I’ve just spent the morning with Andre Loubser, long-time CAR contributor and writer of an eagerly-anticipated upcoming book about the history of the original Kyalami racing circuit, simply titled, Kyalami.
If you’re at all interested in motoring racing history, then I’m sorry, you simply have no choice… the book is a must. I’ve seen the dummy copy and it’s a massively impressive piece of work – it took Andre more than 20 years to do it. Already you’ve got legends such as Stirling Moss and Gordon Murray putting their names down.
The nearly 400-page book contains 1 178 photographs, many of which I have never seen before. What I also really like about the book is that it is not simply a collection of race reports and results, but creates atmosphere by using quotes from the people, organisers and racing drivers involved. There are many humorous behind-the-scenes stories. But that said, as a reference source Kyalami is also the real deal, it carries the results of 5 Rand Grand Prix, 19 South African Grand Prix, 26 endurance races and 3 motorcycle Grand Prix. We’ll have a full story on the book in the August issue of CAR magazine.
In the meantime, it may be worthwhile getting your name on the list, as the book will undoubtedly sell rather quickly given its international importance. Two versions will be offered – the “off-the-shelf” version that sells for R795 and a limited-edition version (only 750 copies) that will be leather-bound, uniquely numbered and also sport the owner’s name printed on the cover. It also comes with a two-sided commemorative coin, and sells for R1 495. Those of you who opt for the limited-edition book will also be entered into a draw with the first prize being a trip to the Italian GP for two (worth R70 000), second prize being R20 000 in cash, and third R10 000 in cash. Both books also come with a DVD with 80 minutes of rarely seen historical footage.
More details can be found here: www.aquariuspublishing.co.za
