The iconic Kyalami 9 Hour returns after 37 years to the legendary track in November with a host of not-to-be-missed satellite events that make this the motorsport event of the year featuring top drivers from around the world as well as South Africa’s best speed masters.
Two of the county’s most successful racing formulas – the Falken Polo Cup and Motomart VW Challenge – will combine at the three-day event which runs from Thursday, November 21, to Saturday, November 23, and also includes jaw-dropping stunts from the Soweto Spinners; a spectacular classic car parade and go-karting for all ages.
With a reputation as two of South Africa’s most competitive and exciting racing series, the Falken Polo Cup and Motomart VW Challenge will combine for two thrilling races – one late on Friday afternoon and the second on Saturday morning ahead of the 9 Hour start.
Says Mike Rowe, head of Volkswagen Motorsport: “We are excited to bring these series to Kyalami as the support event to the 9 Hour. By then both 2019 championships will have concluded and we expect 45 of our best drivers to line-up on the starting grid. South African competitors love racing at Kyalami and this event gives them an opportunity to do so. It also allows us to showcase the level of our race cars and drivers to an international audience.”
Welcome to the thrilling world of spinning and burning rubber as Soweto also comes to Kyalami on Friday, November 22. The Soweto Drift 60 Minute Challenge, in support of the Soweto Drift Academy, will see six of South Africa’s finest car spinners push the famous BMW 325i (known as the “Gusheshe”) to its limits. Crowd favourites Kayla, Eddie Boy, Veejaro, Mosotho, King Katra and Shanstone/WothiMalume will perform roll backs, tyre bouncing, side-to-sides and the target slide with the most daring spinner walking away with R10 000.
In honour of the history of the Kyalami 9 Hour – which first took place at the circuit in 1961 –classic and rare cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s, including Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz and BMW, will be on display and take part in a circuit parade.
The organisers have catered for fans from all walks of life and of all ages who want to show off their driving skills. Those attending can drive Sodi karts around the Kyalami Dynamic Handling Circuit. Children aged 3 to 12 can hit the gas in a Sodi Kid Racer (with space for an adult to sit behind and lend a hand where necessary) and anyone aged over 12 years of age can race for glory in a Sodi RT8 270cc. Younger drivers can try out Sodi’s latest product, the electric Kid Racer, aimed at ages 3 and up. This separate track will be housed in the Kid Zone.
The Kyalami 9 Hour takes place from November 21 to November 23 with a wide range of attractions aside from the action-packed motor racing and car events. Speed combines with sound with an impressive musical line-up including Black Coffee, Shekinah, Prime Circle, Julian Gomes and Sun El Musician.
‘Early bird’ tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased from www.kyalami9hour.com
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