Kyalami’s conference and paddock facilities is the place to be

A seemingly never ending upgrade of Kyalami is now rounding the last corner as events, notably the Bike Show and Festival of Speed, are ready to give showgoers their first taste of South Africa’s premier circuit and facilities.

A year of meticulous planning and rigorous construction has seen a complete redesign of the 4.522km circuit which now meets FIA Grade 2 safety standards. Despite being in the midst of construction, two vehicle manufacturers have already hosted successful media launches on the track, giving one a sense of the excitement and urgency behind Kyalami.

The resurrected 4×4 area has already entertained a small group of enthusiasts with its 43.7 degree incline, water crossings and wheel articulation obstacles offering a test for novices and professionals..

Phase Two of the construction includes the refurbishment of the pit building and convention centre. Due to be completed at the end of May, the convention centre has been designed and lavishly equipped to  host conferencing, exhibitions, trade shows, product launches, private functions and brand activations. Fully-equipped kitchens, clean ablution facilities and plentiful parking accommodates every need while wheelchair access is available to all areas.

The convention centre incorporates the new Paddock Club; a modern, air-conditioned spacious hall with 2770 square meters of uninterrupted, flexible event space with generous 9 meter high ceilings. Access to the new Paddock Club has been carefully considered via a 5 metre wide bridge (for easy access for delivery vehicles) or by the grand staircase. Here one will be treated to an 820 square metre deck offering unparalleled views of the circuit and Johannesburg’s skyline.

Two grand boardrooms, four conference halls and Race Control overlook the start/finish line while the third floor offers 2100 square metres of space with a newly covered terrace taking advantage of open-air views. For those who want to be closer to the action, the Launch Area is located in the pits and will become a favoured spot for those requiring quick and direct access to the circuit.

Phase Three takes place outside with two multi-functional outdoor exhibition platforms spanning 35 000 square metres. Purposefully designed for Dynamic Driver Training, work has already begun on the lower platform with an irrigated skidpan covered in low-friction asphalt and a 1.1-kilometre dynamic handling track.  For added versatility this handling track can be divided into two sections and operated independently.  Phase Three will be complete by the end of May.

SA Car Fan will bring you the latest images and news before the gates open to the public.