The Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship kicked off its 2025 season with a thrilling and competitive Round 1 at Red Star Raceway in Delmas, just outside Johannesburg, on Saturday, 8 March.
The event, which attracted over 60 cars and drivers, showcased some skilled motorsport talent and set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying championship.
The Vilaca Racing Time Attack series is South Africa’s premier track racing championship, focused on speed and precision as drivers race against the clock to set the fastest lap times. Unlike traditional racing formats, Time Attack does not involve direct wheel to wheel competition between drivers on the track, allowing participants to push their cars to the limit in a controlled and safe environment.
Founder of Vilaca Racing, Jono Vilaca, expressed his excitement over the opening round. “We’re proud to see how the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship continues to grow,” said Vilaca. “Our series offers a platform for enthusiasts of all kinds—whether you’re driving a turbocharged sports car or a street-modified car. It’s about pushing your limits, developing your skills, and doing it safely on the track. Round 1 was a huge success, with incredible performances from both seasoned drivers and newcomers.”
Round 1 Highlights:
The day was filled with intense action and impressive results, with a few standout performances that thrilled spectators and competitors alike:
- Johnny Nikoloau (Toyota Supra MK5) continued his dominance from the previous year, securing the top spot and winning the overall day. Nikoloau, last year’s champion, showcased his advanced aerodynamic upgrades, leaving the competition behind with a blistering lap time.
- Giovanni Fantini, driving an Audi RS3, finished second, impressing with his custom Super Drag Reduction System (DRS) rear wing, which resembled Formula 1 technology.
- In the Silver Cup category for drivers over 58 years, Quinton Asken made his mark with a remarkable performance in his Porsche 911 GT3.
- Riaan Esterhuyzen, who finished third in last year’s championship, clinched the fastest overall street-modified class as well as the Modified 4WD class time in Round 1, further establishing his prowess on the track.
- Charlie Shang, a rookie to the series, exceeded expectations by securing a top spot in the street front-wheel-drive category.
- The Driver of the Day award went to JP Glad, who demonstrated unwavering dedication by racing despite a recent medical producer. His commitment to the sport and his resilience were truly inspiring.
- Shaheem Mohamed, a newcomer to the racing scene, took home the Rookie of the Day award after making a stunning debut by finishing on the podium in the four-wheel-drive class.
A Strong Start for the 2025 Championship
The atmosphere at Red Star Raceway was electric, with drivers and spectators coming together to celebrate this growing motorsport culture. The competition was fierce, with lap times incredibly close and several rookies making a strong impact on the leaderboards.
Vilaca Racing’s unique Time Attack format, which focuses purely on lap times, encourages amateurs and seasoned racers alike to push themselves and their cars to the absolute limit. The event proved that this championship is not only about speed, but also about growth and camaraderie within the motorsport community.
“The key to success in Time Attack is preparation. Drivers are already looking ahead to the next rounds, with many planning testing sessions, training laps, and further car modifications to improve their performance,” says Vilaca. “The level of competition in Round 1 was incredibly high, and we expect even more surprises and thrilling races in the coming rounds.”
The 2025 Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship promises more excitement as the series progresses through its six rounds. Each event offers drivers the chance to improve their lap times, with many already focusing on upgrades to their cars and tuning their skills. “We are thrilled with how Round 1 unfolded, and we’re looking forward to the next event at Zwartkops Raceway 31 May 2025,” adds Vilaca.
Upcoming Rounds & Registration:
The next round of the Vilaca Racing Time Attack Championship will take place at Zwartkops Raceway on 31 May 2025. To learn more, visit www.vilacaracing.com or follow Vilaca Racing on social media for the latest updates.
