while the newly defined GTB bracket caters to cars running between 1:09 and 1:10.99. The change has already sparked strong interest, with 15 GT drivers signed up and a spectacular class battle expected throughout the season.
Powering the Series: Digit FMS
The championship also welcomes strong commercial backing this year. Digit FMS Vehicle Tracking and Fleet Management joins as a headline partner, bringing significant value to competitors and spectators alike. Their involvement includes live streaming of every event, a media partnership with 947 and the Amp Squad delivering live radio updates on race day, and pre-event promotional campaigns throughout the week leading up to each round.
Digit FMS will additionally host dedicated VIP areas at select events to showcase their innovative tracking and security solutions — a partnership that reflects shared passion for motorsport excellence.
Pole Position Awards: Wellnetix
Supporting the competitive element of qualifying, Wellnetix — sport hydration specialists — steps in as sponsor of the Pole Position Awards. Each class pole sitter will receive a R1000 incentive, adding extra intensity to qualifying sessions and rewarding outright pace.
New Faces on the Grid
The 2026 season sees a substantial influx of new competitors. Among them are veteran racer Dirk Lawrence, Fred Kruger, Tony Szabo, Josh Du Toit, Faudo Sidique, Vic Diaz, and Shaun Holtzhausen, all campaigning various Honda platforms and adding depth to the 111 GT field.
A strong wave of VW Polo newcomers includes Mimi Le Roux, Ethan Spicer, Ernest Heather, Kobus Brits, Johan Swart, Strati Yiannakis, and Troy Star, the latter continuing a family racing legacy as the son of Jared Rossouw.
Additional new entrants bringing diversity to the grid include Dean Parker (Alfa Giulietta), Wayne Odendaal (Wesbank Golf Mk1), Richard Benningfield (TVR Chimaera), Charles Fowlds, (Subaru), Tihan Van Rooyen (BMW 125), Carel Malherbe (Jetta Mk2), Johan Van Heerden (Golf Mk1), Kajal Mohun (BMW E36). JP Nortje (Mk1 Golf) and son of legendary 2 wheel rider Wayne Spicer – Ethan Spicer (Mk1 Golf)
Returning Competitors
Returning competitors strengthen the established class battles:
- Class A: Lindsay Clur, Piet Potgieter, Craig Priestly, Lucas Bezuidenhout, Melanie Spur (moving back from Class C), Charl Weyers
- Class B: Sebastian Dias, Ismail Peck, Maritz Le Roux, Mike O’Sullivan, Shaun Vermaak
- Class C: Rob Clark, Chris Smit, Marius Malherbe, Elke Van Vledder, Louis Scholtz
The GT category experiences notable growth with regulars Marius Truter, Mark Du Toit, Jared Rossouw, Wouter Roos, Jonathan Visser, Phillip Meyer and Wayne Robb returning, with Robb stepping up after off-season upgrades that promise improved performance and fresh competitive dynamics.
Chairman’s Comment
“The off-season has been incredibly encouraging for the series. We’ve seen strong grid growth, new faces entering the paddock, and existing competitors pushing development to another level. The GT class evolution is a significant step forward in ensuring fair yet exciting competition, and with the Extreme Festival platform at Zwartkops, we couldn’t ask for a better stage to kick off 2026. Our focus remains on delivering close, respectful racing while maintaining the passion and accessibility that define 111 GT Sports & Saloons. We invite fans and competitors alike to be part of what promises to be a standout season.”
— Jonathan Visser, Chairman, 111 GT Sports & Saloons
See You at the Track
With packed grids, diverse machinery, and evolving rivalries, the Zwartkops season opener is poised to deliver intense racing from lights out. Fans can expect a full Extreme Festival atmosphere, with close competition, passionate drivers, and the unmistakable spirit that defines 111 GT Sports & Saloons.
As the championship begins its journey toward the 2026 title, competitors are encouraged to secure their entries early, while spectators are invited to experience the racing firsthand — meet the drivers, explore the paddock, and feel the energy that makes grassroots motorsport truly special.
A red-hot season awaits.