Online Reporter
Gary Kirk and Collin Matiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
DONNYBROOK raceway in Harare came alive on Sunday as Tiger Wheel & Tyre hosted the first round of the 2025 National Motor Racing Season.
Drivers travelled from across the country to compete, with Bulawayo’s Bob Beaver emerging victorious in the 1300cc Saloon Class. Beaver powered his immaculate Mini Cooper to a commanding finish, leaving Jaedon Masiyanise’s Toyota in his wake.
The 1600cc Saloon Class drew the largest crowd, with Kevin Allmark starting on pole in his Corolla.
Allmark looked set for a win until a mechanical issue forced him into the pits. This allowed reigning champion, and rising star, Catherine Zevgolis, the young female driver, to take a clear track to victory, finishing ahead of Neil Bruce and Declan Mellor.
In the 2000cc Saloon Class, another Bulawayo driver, Quinton Holder, earned a podium finish in second place, as national champion Mano Zevgolis claimed the top spot in his Toyota. The Unlimited Saloon Cars were a crowd favourite, and they delivered in spectacular fashion. Veteran driver Richard Robinson powered to victory in his Supra Turbo, while Barney Rogers matched Angelo Tavares’s performance in his Subaru Turbo, earning equal points.
Gary Kirk claimed victory in both heats of the Sports Car Class, finishing ahead of Carl Olsen and Maurizio Savo. The action was not limited to the track, though, as motorcycle demonstrations and a Classic Car parade kept the large crowd entertained throughout the day.
Mano Zevgolis thrilled the audience with passenger rides in his Turbo Drift Car, sending waves of excitement through the crowd just before the One Hour Endurance Race, the day’s main event, began.
Seventeen cars from all classes fought fiercely for over 40 laps, with Jess Watson emerging victorious in his Supra Turbo. Watson, a former motor rally driver, was a regular participant in the Zimbabwe Challenge Rally. The race was marked by the dramatic demise of Calvin Rademeyer’s Subaru, which brought out both the Safety Car and Fire Truck. After the smoke cleared, Kevin Allmark crossed the line in second place, ahead of Des Morris, Carl Olsen, and Declan Mellor.
The 14 finishers received a warm round of applause from the crowd, with a special thanks to Tiger Wheel & Tyre for their continued support and enthusiasm.
Sunday’s thrilling event kicked off the 2025 main circuit racing season with a bang.
