Summarize

Johannesburg youngster Christopher Tait has the choice of a Volkswagen Motorsport factory drive in either the Astron Energy Polo Cup, or Investchem MSA4 powered by Volkswagen after clinching the Volkswagen Rookie Cup championship at Zwartkops’ National Extreme Festival Finals presented by Coca-Cola on Saturday. Tait qualified on pole position before storming to the opening win before following Uzair Khan home to seal the title in race 2.

“Our 2025 Volkswagen Rookies impressed way beyond their years as they developed marvellously into seven fine young racing drivers through a tough, tight season,” Volkswagen Head of Motorsport Mike Rowe points out. “Huge congratulations to Christopher Tait, who had to fight every inch of the way to take the title. He now has the choice of either a Volkswagen Motorsport Astron Energy Polo Cup, or a Volkswagen-powered Investchem MSA4 prize campaign for 2026.”

Rookie Cup championship leader Tait started his final weekend in style by grabbing pole position. Young lady rookie Berlin Robinson once again impressed with second on the grid from title contenders, Josh Moore, Uzair Khan and Mauro Da Luz, Luke Hill and Luke Corbett. Tait got away cleanly as Moore and Khan found their way around Robinson and Da Luz slipped to the back. He clawed his way past Corbett before fighting Hill but ended sixth behind Luke. That would become fifth when Robinson was handed a jump start penalty to drop to the back.

Uzair Khan got the early drop on Christ Tait and held on to win the second heat with Josh Moore third from Luke Hill. Mauro Da Luz had to deal with Berlin Robinson’s attention for fifth before she hit trouble to allow Luke Corbett up to sixth. Chris Tait took the day to clinch the title over Josh Moore, who ended second from the day ahead of Uzair Khan, Luke Hill, Mauro Da Luz, Luke Corbett and Berlin Robinson.

“We salute Chris, Josh, Uzair, Mauro, Berlin and both Lukes on their stellar improvement through their Volkswagen Rookie Cup season,” Mike Rowe concludes. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with our Rookies and watch them learn, grow, develop, and improve through the season. We’re confident that their time in the Volkswagen Rookie Cup has prepared then for much bigger things to come and wish each of them all the very best for their future race careers.”

Young drivers keen to take advantage of the 2026 Rookie Cup should not hesitate to contact Volkswagen Motorsport as soon as possible. An initiative open to young racing drivers between 14 and 16 years of age who hold a valid MSA licence, Rookie Cup is designed to deliver a seamless transition for that all-important step up to main circuit motor racing while competing in a pack of identical Volkswagen Polo Vivo GTs through the season. 

Rookie Cup works as an academy of motor racing that reaches well beyond just best racing lines, ideal brake markers and racecraft. Recruits are trained in every aspect of racing with an eye to a future career on track. Young drivers interested in joining can email driving@vwsa.co.za with the subject line ‘Ref: VW Rookie Cup’, and Volkswagen’s dedicated Rookie Cup team will be in touch.