44 Cars Vie for Victory in Kyalami's Grand Finale
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit is set to come alive with 44 cars confirmed for the SAES: Nine-Hours of Kyalami, marking the season finale of the Southern African Endurance Series. This event is crucial for 13 championships that hang in the balance, including prestigious titles like the SA Endurance National Championship, the SA Endurance Index of Performance Championship, and the SA GT National Championship.
The SA Endurance National Championship is particularly intense, with double points on the line, resulting in a five-way battle for the overall title. The lineup boasts numerous South African drivers who have showcased their skills on international stages.
SAES co-founders Xolile Letlaka, Izak Spies, and CEO Wayne Riddell are the driving force behind bringing the Nine-Hours of Kyalami to Gauteng. Their goal is to expand the motorsport audience while keeping affordability in mind. Ticket prices start at just R50 for general access on Friday and R100 for Saturday, aiming to make motorsport more accessible to South African spectators.
This vision extends beyond South Africa's borders, with plans to take the two spectacular SAES Championships to other African countries, aligning with the "Southern African" aspect of the promoter's name.
A significant achievement for the Southern African Endurance Series is securing live SuperSport coverage of all races, starting from 14h30 on Friday and concluding at 21h00 on Saturday. Additionally, the SAES YouTube channel will live stream the entire event, ensuring motorsport fans worldwide can enjoy the action.
The championship race is incredibly close in the SA Endurance category, with just seven points separating the Into Africa Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 team and the Stradale Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 squad. Both teams feature drivers with recent international experience, making the Lamborghini crew favourites.
Charl Arangies, who comfortably won the SA GT Extreme National Championship, is not to be underestimated. He will be competing alongside a strong lineup. Other contenders, such as Mike McLaughlin, Hein Lategan, and the Dolphin Engineering team, also have their sights set on the title.
In Class D, Volkswagen Motorsport aims for the Class D and Index of Performance titles. Toyota is fielding a pair of Gazoo Racing Toyota 86s, competing for victory.
Class E, featuring Backdraft-Lexus V8 cars, promises fierce competition. Lenovo joins as a supporting sponsor, offering cash prizes. The Index of Performance Championship leader, rookie Jean-Paul Briner, is one to watch in the Tradecor Backdraft.
The 1-Hour Dash Championship features nine cars, including Chevvy V8-powered Ginetta G57s and other exciting sports-prototype machines.
In the SA GT National Championship, Michael Stephen is on the verge of his 19th National Championship, but the competition remains fierce. The ProAm title race is closely contested, and the Team's Championship is too close to call.
For spectators, SAES offers VIP and VVIP packages and general admission tickets, with options to upgrade for a unique racing experience.
Come and witness the excitement at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit!
