The Kyalami 9 Hour is back
Known as the home of South African motorsport, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has been the battleground for some of the world's most iconic racing events since its construction in 1961.
The track has seen the likes of Formula 1, the first race being held in 1967, local and international touring car races and since was bought and ultimately saved by businessman and motorsport enthusiast Toby Venter. The facility has also become an internationally recognized conference and events location hosting everything from business seminars, food festivals and even forms part of the 947 cycling challenge. However, it is a race track and one of the most iconic events has returned, the Kyalami 9 Hour.
The O T Venter Group bought Kyalami in 2014 and has heavily invested in getting the track FIA approved. It is now set to once again host the 9 Hour from the 21st to the 23rd of November 2019 after a 37-year gap. The event will form part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, powered by Pirelli for the season finale. Event-goers can expect to see manufacturers such as Audi Sport, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan and Porsche as well as Aston Martin and Lamborghini all fighting for position on the track. It is said that around 30 cars form part of the provisional entry list.
South African Drivers:
True to the event’s traditions, three South African teams have also entered the iconic event in the form of Stradale Motorsport, Pablo Clark Racing and Team Perfect Circle. An additional three more South Africans, Jordan Pepper plus the Van der Linde brothers Kelvin and Sheldon, are all part of Bentley, Audi and BMW factory teams at Kyalami where they’re joined by compatriots David Perel, Gennaro Bonafede and Ignatius Michael Von Rooyen, Intercontinental GT Challenge nominated entries. Lechner Racing also includes rising local talent, Saul Hack, in their driver line-up.
Local racing to feature:
With a reputation as two of South Africa’s most competitive and exciting racing series, the Falken Polo Cup and Motomart VW Challenge will combine for two thrilling races, one taking place late on Friday afternoon and the second on Saturday morning ahead of the 9-Hour start. The action continues with the thrilling world of spinning as Soweto also comes to Kyalami on Friday, November 22 in the form of the Soweto Drift Academy. The Soweto Drift 60 Minute Challenge will see six of South Africa’s finest car spinners push their famous BMW 325i models to the limits. Attendees can expect to see favourites such as Kayla, Eddie Boy, Veejaro, Mosotho, King Katra and Shanstone/WothiMalume who will perform rollbacks, tyre bouncing, side-to-sides and the target slide with the most daring spinner walking away with R10 000.
Entertainment other than world-class racing:
The organisers of the event have also catered for fans from all walks of life and of all ages who want to show off their driving skills. Those attending can drive Sodi karts around the Kyalami Dynamic Handling Circuit. Children aged 3 to 12 can hit the throttle in a Sodi Kid Racer which has space for an adult to sit behind and lend a hand where necessary. Those aged over 12 years of age can race for glory in a Sodi RT8 270cc. There is also an impressive line-up of some of our country’s most impressive musical artists such as Black Coffee, Shekinah, Prime Circle, Julian Gomes and Sun El Musician.
Various areas:
The event organisers have divided the entire track up to accommodate different event-goers. The outer track will be for general spectators which are said to have a capacity for around 40 000 people. Food trucks and beverage stands will also be conveniently placed. The inner track will house more exclusive stands such as VIP hospitality suits as well as more exclusive spectator points. Ticket prices are said to start at around R200 per person.
More than just racing:
The Kyalami 9 Hour is not just a racing experience it forms part of a bigger plan to boost the local economy as well as create more jobs. Kyalami has become the backbone of a business ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Small enterprises, such as food and beverage stalls flourish, while events and staging companies create thousands of temporary employment opportunities in addition to their increasing number of permanent employees. International and national events support hotels, restaurants and the broader tourism industry.
Can’t make the event?
The Kyalami 9-Hour event will be televised and streamed live via the worldwide web to the far corners of the world. The excellence of the entire Kyalami precinct designed and constructed by South African companies, will be seen by thousands of people the world over.
