21 Jul The 9-Hour returns

Later this year, the historic Kyalami 9-Hour will make a welcome return to motorsport after a 37-year absence when it joins the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, California 8 Hours, Total 24 Hours of Spa and Suzuka 10 Hours on 2019’s Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli schedule. This prestigious event is set to take place at the Johannesburg circuit from 21-23 November.

SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO, Stéphane Ratel, believes that the addition of Kyalami to the other prestigious GT3 races on the calendar is ‘a dream come true’. “I’ve spent years trying to get this African leg of the series off the ground. To finally have it all locked in is a massive achievement and one that I am absolutely delighted about. Having an African part of this championship means that we are now across five continents.”

While the Intercontinental GT Challenge is reserved for FIA GT3 specification supercars, many of its events – including the Kyalami 9-Hour – also feature local championships and cars simultaneously competing for class honours. They will share the track with #IntGTC’s eight full-season manufacturers, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Mercedes AMG, Nissan and Porsche. And the race will see South Africa’s international GT drivers Kelvin van der Linde and Jordan Pepper racing on home soil.

“When Stéphane came to me with this suggestion, I didn’t hesitate in letting him know that I was keen to get involved,” says the circuit’s owner Toby Venter. “Kyalami has always been the stage for iconic motorsport events, and to have the 9-Hour return here is truly special. It also adds a wonderful international event to the calendar that local families can come and enjoy.”

Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased from www.kyalami9hour.com.