The Southern African Endurance Series (SAES) has solidified its partnership with ATS Motorsport and Dunlop Tyres, extending the current contract by an additional year to span through the 2026 season. This decision highlights the significant value the two brands bring to the championship, both in terms of performance and logistical support.
Wayne Riddell, CEO of SAES, praised the collaboration, noting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from competitors. “Our first year with ATS and Dunlop has proven to be a smash hit with our competitors, who see the benefits of competitively priced, safe, and durable tyres. Their full range of racing tyres suits the diverse vehicles competing in SAES, from the mighty Lamborghinis to the modest Volkswagen Polo Supacup cars and the torque-rich Backdraft Roadsters in the National V8 Roadster Championship.”
Support Beyond the Track
A standout feature of this partnership is ATS Motorsport’s on-site tyre service, ensuring that competitors can replace tyres without carrying excessive inventory. This support significantly reduces costs for teams, who would otherwise need to stockpile wheels and spare tyres. The Dunlop truck, equipped with an impressive inventory, is always prepared for unexpected weather changes with a full range of rain tyres.
ATS Motorsport, the exclusive South African distributor of Dunlop racing tyres, supplies 17 racing series with approximately 10,000 tyres across 96 sizes annually. Co-owner Mandy Wecke emphasized the company’s commitment to local motorsport. “Endurance racing is very exciting and provides a perfect showcase for the quality and exceptional durability of our Dunlop products,” she said.
Joanne De Freitas, Dunlop’s Marketing Manager, highlighted the synergy between motorsport and consumer confidence. “Our message is simple: if our tyres can handle the high demands of racing—extreme road-holding, cornering, and braking traction in all weather conditions—they are more than good enough for your family car.”
A Proven Track Record
The durability of Dunlop tyres was spectacularly demonstrated at the 2022 SAES Nine-Hour race at Killarney Raceway. Nine Backdraft Roadsters completed 2,441 racing laps without a single tyre change. Brian Martin, Managing Director of Backdraft Cars, humorously shared, “The bad news is we won’t be buying more Dunlop tyres any time soon; the good news is that we didn’t change a single tyre, so our stock will last a while.”
The Season Finale at Kyalami
The 2024 SAES season will culminate at the iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit on November 29th and 30th with a double-header finale: a three-hour race on Friday followed by a nine-hour endurance race on Saturday. With double points on offer, the championship’s conclusion promises to be a nail-biter.
But the action isn’t limited to the track. Fans can look forward to a 16-artist music concert, a rental go-kart track, a kids’ play area, and strategically placed big screens to keep spectators informed and entertained throughout the weekend.
Tickets are available at www.saeseries.com, offering motorsport fans the chance to witness thrilling endurance racing and immerse themselves in an electrifying event at one of South Africa’s most prestigious racing circuits.
A Partnership That Drives Success
With ATS Motorsport and Dunlop Tyres extending their partnership with SAES, the future of endurance racing in Southern Africa looks brighter than ever. This collaboration underscores the importance of high-performance products and services that enhance the competitive spirit of motorsport while ensuring safety and reliability for every lap.
