28 Jul Wayne drives Ferrari at Kyalami

An opportunity to attend this year’s SEFAC Ferrari Track Day was not to be missed because it was held at the newly-reopened Kyalami race circuit. Stuart MacKay Davison kindly sent me an invitation to only attend the event but to offer me the drive of a lifetime his 450kW Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Arriving at the totally renovated circuit, straight away you notice the new entrance and almost immediately you now pass under the track at the Crowthorne end of the circuit. Everything just looks so fresh and first class! You then turn left and up the hill to the new pit complex, which is a glass and aluminium structure similar to those at some of the world leading race venues. It certainly is very impressive.

After completing all the necessary forms to safeguard Kyalami, SEFAC etc and paying attention at the drivers briefing, it was off to the cars and on to the track in our respective groups. I was surprised to learn that the track 4,522 kilometres long and boasts 16 corners. And man-oh-man, the surface is stunningly smooth. However, grip is a little lacking as, naturally, very little rubber has been laid down and the 458 Speciale was on road tyres, so it was caution caution all the way. Also, some of the kerbs are rather large and unforgiving and if you are tempted to cut a corner you could write-off a rim. But as it was my first time around this impressive complex and the fact I was driving my host’s pride and joy, no limits were tested.

The Southern Equitorial Ferrari Automobili Club had almost 200 cars attend the event, including Dinos, 308s, Testarossas, F50, 360s, 430s and 488s. Just before lunch, Pablo Clark and a few other braver drivers did a racing demonstration that was very entertaining and provided the spectators with a good idea of what the new Kyalami will soon be offering. My special thanks to Stuart for the invitation and to Giorgio Cavalieri for his hospitality, as well as everyone at SEFAC for a awesome day. WH