Rising from the pits

30-07-2015
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Motor News
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IT HAS been one year since the auction of the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix circuit which was purchased by the CEO of Porsche SA, Toby Venter. In May this year, a major refurbishment of the property began, including both the track and facilities. Since commencement, the scope of revitalisation works around the circuit has dramatically increased. Additional work includes further safety upgrades around the circuit as well as substantial upgrades to the pit building, brand activation and conferencing facilities.

The new circuit layout is already visible and the extent of the work undertaken is evident all around the 73 hectare site. The tar has been stripped from the circuit and construction of the new service roads is well under way. Work is taking place on the new kerbs as surface preparation work on the base layers for the track continues.

Spectator areas are also being developed as demolition of the many bomas on the site is almost complete.

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. After inspection and evaluation the decision was taken to replace all debris fencing and safety barriers as well as tyre and belting safety systems around the entire circuit. The decision was also taken to replace all gravel in the arrestor beds and, after consultation with the FIA, the governing body of world motorsport, tarred run-off areas have been added at Sunset and Ingwe corners.

More than 60km of additional cable has been ordered for the new specification debris fencing that will be erected around the circuit. Owing to the increase in the scope of works the completion date for the track project is expected to be the end of October.

However while the track might be completed at the end of October, it is unlikely the circuit will formally reopen until 2016. Plans for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Kyalami pit building have been finalised and work commences next month that is due to be completed in early 2016.

Apart from its function for motorsport and motoring events the building also caters for conferencing, activation and exhibition requirements. The upgrade — estimated at close to R50m — is aimed at increasing the appeal of the conference facility as the preferred activation and exhibition venue in the growing Kyalami area.