The curtain will fall on the 2024 national circuit racing season in dramatic style this Saturday at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. The annual Kyalami 9-Hour endurance race promises to deliver a spectacular finale, with multiple sports car championships set to be decided on the legendary track. Fans can expect high-speed action, strategic battles, and an unforgettable atmosphere as some of the finest racers in the country compete for glory.
The Fight for the South African Endurance Championship
Headlining the event is the final round of the South African Endurance Championship, where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Leading the charge are Xolile Letlaka, Stuart White, and Mikaeel Pitamber in their Into Africa Lamborghini Huracan GT3. This trio has been consistent all season, but their rivals are not far behind.
Hein Lategan, Verissimo Tavares, and Keagan Masters will pilot the BBR Porsche 911 GT3, aiming to upset the leaders. Meanwhile, the Rico Barlow Adjust for Sleep Nova team, featuring Nick Adcock, Michael Jensen, Jonathan Thomas, and Charl Michael Visser, could also pose a serious challenge. Other notable competitors include Mike McLaughlin and Steve Clark in their Backdraft Slingshot, as well as Charl Arangies and Arnold Neveling in the Stradale Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo.
In Class B, the competition is just as fierce. Damian Hammond and Wayne Roach (Trinity Lamborghini Gallardo), Nathan and Sam Hammond (Trinity Lamborghini Huracan), and Sun Moodley, Mo Mia, and Joao Paulo Mauro (Bigfoot Express Mercedes-AMG GT3) are all in contention for victory.
Class C promises a gripping head-to-head duel between the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, driven by Claudio and Mario Rossi, and the Korridas Volkswagen Golf GTI team of Bruno Campos, Joao Rebelo Martins, and Marco Rodrigues.
Class D will see a showdown between the Honda Civic Type R of Paulo and Ricardo Loureiro and reigning champions David and Roberto Franco in their Graphix Supply World SupaPolo. They will have to fend off challenges from other competitive SupaPolo teams, including Kyle and Tyler Robinson (AF Fans) and Nathan Hammond, Keegan Campos, and Jagger Robertson.
Intense Backdraft Roadster Showdown
The Backdraft Roadster category, featuring the locally manufactured V8-powered race cars, adds another layer of excitement to the event. The championship battle is neck-and-neck between the Pesty Racing team of Harm, Barend Pretorius, and Michael Kernick, and the PPLE/Adapt trio of Phillip Meyer, Mark Harvey, and Dean Wolson.
Other teams like Dan Hirsh and Trevor Graham, as well as Jean-Paul Briner, Anthony Hoare, and CJ Blackman from Tradecor Steel, are ready to shake up the standings. Rounding out the category are numerous drivers aiming to make their mark, such as Fikile Holomisa, Baphiwe Rubuluza, and Setshaba Mashigo from Qhubani Racing.
More Than Just Racing
The Kyalami 9-Hour offers much more than motorsport. The event will feature a 16-artist music concert, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Families can enjoy a dedicated kids’ zone, while food stalls and a beer garden cater to a variety of tastes. For those looking to test their own racing skills, the event will showcase a record-breaking 100 high-tech sim racing rigs and provide public kart rentals on Kyalami’s Dynamic Handling track.
A Packed Weekend Schedule
The excitement kicks off on Thursday with endurance teams taking to the track for free practice sessions at 08:30, 11:25, and 14:35. Qualifying for the Three-Hours of Kyalami follows at 17:05.
On Friday, teams will participate in two more free practice sessions at 13:30 and 15:10 before the critical Nine-Hour qualifying session begins at 17:15. A compulsory night practice session at 18:00 will prepare teams for Saturday’s grueling race.
Saturday’s gates open bright and early at 06:00, with fans gearing up for the main event, the Kyalami 9-Hour, which starts at 13:00.
A Grand Finale
The Kyalami 9-Hour is set to deliver the perfect conclusion to the 2024 racing season. With multiple championships on the line and a blend of fierce competition and off-track entertainment, the event promises something for everyone.
Whether you’re a racing fanatic or just looking for a weekend of excitement, this is a must-see event. Come witness history being made as the 2024 motorsport season ends with a bang at Kyalami!
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