In 2019, Kyalami made a welcome return to the international motorsport calendar as the iconic 9 Hour endurance race returned as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge series. The 9 Hour was again held in 2020 notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by the global covid pandemic. The race returns in 2022 (rescheduled from December 2021) as the final round of the 2021 Intercontinental GT Challenge – Powered by Pirelli, having visited Europe (Spa 24 Hour) and the USA (Indianapolis 8 Hour).
The event will be held from the 3rd to the 5th of February 2022 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and local radio and television presenter Kriya Gangiah is set to host inserts on the Intercontinental GT Challenge social media pages alongside other industry experts Tasmin Pepper, Ernest Page, Daniel Haynes and Nicole Naude. Kriya will also form part of the live broadcast on SuperSport.
Kriya and the other presenters will give fans an inside look at the major racing event as they show fans what goes on behind the scenes. They will be talking to pit crew, chefs and other industry experts and will even give fans an inside look at what goes down inside the VIP lounges.
On the iconic event returning to South Africa, Kriya says “The Kyalami 9 Hour is one of the most prestigious races in the Intercontinental GT Challenge and the fact that it has come back to South Africa means that it forms part of the series with Europe (in Spa) and the United States (in Indianapolis). Having it in South Africa really shows the progress that South Africa is making as a destination for motorsport.”
She adds that she is thrilled to be a part of such an iconic event. “Being a part of the Kyalami 9 Hour as social media and live broadcast host is such an honour and it’s so great to see not only the international teams, but the South African teams as well, giving their all on the course. I am really proud of how our local team is developing and I can’t wait to give you an inside look at all the action on the IntercontinentalGTChallenge social media pages and on SuperSport.”
The 9 Hour race has a long history at Kyalami with the first race being hosted at the circuit’s inaugural meeting held on the 4th of November 1961. The 9 Hour race was hosted at Kyalami until the mid-1980’s with many races won by Ferrari and Porsche amongst other great racing marques. Drivers contested the 9 Hour from all around the world with race winners including David Piper, Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx. The return of the race to Kyalami in 2019 has ensured that the mystic and heritage, that made the 9 Hour and international success, continues for a new generation to experience and enjoy.
