Extreme Festival thrills packed Aldo Scribante Raceway crowd

Story audio is generated using AI

The National Extreme Festival delivered another unforgettable day of world-class motorsport at Aldo Scribante Raceway on Saturday.

Thousands of enthusiastic fans filling the embankments and stands to witness a spectacular showcase of speed, skill and close wheel-to-wheel racing.

Blessed with perfect racing weather, spectators were treated to non-stop action throughout the day as South Africa’s finest drivers and riders battled it out across a packed programme featuring everything from high-powered supercars and touring cars to motorcycles, single-seaters and production-based saloons.

One of South Africa’s biggest motorsport spectacles roars back into Gqeberha this weekend as the Extreme Festival returns to Aldo Scribante Raceway, promising a full day of wheel-to-wheel racing, breathtaking speed and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. The national championship heads to the Friendly City for its first visit of 2026, bringing together the country’s finest drivers and riders in what promises to be one of the most exciting events on the local motorsport calendar. Joining the national classes will be the ever-popular Volkswagen Rookie Cup, competing as part of the Regional Challenge. Fans will be treated to an action-packed programme featuring the lightning-fast Investchem MSA4 single-seaters, the screaming SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup motorcycles, the fiercely competitive Astron Energy Polo Cup, South African Touring Cars and SupaCup, the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Cup, and the spectacular Extreme SuperCars Driven by Dunlop. With Volkswagen South Africa celebrating 75 years in the country, it’s fitting that Gqeberha hosts a weekend showcasing some of the manufacturer’s most exciting racing machinery. The celebrations are further boosted by the Astron Energy Polo Cup, which marks its 30th anniversary this season. Championship leader Hannes Scheepers arrives at Aldo Scribante holding a commanding 35-point advantage despite seeing his remarkable six-race winning streak finally come to an end earlier this season. However, rivals Charl Smalberger and Roshan Goodman remain within striking distance and will be eager to close the gap. In the masters class, Wayne Masters (Performance Masters) has five wins from seven starts, which sees him 18 points clear in his title defence over his nearest rival, Derick Smalberger (Sabertek), with this year’s other winner, John Kruger (Team Red), 14 points further back. The future stars of South African motorsport will also be on display in the Volkswagen Rookie Cup, where an exciting title fight is developing Local fans will also have plenty to cheer for as hometown favourite Josh Moore looks to use his knowledge of the circuit to challenge the championship front-runners. Racing in front of a home crowd often provides that extra motivation, and Moore will be determined to deliver a standout performance. The future stars of South African motorsport will also be on display in the Volkswagen Rookie Cup, where an exciting title fight is developing. Luke Hill leads the standings by just six points after an impressive start to the season. Still, victories from Sebastian Dias and local talent Jack Moore ensure the championship battle remains wide open heading into Round Four. The South African Touring Cars Championship is equally poised. Julian van der Watt leads the standings after collecting three victories this year, but rookie sensation KC Ensor-Smith has already proven he has the pace to challenge for race wins. Another impressive newcomer, Jason Coetzee, completes a highly competitive top three. Meanwhile, the SupaCup championship continues to deliver close racing, with Jason Loosemore holding a healthy points advantage over Rory Atkinson, while Judd Bertholdt remains firmly in championship contention. Perhaps the biggest talking point of the weekend could come in the spectacular Extreme SuperCars Driven by Dunlop category. The championship battle is set for a dramatic shake-up, with Charl Arangies sitting just seven points behind current leader Roy Obery. With championship points on the line, local heroes chasing success, milestone celebrations for Volkswagen, and some of the country’s fastest racing machines all sharing the circuit, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of motorsport With powerful GT3 machinery, including Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini and Audi going head-to-head, fans can expect spectacular racing and no shortage of overtaking action. Drivers such as Jonathan du Toit and Karah Hill will also be looking to capitalise on every opportunity as the title race intensifies. With championship points on the line, local heroes chasing success, milestone celebrations for Volkswagen, and some of the country’s fastest racing machines all sharing the circuit, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of motorsport at Aldo Scribante Raceway. Track action gets under way from 9.15am on Saturday, with spectator tickets available at the entrance gate. Motorsport enthusiasts are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a full day’s worth of high-speed entertainment. Upcoming events June 27: Extreme Festival, Aldo Scribante Raceway July 4: Dirt Oval Racing, round 5 Regional Championship, Victory Raceway July 18: National Motocross, Rover Motorcycle Club July 25: Dirt Oval Racing, round 5 Club Championship, PE Oval Track Raceway; Kart Racing, round 5 Championship, Algoa Kart Club. Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

One of the biggest crowd favourites was undoubtedly the thunderous Extreme SuperCars driven by Dunlop. The impressive field featured an incredible collection of exotic machinery, including Mercedes-AMGs, an Aston Martin, Lamborghini Huracán, Porsche and Audi, producing a breathtaking soundtrack that echoed around the circuit.

Charl Arangies proved once again why he remains one of the country’s premier GT drivers, producing a flawless performance in his Mercedes-AMG.

However, victory was anything but easy as Jonathan du Toit’s Lamborghini Huracán remained glued to his rear bumper throughout the races, applying relentless pressure from start to finish.

The pair thrilled spectators with a high-speed duel, while Damian Hammond completed the podium after another consistent drive.

Motorcycle racing also had the crowd on its feet, with the impressive field of 24 Sunbet ZX10R Kawasaki motorcycles producing some of the closest racing of the day.

Defending South African champion Clinton Seller stamped his authority on the championship by dominating both races with commanding victories, while the battles behind him kept fans thoroughly entertained.

The fight for club championship glory at the PE Oval Track Raceway reaches another crucial chapter on Saturday evening, when round 4 of the rain-interrupted season roars into action at the popular dirt oval circuit along Mission Road in Greenbushes. With the season rapidly approaching its halfway mark, every heat race and final could prove decisive as competitors chase valuable championship points in what is shaping up to be one of the closest and most competitive seasons in recent years. Fans can expect a full evening of sideways action, wheel-to-wheel racing and spectacular dirt-track drama featuring: Junior Hot Rods; 1600 Stock Saloons; 1660 Modified Saloons; 2.1 Modified Saloons; Hot Rods; Classic 6s; Heavy Metals; and the crowd-thrilling V8 American Saloons. As winter settles over Nelson Mandela Bay, racing will commence an hour earlier than usual. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to secure prime viewing positions around the perimeter of the oval, where they can experience the sights, sounds and flying dirt that make oval racing such a unique motorsport spectacle. One of the most fiercely contested categories this season has been the ultra-competitive 1600 Stock Saloon class. A remarkable 24 drivers have already taken to the track this year, producing some of the closest racing seen at the venue. Deon Kretzmann heads the standings but enjoys a slender 19-point advantage over Deon Ross, while rising young talent Tyde Geddes sits just a single point further back in third. With margins so tight, a single race victory or mechanical issue could dramatically alter the championship picture. Female drivers continue to make their mark on the local oval racing scene, and nowhere is that more evident than in the thunderous V8 American Saloon category. Ruzanne Jansen leads the championship standings by 40 points and will be aiming to strengthen her grip on the title Consistency has been the key to success for Jason Drake in the 1660 Modified Saloon category. Drake has built a useful 38-point cushion at the top of the standings and will be looking to extend that advantage. However, his sister Charne Schuin remains firmly in contention and will be eager to close the gap, while Chanell van Tonder occupies third place and cannot be discounted from the title race. The 2.1 Modified Saloon championship is another battle finely poised on a knife-edge. Francois Janse van Vuuren leads by a mere 12 points over experienced campaigner Neels Vermaak. With every point carrying extra significance, spectators can expect no quarter to be given when these rivals line up on Saturday evening. Dylan Brassell currently holds third place and remains capable of mounting a late-season challenge. The Hot Rod championship has developed into a fascinating duel between Dawid “BaBa” Grundlingh and Malcolm Els. Grundlingh’s 17-point advantage is far from secure, ensuring that every race between the two title contenders will be closely watched. Reghardt Joubert currently occupies third position and will be looking to claw back valuable points as the season progresses. Grundlingh also finds himself in command of the Classic 6s category, where he leads Jonathan van Vuuren by 35 points. Willie Mathee occupies third place but knows that a strong performance on Saturday could reignite his championship aspirations. One of the season’s standout performers has been Bonita Kotze in the Heavy Metal class. Kotze has established a commanding 38-point lead through a series of determined and consistent performances. However, crowd favourite Eddie Banks remains within striking distance and is sure to have strong support from the grandstands, while Philip Victor continues to keep the pressure on in third place. Female drivers continue to make their mark on the local oval racing scene, and nowhere is that more evident than in the thunderous V8 American Saloon category. Ruzanne Jansen leads the championship standings by 40 points and will be aiming to strengthen her grip on the title. Deon Verster sits second while Claud van Rensburg remains firmly in contention, setting the stage for another explosive evening from the powerful V8 machines that never fail to entertain spectators. Upcoming events June 20: Dirt Oval Racing at PE Oval Track Raceway on Mission Road; Kart Racing at Algoa Kart & Motorcycle Club on Victoria Drive June 27: National Extreme Festival Circuit Racing at Aldo Scribante Raceway July 4: Eastern Cape Off-Road Racing at Koedoeskloof outside Kariega Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

The ever-popular Astron Energy VW Polo Cup once again lived up to its reputation for incredibly close racing.

Charl Smalberger delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, driving with confidence and precision to claim overall honours ahead of championship leader Hannes Scheepers, tightening the title battle as the season heads into its crucial stages.

Unfortunately the South African Touring Car Championship results were still under official review at the time of going to press following post-race investigations.

The weather gods finally smiled on the competitors and fans at the Port Elizabeth Oval Track Raceway (PEOTR) on Saturday evening as Round 4 of the Club Championship delivered a thrilling night of action-packed oval track racing. With more than 70 cars filling the pits and a large crowd lining the fences, spectators were treated to wheel-to-wheel battles, spectacular overtaking manoeuvres and several championship contenders strengthening their positions in the title chase. In the fiercely contested 1600 Stock Saloon category, consistency again proved key for championship leader Deon Kretzmann. Though Victory Raceway’s Niel Herselman claimed top honours on the night, Kretzmann’s second-place finish allowed him to extend his lead in the championship standings and continue what has been an impressive season of calculated, point-scoring performances. The 1660 Modified Saloon class saw Jason Drake continue his remarkable run of form. Drake has been virtually unstoppable this season, and another victory on Saturday evening has given him a comfortable 60-point advantage in one of the most competitive classes in the championship. Behind him, Francois Engelbrecht and Nadia Rautenbach fought hard to secure podium positions in an entertaining contest. In the 2.1 Modified Saloon category, Stuart van Tonder drove a flawless race to secure victory, while championship leader Francois Jansen van Vuuren further strengthened his title ambitions with a valuable second-place finish. The result extends his championship advantage to 24 points as the season enters its crucial middle stages. One of the standout performances of the evening came from young Hot Rod star Aidan Barnard. Showing maturity well beyond his years, Barnard produced a composed and calculated drive to claim victory in the final. His performance highlighted the depth of talent emerging through the ranks and adds another exciting dimension to a championship battle that remains incredibly tight. It was Bonita Kotze who captured the attention of fans and officials. The talented racer produced another determined and consistent drive to finish third overall, earning her the Driver of the Day award Dawid Grundlingh currently leads the standings by just a single point over Malcolm Els, setting up what promises to be a fascinating contest over the remaining rounds. Grundlingh continued his excellent season in the Classic 6s division, where he again stood on the top step of the podium. His victory has extended his championship lead to a commanding 57 points and firmly establishes him as the driver to beat in the class. The Heavy Metal division delivered its usual dose of thunderous racing and close-quarter action. Johan Schoeman emerged victorious ahead of Gordon Ascaray, but it was Bonita Kotze who captured the attention of fans and officials. The talented racer produced another determined and consistent drive to finish third overall, earning her the Driver of the Day award. Kotze’s performance further extended her championship lead to an impressive 107 points and continues to underline her status as one of the standout competitors in the championship this season. The crowd was also treated to the spectacle of the V8 American Saloons, where powerful machines and roaring V8 engines provided plenty of excitement. Juan Roesstorff took the chequered flag ahead of Wayne Holland, while Ruzanne Jansen secured third place. Jansen’s consistency throughout the season sees her maintain a healthy 80-point lead in the championship standings. Round 5 of the Regional Championship is at Victory Raceway on July 4. Class results Junior Hot Rods: 1 Anrico van Niekerk (C11) 1600 Stock Saloons: Niel Herselman (E66), Deon Kretzmann (C515), Raymond Sisson (EC164). 1660 Modified Saloons: Jason Drake (C126), Francois Engelbrecht (E72), Nadia Rautenbach (EC61). 2.1 Modified Saloons: Stuart van Tonder (C195), Francois Jansen van Vuuren (C10), Schalk Lotz (G5). Hot Rods: Aidan Barnard (E15), Malcolm Els (EC85), Dawid Grundlingh (C727). Classic 6s: Dawid Grundlingh (C727), Cornel Victor (C711), Jonathan van Vuuren (C721). Heavy Metals: Johan Schoeman (C93), Gordon Ascaray (C178), Bonita Kotze (C79). V8 American Saloons: Juan Roesstorff (E97), Wayne Holland (C21), Ruzanne Jansen (C48). Driver of the Day: Bonita Kotze Follow The Herald WhatsApp channel today and stay connected to the stories shaping our world. The Herald

Results

VW Rookie Cup:

1. Sebastian Venkov;
2. Luke Hill;
3. Sebastian Dias.

Gazoo Racing Dealer Cup:

1. Werner Venter;
2. Andries de Villiers;
3. Theo Brits.

Gazoo Racing Media Cup:

1. Nabil Abdool;
2. Paul de Vos;
3. Craig Nicholson.

Gazoo Racing 86 Cup:

1. Kobus Reyneke;
2. Connor Weston;
3. Kian Fussell.

Sunbet ZX10R Masters Cup Motorcycles:

1. Clinton Seller;
2. Damian Purificati;
3. Keith Aglioti.

Astron Energy VW Polo Cup:

1. Charl Smalberger;
2. Hannes Scheepers;
3. Mauro da Luz.

Astron Energy VW Polo Masters Cup:

1. Wayne Masters;
2. John Kruger;
3. Derick Smalberger.

Investchem MSA4 Single Seaters:

1. 1 Mikel Bezuidenhout;
2. 2 Aqil Alibhai;
3. 3 Renzo Ribeiro.

Investchem Formula Ford:

1. 1 Ian Schofield;
2. 2 Rick Morris;
3. 3 Allen Meyer.

Extreme SuperCars driven by Dunlop:

1. 1 Charl Arangies;
2. 2 Jonathan du Toit;
3. 3 Damian Hammond.

The Herald