Biggest upgrade yet for Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
KYALAMI – KYALAMI – Motorsport enthusiast Toby Venter has announced that Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, which he owns, will be closing on 12 May as construction and upgrades for the iconic track will commence.
The cost for these upgrades is estimated at R100 million, making it the single largest upgrade in the track’s 54-year history.
“When the hammer fell at the auction of Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on 24 July [2014], motorsport fans, both locally and internationally breathed a sigh of relief,” said Kyalami’s general manager, Denis Klopper. “The reason for their optimism for the future was simply that a man with a passion for motorsport had rescued the historic venue from the brink of imminent demise.”
After a safety delegate from the International Automobile Federation inspected the racing venue, the changes were approved and the final plans for the upgrades began to take shape.
These changes will include the complete resurfacing of the circuit to international specifications, as well as the lengthening of the existing main straight with the current turn one reduced in angle, allowing the circuit to run into the eastern corner of the property and ensuring a straight of close to 900 metres.
Other changes include the return of iconic original circuit corner names such as The Kink, Crowthorne, Barbeque and Jukskei Sweep. Plans for an underpass are also in the pipeline in order to ease access to the central heart of the circuit. Spectator areas will be expanded and refurbished too and the conference centre will be renovated so that other commercial opportunities for the circuit can be further explored.
It is expected that the circuit will be re-opened between the end of August and the end of September.
“The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will once again take up its place as the premier motoring and motorsport facility in Africa as well as a leading venue, and new player, in the conferencing and eventing arena,” Klopper concluded. “The great visionaries of the original circuit will certainly be proud.”
Are you excited to see what the new upgrades at Kyalami Grand Prix will bring on an international motorsport level? Share your thoughts in the comments section below
