Summarize

The Volkswagen Rookie Cup delivered three winners in three races and a brilliant show for the home crowd as it joined Eastern Province Regional meeting at Aldo Scribante close to VW Plant Kariega on Saturday. With three races on the day, Mauro Da Luz won the opening heat off pole position before leader Christopher Tait took race 2 and then twice second in those races, home lad Josh Moore took the final to steal overall honours for the day.

“The Volkswagen Rookies truly showed what they are made of, with a splendid showing at Aldo Scribante racetrack over the weekend,” Volkswagen Head of Motorsport Mike Rowe confirmed. “With three race winners in three races and racing of the highest order throughout, it was also so gratifying to observe how all of our young racers reacted to star status for once, throughout a great EP Regional weekend. Well done one and all, we truly are proud of you!”

There was a little surprise after local lad Josh Moore had topped the time sheets through practice, when fellow former karter Mauro Da Luz grabbed pole position by a tenth from Moore. Consistent VW Challenge Class C champion and log leader Christopher Tait grabbed third from 2024 runner-up Uzair and another former karter Luke Hill. Racing lass Berlin Robinson celebrated Woman’s Day in sixth ahead of Luke Corbett.

Mauro Da Luz then held Josh Moore’s closest attentions to take his second win of the season ahead of Christopher Tait fending off Uzair Khan and Luke Hill, while the chasing Berlin Robinson overcame Luke Corbett for sixth. Tait then stamped authority on race 2, but he had to work for it as Moore, Da Luz. Hill and Khan kept him honest all the way ahead of Robinson and Corbett.

Second in the opening heats, Josh Moore’s consistency finally paid off with the final race win, where Uzair Khan and Luke Hill upset the formbook in second and third from Christopher Tait, Berlin Robinson,

Luke Corbett and Da Luz. The upshot of which saw Moore take the day from Tait, Khan, Robinson, Da Luz, and Corbett as new leader Josh Moore now takes a tiny advantage into the next round over Chris Tait with Khan and Da Luz in close attendance.

Volkswagen’s young guns are racing for the prize of an Astron Energy Polo Cup drive in 2026. A Volkswagen Motorsport initiative open to young racing drivers between 14 and 16 years of age, who hold a valid MSA licence, the Rookie Cup is designed to deliver a seamless transition for that all-important step up to main circuit motor racing. 

Rookie Cup works as an academy of motor racing. It goes far beyond best racing lines, perfect brake markers and racecraft. Recruits are trained in every aspect of racing with an eye to a career on track. Young drivers interested in joining the Volkswagen Rookie Cup 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.