The second running of the GR Cup bears its end and, compared to the maiden voyage of the racing series, this year has been entertainingly dramatic. We got to catch up with the local racing series at Killarney.
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There’s no shortage of content. This year’s lineup features sim racers, seasoned motoring journalists, veterans of the Toyota stables and even the headman himself. Round 6 of the Toyota GR Cup took place at Killarney International Raceway and would be my first time being face-to-face with the skilled drivers. My main focus though was the GR 86 with the turquoise mirror caps piloted by Setsaba Mashigo.
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It was a cloudy day at Killarney. Clouds as sullen as the work tarmac blanketed the sky but I couldn’t complain as it aided in my endeavour to snap a few photos of the TGR contenders briskly making their way around the circuit.
Race 1 of the GR 86 group had Setshaba in pole position followed by Brendon Staniforth. Although a comfortable lead in points gave Mashigo the sense of security, it was the constant threat of being usurped by Staniforth that kept the pack leader on his toes. Race 1 ended and the next brace would see a shift in grid positions. Lap times dictated the starting positions which resulted in a grid lead by Chad Lückhoff with Mashigo relegated to third place. That didn’t last long though. Before the halfway point of the race, the sim racer turned race car driver had secured the lead and held it to the end of the race.
Related: Review: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition
Other memorable moments include Mark Jones cursing the inner workings of his car and the driver of a GR Yaris skilfully returning to the track after having run wide on Sarrel Sweep.
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