The Kyalami 9-Hour Race, which dates back to 1961, will return on February 25, 2023, as the second round of the SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC) Powered by Pirelli. Organizers have devised a five-day supporting festival celebrating all things motorsport and driving as part of the continuous upgrades to South Africa’s sole international motorsport event.
The IGTC Series, based on GT3 and GT4 Sportscars, has been held at Kyalami since 2019. The series travels to all five continents, with the Kyalami round in February serving as the second of five races in the 2023 season. The 9 Hour will feature both international and domestic GT3 and GT4 race teams. Over 20 entries, including prominent foreign and domestic drivers, are set to compete for overall and class victories in the endurance event. During the three days of track action, all of the main national motorsport categories will compete in a variety of support events.
With the addition of the K9H Motor Fest programming, the K9H race is turning into one of the more diverse motoring-oriented events in South Africa. The event, which will feature more family-oriented, motoring enthusiast, and industry-related activities, is set to take place from February 21 to 25, 2023, and will include various activations, exciting entertainment, and networking opportunities for corporates, manufacturers, and the general public, culminating in the international Kyalami 9 Hour race. The inaugural K9H Motor Fest Golf Day will feature some of the world’s finest racing drivers as four-ball teams. All of this is set against the backdrop of an international motor race, with private or shared corporate hospitality for the Kyalami 9-Hour event.
A Gala Dinner with a charity-based motorsport memorabilia-themed auction will take place against the backdrop of the 9 Hour night practice session, providing additional networking opportunities for the captains of the motor industry. The week-long K9H Trade and Exhibition show, which is open to the public, transforms into the ultimate test-drive opportunity for potential customers to experience the latest model offerings from local manufacturers and importers on the handle.
Manufacturers and importers will also be able to show their business connections, partners, and members of the public what the racing drivers will encounter during three days of hot laps around the classic 4.5-kilometer Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from Wednesday to Friday.
Friday’s festivities include a beer and wine festival, 150+ cars in support category races, including top South African national championships, and the Kyalami 9-Hour qualifying sessions, which culminate in the Top Ten Pole Shootout. On Saturday, Kyalami will come alive with a high-speed historic race car showcase, support races, a beer and wine festival, and a Trade and Exhibition show. The Kyalami 9 Hour begins at 1 pm, and all eyes will be on the circuit.
“The 9 Hour has established itself to be the premier event on the South African motorsport calendar, as well as a top-rated stop on the international tour,” said Adam Brown, Event Director of the Kyalami 9 Hour. We are thrilled to confirm the 2023 event as the season’s second round, especially to debut the K9H Motor Fest. For all of our motorsport fans, partners, and industry stakeholders, the Motor Fest adds dynamic material to the proven formula. The 2023 Kyalami 9 Hour now has all of the components to become a major event in South Africa’s motoring sector.”
“The integration of the Trade Show, Entertainment, and Hospitality features elevate the bar on this distinguished event,”
Craig Newman, Group CEO of GL Events, remarked.
We are honored to be associated with the Kyalami 9 Hour, and we are confident that our extensive experience and track record of developing and executing leading business and consumer lifestyle events, such as the Rand Show, will firmly place the K9H Motor Fest at the top of the list for both corporates and the general public.“