Kyalami 9-Hour Returns!

Kyalami 9-Hour Returns!

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The last Covid themed 9-hour at Kyalami may have attracted smaller numbers than before, but this year will be bigger and better for many reasons. Firstly, world travel is open, allowing teams to move around. Twenty teams are expected to enter, which will see some of the top GT drivers compete. Superstars like Kevin Estre and Michael Christensen will be there, including our local legends doing great things overseas. Local stars include David Perel, Jordan Pepper and the vd Linde brothers.

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Secondly, with more options this time around, the event will host a five-day motoring festival that will honour motorsport like we’ve not seen it before. Support races representing local motorsport categories will be present. These include some historic races on the Saturday, which have, in the past, attracted international competitors with some eye-watering classic race cars. In addition, many events over the days will likely attract some big names and even bigger networking opportunities for local businesses and motorsport.

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Adam Brown, Kyalami 9-Hour Event Director, commented, “The 9 Hour has proven itself to be the premier event on the South African motorsport calendar and a top-rated stop on the international tour. We are delighted to confirm the 2023 event as the second round of the season. We are especially excited to launch the K9H Motor Fest. The Motor Fest adds dynamic content to the successful formula for all our motorsport fans, partners and industry stakeholders. The 2023 Kyalami 9-Hour now possesses all the ingredients necessary to become a flagship event in South Africa’s motoring sector.”

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I’ve often harped about local motorsport being a big fish in a small pond scenario. However, having an event like this widens the perspective and lifts the game of local racing teams to elevate themselves, just like we saw this year. Having this type of racing on local soil with such a massive online audience gives local talent a chance to shine against the best in the business. So don’t be surprised if you don’t see more names competing in Europe regularly, like Kwanda Mokoena and Charl Arangies. Both have been putting hard work into the GT racing scene.

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With the 2022 event being such a hit and well-run event, I have little doubt that the 2023 instalment will be even better. The Kyalami event is the second round of the SRO World GT championship, powered by Pirelli, on 25 February 2023. Best you commit that to the calendar.

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Words: Brent vd Schyff

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