Round 2 of the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship for 2025 roared into Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday, 31 May, delivering a day filled with adrenaline-pumping action, fierce competition, and outstanding lap times.
Building on the momentum of a successful season opener at Red Star Raceway, the second round brought together an even greater field of competitors and fans, all eager to witness another thrilling chapter in South Africa's premier Time Attack series.
With 70 entries spanning a wide range of classes and car builds, Zwartkops served as the perfect battleground for drivers to test their limits on this renowned technical circuit. The mix of high-speed corners and elevation changes pushed drivers to refine their strategies and showcase their vehicle setups under pressure.
"The turnout and energy at Zwartkops were phenomenal," said Jono Vilaca, founder of Vilaca Racing. "Every round, we're seeing more talent, more innovation, and more passion. It's proof that Time Attack is truly thriving in South Africa. Round 2 didn't disappoint."
Jonathan Vilaca: Founder of Vilaca Racing (Photo Credit – Get it Magazine South of Johannesburg)
Round 2 Highlights:
The competition at Zwartkops Raceway produced edge-of-your-seat moments and new milestones for several drivers:
- Johnny Nikoloau (Toyota Supra MK5) continued his dominance, securing the top spot and winning the overall day. Nikoloau, last year's champion, left the competition behind with a blistering new Vilaca Racing record with a lap time of 1:06.004.
- Anthony Parisinos, driving Subaru STI, finished second, impressing with his new aero kit and a new personal best closing down the gap to Johnny
- In the Silver Cup category for drivers over 58 years, Quinton Asken made his mark with a remarkable performance again in his Porsche 911 GT3.
- Marko Venter clinched his first win of the season with an epic battle in the shootout for the Modified 4WD, showing hard work and determination pays off.
Charlie Shang, a rookie to the series, clinched another win over Marcel Truster in second, round 2 favourite Jayson Pieterse placed 3rd after technical issues in the shootout forced him to abandon his run.
- JP Bester, won the Daily Class first time out with a great Father & Son team effort in the Mercedes A45 AMG.
- Jan Brits, took his first win ever in the Modified RWD Class after many years of hard work on his BMW 135i.
- Tak Yin Yui had a great event in the Street RWD class with his Nissan 370z, Close on his heels was Chris Hollis and Toni Vilaca in their Nissan 350Z's.
- Best Prepared Car went to Tjaart Visser in his Honda Ballade showcasing a Honda K20 engine swap coupled to a VW DSG gearbox. This car and driver combination will soon be challenging for the top spot
- The Driver of the Day award went to Tyrone Mulligan, who surprised everyone in his BMW 330d, setting a blistering lap time as well as the biggest improvement from round 1.
- Shaheem Mohamed, a newcomer to the racing scene, took home the Rookie of the Day award after making a stunning performance and also finishing on the podium in the four-wheel-drive class.
With lap times tighter than ever and class battles decided by fractions of a second, Round 2 demonstrated the depth of talent and the fierce competition that defines the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship.
A Growing Motorsport Movement
Beyond the racing action, the atmosphere at Zwartkops was electric. Fans packed the viewing areas and paddock walkways, enjoying access to the cars and drivers, while sharing in the excitement of one of the country's fastest-growing motorsport communities.
"We're not just building a racing series—we're building a culture," said Vilaca. "Time Attack is about individual performance, but it's also about community, innovation, and continuous improvement. The growth we've seen from Round 1 to Round 2 speaks volumes."
Looking Ahead
As the championship heads into its mid-season rounds, anticipation continues to build. With four events remaining, the leaderboard is still wide open, and many teams are already planning upgrades and testing sessions in pursuit of those crucial tenths of a second.
The next stop is sure to bring even more personal bests as competitors chase lap time supremacy.
Upcoming Rounds & Registration:
Round 3 of the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship will take place at the Formula K Circuit in Benoni on 5 July 2025. For more information on registration, spectator access, or how to get involved, visit www.vilacaracing.com or follow Vilaca Racing on Facebook.
