New-look Kyalami will roar in Africa once again
When the hammer fell at the auction of Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on July 24, 2014, motorsport fans, both locally and internationally, heaved a sigh of relief. The reason for their optimism for the future was simply that a man with a passion for motorsport had rescued the historic venue from the brink of imminent demise.
Toby Venter, a well-known and respected motor business entrepreneur, visionary and successful race driver was the man behind the successful final bid.
The final plans include
• A complete resurface of the circuit to international specifications
• The lengthening of the existing main straight with the current turn one reduced in angle allowing the circuit to run into the eastern corner of the property ensuring a straight of close to 900 meters.
• A new turn two, a tight left hander with a tight apex, leading to a series of bends joining back into the current circuit at the existing turn four.
• Changes to the circuit at the current turn 12 (the bowl).
• The upgrade of circuit safety with the objective of once again obtaining a FIA grade-two licence.
Full resurfacing and change in circuit layout
The current circuit has, over time, grown to be respected as a track with interesting changes of elevation and some challenging corners. What was clearly lacking in the current layout was a longer straight ending in a tight corner. It was clear that the tar surface of Kyalami that had been in place since the early ‘90s, needed to be replaced. Expert teams set out to work on plans for the best solutions to this challenge and after a thorough track inspection and valuable advice, the circuit and safety changes were given the blessing of the FIA. The final plans began to take shape.
The return of iconic original circuit corner names
The revised circuit will once again revive these great turn names. After the starting line the circuit drops into a new turn 1, The Kink. Turn two will be named Crowthorne, the two right- and left-handed curves following will be named Jukskei Sweep. The new turn five now named Barbeque. Then Sunset, followed by Clubhouse, the Esses and Leeukop. The Mineshaft follows and turns, a new turn 13 will be called The Crocodiles. Next will be a very fast corner called Cheetah. Turn 15 will be be called Ingwe and then follows the start and finish.
Plans were drawn up to create an underpass which, when finished, will allow access to the centre of the circuit directly from the existing main entry point. As part of the project certain changes will be made to areas off-track. It has been the stated intention of Toby Venter to refurbish existing spectator areas. Further, and more importantly, to allow race fans the opportunity to spectate from previously prohibited as well as new exciting areas on the circuit.
New spectator areas will be created on the outside of Jukskei Sweep and Barbeque as well as the area between Sunset and Clubhouse. The vast scope of the changes will ensure that this project will represent the single-largest upgrade in the circuit’s 54-year history. The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will once again take up its place as the premier motoring and motorsport facility in Africa as well as a leading venue, and new player, in the conferencing and eventing arena. The great visionaries of the original circuit will certainly be proud.
