The 2026 National Extreme Festival gets underway this coming weekend at Killarney International Raceway, where SuperSport’s Nabil Abdool will begin the defence of the GR Cup Media Challenge title.
For the new season, the Media Challengers step into the all-new 2026 GR Corolla. Toyota’s latest performance machine producing 221kW and 400Nm, paired with an advanced 8-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). As the reigning champion, Abdool will carry the new striking Toyota Gazoo Racing Red, White & Black livery with gold accents symbolising his 2025 championship triumph.
The new cars were shaken down at Zwartkops Raceway on 27 February, giving drivers their first opportunity to sample the GR Corolla in race trim. Abdool completed the opening session before sitting out the second while mechanics addressed a few early teething issues with his brand-new race car.
The 2026 GR Corolla represents a notable change from Abdool’s 2025 GR Yaris Gen2 race car, tipping the scales roughly 200kg heavier and an 11kw bump in power. Despite the difference, Abdool remains confident that the updated package and new drivetrain will provide a competitive platform as the championship begins.
Killarney holds special significance in Abdool’s GR Cup journey. On debut at the Cape Town circuit he secured overall pole position, a double class victory and the fastest lap. When the championship returned in September 2025, it was once again the setting for celebration as Abdool wrapped up his maiden GR Cup title.
“Starting the season at Killarney is special for me,” said Abdool. “It’s a track where we’ve had some great moments, it’s fitting to begin the title defence here with the all new GR Corolla.”
With five new challengers representing established media publications, each eager to make their mark beneath the shadow of Table Mountain, the 2026 GR Cup season is set to begin in spectacular fashion!
Abdool also expressed gratitude to Toyota Gazoo Racing for the opportunity to defend the championship, while acknowledging the continued support of key partners Dunlop, Netstar, Garmin, Ferodo, ATP Motorsport, OMP Racing, and Bell Racing.
2026 National Extreme Festival Calendar:
14 Mar – Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town
18 Apr – Red Star Raceway, Delmas
23 May – Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria
27 Jun – Aldo Scribante, Gqeberha
15 Aug – Prince George Circuit, East London
19 Sep – Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town
17 Oct – Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria
SuperSport extends its best wishes to all competitors ahead of the season opener and wishes Abdool success in defending the crown.