The race, which will be hosted at the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Midrand, will also be the second round of the SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge, which is powered by Pirelli.

In support of the race, which is South Africa’s only international motorsport event, the organisers have created a five-day supporting festival.

The IGTC Series is a GT3 and GT4 Sportscar-based series that has been run at Kyalami since 2019. The series visits the five continents, and the Kyalami round, in February, will be the second round of the five-race 2023 season. The 9 Hour will be contested by both overseas and local GT3 and GT4 racing teams. It is expected that over 20 entries, including top international and local drivers, will fight for overall and class victories in the endurance race. All the top national motorsport categories will also participate in various support races during three days of track action.

The event, which will offer more family-orientated, motoring enthusiast and industry-related activities, is scheduled to be held from 21 to 25 February 2023, featuring various activations, exciting entertainment and networking opportunities for corporates, manufacturers and the general public, all culminating in the international Kyalami 9 Hour race.

Additional K9H Motor Fest activities include the inaugural Golf Day that will feature some of the world’s best racing drivers participating as part of the four-ball teams and a Gala Dinner with a charity-based motorsport memorabilia-themed auction.

There will also be a week-long Trade and Exhibition show, which will be open to the public and which will feature the ultimate test-drive opportunity for potential customers. Manufacturers and importers will further be able to offer their business associates, partners and members of the public a glimpse of what the racing drivers will face with three days of hot laps around the iconic 4.5 km Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from the Wednesday to Friday.

Other attractions include a beer and wine festival, 150 + cars in the support category races and the Kyalami 9 Hour qualifying sessions, which culminate with the Top Ten Pole Shootout.

The Kyalami 9 Hour will get underway at 1pm on the Saturday.

Adam Brown, Kyalami 9 Hour Event Director, commented: “The 9 Hour has proven itself to be the premier event on the South African motorsport calendar, and a top-rated stop on the international tour. We are delighted to confirm the 2023 event as the second round of the season, and we are especially excited to launch the K9H Motor Fest. The Motor Fest adds dynamic content to the successful formula for all our motorsport fans, partners and industry stakeholders. The 2023 Kyalami 9 Hour now possesses all the ingredients necessary to become a flagship event of the motoring sector in South Africa.”