Johannesburg - Car fanatics rejoice; the Festival of Motoring, in association with WesBank, returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, Johannesburg this weekend, from 31 August to 2 September.
Last year 57 000 people descended on the circuit and, according to the event’s organiser, this year is going to be bigger and better than ever before.
Unlike traditional car shows, where vehicles remain static on fancy display stands, the Festival of Motoring enables car companies to put their vehicles on track, taking people for hot laps around Kyalami in some of the hottest cars in South Africa.
Added to the motoring entertainment on offer this year, you can partake in lifestyle, automotive education and family-friendly activities, all geared toward creating a more comprehensive family motoring experience.
You can expect new car launches, latest model displays, supercars on track and an engaging 4 x 4 area. Also, with the focus on interactive experiences, self-drive activities will now be available on each of the show days at the centrally located Kyalami Handling Track. Various new models can be driven on the 1.1 km test track.
The Sasol GTC (seen here) and Investchem Formula Ford races won't be demo runs - they'll count towards their respective national championships. Picture: supplied
National championship motorsport will feature at the Festival of Motoring for the first time since its inception, with the Sasol GTC Championship and Investchem Formula 1600 Series racing in official championship rounds.
An interactive pit area, with full public access, will bring cars and drivers closer to race fans too. Modern GT race cars and a selection of historic race cars will be located in a new pit lane behind the main pit building. Historic motorsport content will include a tribute to cars of endurance racing, all with iconic liveries.
The Pablo Clark Ferrari Challenge will have a dedicated pit and provide action on track with a selection of racing Ferraris and motorsport legends will once again be honoured at the Festival of Motoring, with Sarel van der Merwe as the Grand Marshall of the event.
The multiple former SA champ[ion said: “I'm proud to be associated with this prestigious event held at such an iconic venue."
Fifty modern road going supercars can be seen both in a dedicated pit area and on track during the three show days, and a display of iconic supercars, located on the pit building viewing deck, will celebrate the evolution of the supercar.
Classics such as this 1960s Ferrari can be seen at the Festival of Motoring
If you’re not a fan of modern supercars, classic cars will once again be a major drawcard with a focus on a selection of 15 superb examples making up the ‘Best of the Best’ display. Classic car clubs will also feature in a dedicated area.
For those into future-tech, a new focus on automotive technology will showcase the latest trends and innovations in the motor industry. Finally, if you love to shop, two retail areas will exhibit the motoring aftermarket, conversion and other specialist industries.
The Festival of Motoring promises to live up to its reputation as the leading interactive motoring event in the Southern Hemisphere, endorsed by NAAMSA and supported by leading car companies to showcase the best that South Africa’s motoring industry stakeholders have to offer.
A limited number of VIP Experience tickets are available, however you can still buy General Access tickets for the event at the gate or through iTickets. Get there early, and start queueing up so you can feel the rush of blasting around Kyalami in your favourite car.