AutoTrader and Pablo Clark Racing: Taking on the Extreme Festival with Kent Swartz

Fuelling the future of South African Motorsport

Motorsport is where innovation thrives, and collaboration drives success—and that’s why we’ve joined forces with Pablo Clark Racing, one of South Africa's top racing teams with a proven track record of excellence. Together, we’re championing both performance and talent development, supporting young drivers like Kent in realising their potential.

Kent Swartz, at just 15 years old, is already making waves in motorsport. As a national karting champion and a breakout star in the Toyota GR Cup, Kent has shown extraordinary skill, resilience, and ambition. Now, as he transitions to the Extreme Festival, we’re proud to support him in taking this incredible next step in his journey.

The perfect track machine: The iconic BMW E46

If you care about motorsport, you'll understand the legendary status of the BMW E46, celebrated for its perfect balance of handling and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. But the E46 we're bringing to the Extreme Festival is no ordinary car. Working with Pablo Clark Racing, we've transformed this classic into a racing machine that’s ready to dominate the track.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Precision handling: Equipped with full race-spec suspension for laser-sharp reactions.

• Optimised weight: Interiors stripped down for ultimate weight reduction, giving Kent maximum speed.

• FIA Safety: Installed a roll cage and advanced safety measures to ensure top-level protection.

• Engine tweaks: ECU tuning for precise throttle response and power delivery.

• Performance upgrades: High-performance brakes, tyres, and cooling systems for peak reliability.

This meticulously prepared race car offers the mechanical feedback needed to help a young driver like Kent refine his racecraft and push boundaries.

Why this partnership matters

At AutoTrader, being part of this journey isn’t just about branding at racing events. This partnership with Pablo Clark Racing is part of a bigger vision. It’s about nurturing talent, inspiring the next generation of racing enthusiasts, and showing the world that South African motorsport has what it takes to compete on the global stage.

Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mission aligns perfectly with this effort. By investing in young drivers like Kent Swartz, we’re not just putting a car on the grid—we’re helping to shape the future of racing in South Africa.

Join us at the Extreme Festival!

The Extreme Festival kicks off on April 11–12, 2025, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of it. You’ll spot the AutoTrader branding alongside Pablo Clark Racing, supporting Kent as he tackles this highly competitive series. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or just enjoy the thrill of racing, we’d love to see you at the event.

Expect fast cars, bold moves, and plenty of action. And for those who can’t make it to the track, we’ll bring you all the highlights and behind-the-scenes coverage. Stay tuned to our channels for exclusive updates and race-day features.

Purchase your tickets here.

Backing South Africa’s racing future

With this partnership, we’re taking more than just a car and driver to the Extreme Festival—we’re investing in the people and the sport we love. Kent Swartz represents the bright future of South African motorsport, and we’re incredibly proud to be standing behind him as he embarks on this journey.

This is why at AutoTrader, we don’t just connect buyers and sellers—we connect with the passions and dreams that drive innovation, excitement, and the thrill of the race.

Let’s ignite the track. Here’s to a successful season with Pablo Clark Racing and Kent Swartz!