Porsche gets Kyalami

Once a famous host to the South African Grand Prix in past times, the Johannesburg-based Kyalami Circuit was at risk of demolition, but it suffered a complete overturn on its situation this week, with a new owner.

The famous circuit was put into auction and, after two minutes, sold by about $19.5 million to Porsche South Africa CEO Toby Venter.

The initial plans of what uses will have the recently acquired facility are under discussion, but limited to testing and track days. Eventually the track may become destination of more and more racing championships, at it was announced that Kyalami will be preserved as a race-purposed track.

OWNER NOTE:

I was talking with a friend about this matter and the first that came to our minds seeing that is: 6 Hours of Africa or maybe 6 Hours of Kyalami, as the first name is used in an event at Phakisa Freeway, another important african motorsports venue.

As Porsche intends to use Kyalami for racing events, it raises the possibility to see an african round in the FIA World Endurance Championship, especially with Porsche having the LMP1-H and LMGTE squads active. We'll have to wait they announce someday what's on their minds for the future.

PHOTO: ProTour