News: Nine fast facts about the Kyalami 9hr in November
- It’s a 5-year deal
Kyalami will host the last round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge until the end of 2023 and could extend the contract beyond that. That means Kyalami’s famous 9hr has a guaranteed spot on the calendar and will possibly grow in size and entertainment each and every year.
- The cars are epic
A field of thirty cars with the possibility of adding a few more. It will be the only time on South African soil where spectators will see cars like Lamborghini Huracan GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Bentley Continental GT3, BMW M6 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3, Audi R8 GT3, Nissan GT-R and Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing flat out.
- Three South African teams
Stradale Racing, Pablo Clark and Perfect Circle Racing add local spice to the mix of ninety drivers. Even so, the nationality spread will include sixteen South African drivers including Kelvin van der Linde (Audi), Sheldon van der Linde (BMW) and Jordan Pepper (Bentley), all racing in the pro category.
- It’s not just about the racing
Keeping the ball rolling throughout day and night at Kyalami will be numerous DJs and live performances from Prime Circle, Mi Casa, and Black Coffee. The Soweto drifters (let’s call them spinners) will be out in force and the classic car parade will be another highlight. Pitlane walks and grid walks as well as hot laps around Kyalami will be offered – check that you have the right ticket.
- Live streaming and TV coverage
Supersport has scheduled 18hrs of coverage for the weekend. That’ll include qualifying and the race, as well as all the meaty bits between. Some form of live streaming was also promised, but no further details on that at this stage.
- You can’t park at the venue
Our advice is to Uber to the gate and walk in to Kyalami or use one of the Park and Ride services which will be travelling from areas like Mall of Africa, Sandton and as far as the East Rand. We expect some further services from Gautrain stations. The Park and Ride services require an additional ticket.
- If it all goes well, F1 could be next
A truly global sport needs to take place on all continents and the Intercontinental Challenge could provide the much-needed evidence that South Africa has the facilities and quality to host a world class motorsport event. If it can continue to receive the city of Johannesburg’s support, there is every chance of attracting more investors and partners.
- Tickets for the Kyalami 9 hour are on sale
By clicking through Howler’s website. General access tickets for the Friday (22 November) start from as little as R160 and R400 if you want grandstand- and general access on the Saturday. Tracksside tickets for the Saturday are R1250 while hospitality tickets are steep, starting at R4995.
- It’s a busy month for motorsport fans
The Intercontinental GT Challenge will take place at Kyalami between the 21-23 November. Two weeks prior to that is the season-finale Rallycross event at Killarney, Cape Town.
More info here: Kyalami 9 hour info
