Porsche has bought Kyalami race circuit for $19.5 million. Porsche pays $19.5 million for South African race track that once hosted F1 champions
Great news and hopefully the track will once again host a F1 race but I would not be disappointed with other series racing there. The important thing is that the track is still alive.
+1 I imagine it will be most likely used as a winter testing location for the factory racing programs. it would take another $20mm+ to upgrade the facility to FIA grade 1 (F1/WEC) specs, if it were possible at all (proper runoff space, etc); so I'd be shocked if it were used as a top level racing venue any time soon. what's the club racing scene in South Africa like?
Could be a new Porsche Driving experience location as well. South Africa in the Northern Hemisphere winter would be an attractive experience and Porsche is also looking to expand African market sales.
good point...Porsche is building those centers in the US as well (Atlanta, close to ATL and their new North American HQ, and in LA near LAX/405&110)
I grew up club racing there, and working the FI races and the 9 Hour Endurance races that saw such great battles between Ferrari and Porsche. The track today is configured differently to its original shape and direction but it is a wonderful venue
Glad to hear that someone bought the track and that it will not to developed for residential . However unfortunately South Africa has its problems and i am glad to have left and immigrated to the us. There was no future for me when i had my motorsports company and black empowerment was trying to take there share of the pie. I managed to get out at the right time and unfortunately motorsports in South Africa has a weak future .
