SOUTH Africa’s biggest sporting weekend is here!
Into Africa Racing and the South African Endurance Series proudly present the Nine Hours of Kyalami, marking a historic milestone as the biggest racing event in South Africa.
Established in 2021, the SAES has rapidly grown, with the SA GT National Championship and SA Endurance Inter-Provincial Championship gaining significant traction across the nation.
Hosting the return of the series in Kyalami, the Nine Hours of Kyalami, has been scheduled for 15th to 16th December at Kyalami race track, Midrand.
The season had been nothing short of spectacular, featuring the SA GT National Championship with 12 rounds across the country, complemented by seven rounds of the SA Endurance Inter-Provincial Championship. This is all led by the trailblazing Xolile Letlaka, who made history as the first-ever black promoter and his business partners from SAES Izak Spies & Wayne Riddell, motorsport legends.
Letlaka is known for his work in business but more so as an advocate for transformation and inclusivity in motorsport.
He leads a team of drivers that competes locally and internationally. Letlaka and his team left a mark in motorsports by acquiring a Championship status for the South African GT National Championship in 2022.
“I am a black man from Mthatha and I grew up never imagining that I would participate in a sport like this. Motorsport has previously been an exclusive, elitist sport for white people, now we are here to change that, to change the face of the sport and inspire black kids to pursue this as a career.
We want children from disadvantaged communities to see black faces on the track and believe that they too can achieve success regardless of where they come from. This event is about that, we have put in a lot of money to make it work, not to profit off it but to demonstrate to black and POC communities that our dreams are valid.”
The 2023 South African National Championship consists of ten SA GT Championship races and five SA Endurance rounds, representing a strategic effort to reduce costs and support competitors during the evident economic challenges.
19 competitors have started a race this year, while the SA Endurance National Championship has 68 drivers with an average of 25 cars per event.
This event has officially attracted no less than 190 cars to the start line.
The series will see drivers such as Fikile Holomisa, Stuart White, Xolile Letlaka and the youngest driver in the International GT Open Mikaeel Pitamber.
Top DJs and musicians will perform live, bringing high end entertainment to an exclusive audience at the track.
The SA Endurance National Championship includes multiple performance-related classes, namely the Index of Performance Championship.
This unique aspect rewards consistency throughout the season, providing every competitor an equal chance, regardless of their class or vehicle status.
The series has expanded its reach beyond South Africa’s borders, regularly attracting competitors from Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
It aligns with the series’ philosophy of being truly “Southern African,” incorporating participants from other African nations.
The long-term vision is to extend these thrilling races to other African countries.
It will be broadcast live on Supersport and streamed on the SAES YouTube channel and DSTV app.
Tickets to the race are R150 for the entire weekend while VIP tickets and packages start from R1000.
Tickets are available at: https://saeseries.com
