Local motorsport enthusiasts are all well aware that the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit changed hands late last year. The new owner, Toby Venter had outlined extensive changes that would take place at the historic track. We outlined the bulk of the changes a few weeks ago in this article.
Lots to see
A recent update from the new owner confirmed the progress of the upgrade as well as further developments. Just more than 2 months have passed since the commencement of the revisions, and the project is running on schedule. The extent of the renovation is evident all over the property. Most significantly, the tar has been stripped from the circuit and construction of the new service roads is well under way.
In keeping with his initial plans, Venter has kept to his aim of returning Kyalami to the spectator-friendly arena that it used to be. To this end, several of the corporate bomas have been razed to the ground.
More work needed
It has been some time since Kyalami has undergone any major revision and the during the initial construction phase it became evident that the remaining part of the circuit required more attention with respect to driver and spectator safety. The decision was taken to replace all debris- fencing, safety barriers as well as tyre and belting safety systems around the entire circuit.
To ensure added safety for drivers, especially in the high-speed sections of the track the decision was also taken to replace all gravel in the run-off areas and, after consultation with the FIA, tarred run-off areas have been added at Sunset and Ingwe corners.
Later than expected
Owing to the increase in the scope of the project the completion date for the track project is expected to be towards the end of October this year. As a result, the African Endurance Series has confirmed that the African 9-hour race originally planned for Kyalami in November will now happen at Killarney in Cape Town on 12 December 2015.