Had it not been for Toby Venter’s own passion for motorsport and insistence that Kyalami needed to remind its loyal fans that racing still plays a major part in the entire refurbishment, the biggest motorsport event in recent memory wouldn’t have happened this year. Yet in the space of four months the small team has managed to secure a record 400 race entries and full grids for a number of categories leading up to the inaugural Motorsport Festival 21-23 October.
A combination of national, regional and club entries are ready to tackle the circuit for the first time as new lap records are up for grabs. Several changes to Kyalami include the extended main straight which will reward a quick exit out the last turn with a long slipstream down into the widened first turn. But not all the changes have happened down on the track; the demolition of the tatty hospitality bomas rewards all ticket holders with excellent vantage points – leave those binoculars at home.
With Cell C as one of the main sponsors, the weekend has already attracted the country’s top drivers and their machines. The fourth round of the Sasol GTC Championship will see the nascent series running closer to its full potential and probably the last chance to stop a near faultless Michael Stephen from clinching the series. SA Car Fan is anxiously waiting to take on the country’s top motoring editors in the Volkswagen Media Challenge so please come by the pitlane for a quick tour of the car and information on the series.
The full 28 race programme will also feature over 35 V8 race cars in a combined V8 Supercar and V8 Masters field. The Cape Town V8 Masters category makes a welcome visit to the Kyalami race meeting. Ben Morgenrood, Franco Di Matteo as well as Larry and Terry Wilford will be amongst the leading pack in the V8 Supercars, with Brian Evens and Marcel Angel out front in the V8 Masters.
The G & H Transport Extreme Supercars are sure to thrill race fans with a full field of Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, KTM and Lamborghini entries racing for overall victory on both Saturday and Sunday. Circuit owner Toby Venter driving his spectacular Porsche 911 GTR is amongst the favourites to take the chequered flag. The Engen Volkswagn Cup, Comsol VW Challenge, Autobarn North Bolt and Tool Superhatch and 111 Saloons will provide plenty of action.
The Red Square Kawasaki ZX10R Masters and top regional motorcycle categories, including Dunlop Thunderbikes, Sub 10 and Silverton Nut and Bolt Challenge will provide exciting motorcycle racing action, in 6 races over the 2 days. National Super GP Rider Lance Isaacs (BMW S1000RR) will start as favourite in the Dunlop Thunderbikes category, chased by a full field of over 45 entries.
The national championship Investchem Formula 1600 category has 16 entries and will, as always, entertain with close and exciting single seater racing. Two invitational races for the Legends of The SKF, Legends of the 9 Hour category on Sunday is sure to bring back memories of the great endurance races held at Kyalami in the 1960’s.
A full grid of over 30 historic saloons lead by the big V8 Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury entries will provide a nostalgic touch to the Sunday race programme. The V8s will have a battle on their hands with the Lola and Chevron entries of the Du Toit family.
Tickets for Kyalami’s Motorsport Festival can be purchased at Computicket with pre-purchase ticket holders enjoying the benefit of express entry lanes and a reduced entry price. Grid Walk tickets are available for both days and the 30 minute grid walk will take place at 13h00 on each day to allow race fans an opportunity to see the cars and meet the drivers and riders. VIP Hospitality packages are available providing exclusive full day catering in the new Paddock and Viewing Deck area of the Main Pit Building. VIP Parking, pit entry and other exclusive benefits are included in the package.
For more information regarding the ticket prices, spectator areas, hospitality packages and race programme please visit the Kyalami website www.kyalamigrandprixcircuit.com
