South Africa’s racing season ends with high drama at Kyalami Nine-Hour
Xolile Letlaka, Stuart White, and Mikaeel Pitamber drove their Into Africa Lamborghini Huracan GT3 to a hard-fought victory at the Kyalami Nine-Hour, capping off an unforgettable endurance racing finale.
The legendary Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit roared to life on November 29 and 30, as the Kyalami Nine-Hour delivered a spectacular end to the 2024 Southern African Endurance Series.
With more than 44 teams and 100 drivers, the event was a thrilling showcase of endurance racing at its finest, blending drama, skill, and sheer determination.
The Into Africa Lamborghini Huracan GT3, piloted by Xolile Letlaka, Stuart White, and Mikaeel Pitamber, emerged victorious after an intense battle that defined the final laps. Their win secured the duo of Letlaka and White the coveted 2024 South African National Endurance Championship title.
Also read: Festival of Motoring is back at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
A weekend of records and revelry
The nine-hour spectacle didn’t just settle championship standings, it also saw a brand-new lap record at Kyalami. Jonathan Thomas, driving the Adjust for Sleep Nova Porsche 911 Cup, set an impressive time of 1:40.303, reinforcing the race’s reputation as a high-stakes competition for the fastest and most resilient drivers.
Off the track, fans were treated to an immersive experience with a bustling FanZone featuring live music, food halls, a flea market, and family-friendly activities such as go-karting and a dedicated KidsZone. The Beer Garden was the perfect place for adults to relax while the engines screamed on the circuit.
Triumphs and trials
The race was not without its share of heartbreak. Charl Arangies and Arnold Neveling in the Bobcat Audi R8 LMS GT3 led much of the contest before alternator failure forced an early retirement. Meanwhile, a bizarre twist saw the Adjust for Sleep Nova team lose the lead in the final moments due to a penalty issued for an unconventional glove mishap, relegating them to second.
Also read: Festival of Motoring is back at Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit
Samlin Racing showcased resilience, with their Trinity Lamborghini Gallardo claiming fourth overall and a Class B victory, while their Volkswagen SupaPolo took fifth and the Class C win. Father and son Harm and Barend Pretorius’ sixth-place finish in the Team Pesty Backdraft Roadster sealed the inaugural V8 Roadster championship and the Index of Performance National Championship, despite mechanical challenges.
The spirit of endurance
The enduring spirit of motorsport was on full display as teams overcame formidable obstacles. From blown engines to fuel leaks and gearboxes stuck in third gear, competitors embodied the grit required to cross the finish line. The Mozambique-based Korridas Racing team epitomised this determination, completing the race despite severe mechanical setbacks.
A spectacle to remember
The Kyalami Nine-Hour proved why it remains one of the most prestigious events on the South African racing calendar. For motorsport fans and competitors alike, it was a weekend of speed, strategy, and unforgettable moments – a fitting finale to the 2024 racing season.
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