This initiative will see three of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities—Girlie Lukhele, Kriya Gangiah, and Mpho Maboi—swap their microphones and studios for race suits and helmets. Over three rounds of the 2026 season, these guest drivers will face the ultimate pressure cooker: real-world, wheel-to-wheel circuit racing in the formidable GR Yaris AT.
The 2026 GR Cup Hot Seat calendar
Fans can catch the action as these personalities tackle some of South Africa's most iconic corners:
| Date | Venue | Driver |
| 22–23 May | Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria | Girlie Lukhele |
| 18–19 September | Killarney Raceway, Cape Town | Kriya Gangiah |
| 16–17 October | Zwartkops Raceway, Pretoria | Mpho Maboi |
Meet the Contenders
Girlie Lukhele
A familiar face in the National Rally Championship, Lukhele is no stranger to speed, but the GR Cup marks a significant shift in discipline.
"Rally has always been my comfort zone," Lukhele admits. "Track is something that’s not very familiar to me, so I’m really looking forward to learning... and hopefully fighting for a podium."
Kriya Gangiah
Known for her motorsport broadcasting, Gangiah is stepping out from behind the mic and into the cockpit at the notoriously tricky Killarney Raceway.
"I always get the opportunity to talk about racing and understand the theory. Now I finally get to put that into practice," says Gangiah. Her primary goal? "Keep it on the black stuff!"
Mpho Maboi
With over two decades in sports broadcasting, Maboi is no stranger to high-stakes environments. Having sampled Zwartkops before, she brings a touch of experience to her October appearance.
"I believe in saying 'yes' to opportunities," Maboi explains. "I just want to have fun and walk away with the experience of having driven a real racing car."
More than just a show
While the Hot Seat participants won't be scoring points toward the 2026 Championship, the stakes remain high. The GR Yaris AT is a demanding machine, and the 2026 season has already proven to be one of the most competitive in the series' history.
This initiative is a core part of TGRSA’s strategy to grow motorsport in South Africa by reaching new audiences and proving that the "racing bug" can bite anyone.
The question remains: When the visor drops and the red lights go out, who will keep their cool in the Hot Seat?
Stay tuned to AutoTrader South Africa for live updates and results from the 2026 GR Cup season.
