The South African Endurance Series Championship (SAES) continues its thrilling journey with the much-anticipated fourth round at Kyalami on August 3rd. Known for its strategic depth and high-octane action, this race promises to be a defining moment in the championship as teams and drivers push their limits on one of South Africa’s most iconic circuits.
Event Significance
The Kyalami round is not just another race; it’s a pivotal event that could significantly influence the championship standings. With only three rounds completed so far, each one having seen dramatic last-lap battles, expectations are high that Kyalami will follow suit, delivering another spectacular showdown.
Key Contenders and Teams
Adjust4Sleep/Rico Barlow Nova NP02
A standout team to watch is Adjust4Sleep/Rico Barlow Nova NP02, driven by Nick Adcock, Michael Jensen, and Charl Visser. This trio made a remarkable impression last December by winning the Nine Hours of Kyalami. Despite a setback at the previous round in Gqeberha, where gearbox failure thwarted their chances, the team is eager to capitalize on their strong past performances. Team principal Rico Barlow remains optimistic about their prospects, thanks to a successful gearbox rebuild.
Into Africa Racing
Another significant competitor is the Into Africa Racing Lamborghini Huracan, driven by Xolile Letlaka and Stuart White. After being demoted to second place due to a penalty in the last round, the team is determined to redeem themselves with a win at Kyalami.
Promigen Audi
Paul Hill and Bradley Liebenberg, who inherited a win in Gqeberha, are also expected to be formidable challengers. Their Promigen Audi will be pushed to its limits as they aim to secure an outright victory.
BBR Racing
BBR Racing, with Henk Lategan, Hein Lategan, and Verissimo Tavares, is another team to keep an eye on. Their consistent performance so far has them in contention for the top spot, making them a strong contender at Kyalami.
Pple Group
Leading the Championship log are the Pple Group with Phillip Meyer, Mark Harvey, and Dean Wolson in the Backdraft Roadster. Their consistency has earned them a commanding position with 100 points, making them a key player in this round.
Class Championships
Backdraft Roadster Championship
In the Backdraft Roadster Championship, Pple Group leads with Harm and Barend Pretorius from Pesty Racing trailing in second. The Tradecore Racing team, with Jean-Paul Briner, CJ Blackman, and Anthony Hoare, is also in close pursuit.
Class B
Lonika Maartens, leading Class B, faces a changing dynamic as she will not be competing in this round. This opens the door for Fabienne Lanz and Antony Pretorius, who are poised to capitalize on the opportunity.
Class C and D
Class C is led by Karah Hill and Jurie Swart in their Kalex VW Polo, while David and Roberto Franco dominate Class D in their VW Supa Polo. The Korridas team from Mozambique, having won at the last outing, is expected to continue their strong form.
Race Dynamics and Challenges
The 4-hour race at Kyalami will present numerous challenges, including the transition from daylight to dusk, which can impact visibility and racing strategies. The event will also feature a race-within-a-race with a 1-hour dash, showcasing vehicles like the Ligier JS49 and Shelby CanAm.
Support Series
In addition to the endurance racing, the event will host the Motorcycle Racing Series SA (MRSSA) and the Silver Cup Series. MRSSA will feature a diverse field, while the Silver Cup will see a broad range of vehicles from Alfa Romeo to Volkswagen. The Formula Super Vee series will add further excitement with its competitive field.
Conclusion
With a rich lineup of contenders and a mix of support races, the Kyalami round of the SA Endurance Series promises to be a memorable event. As teams gear up for the challenge, spectators can look forward to a day of exhilarating racing and strategic drama. The race starts at 14:00, and with the setting sun playing a role, it’s anyone’s guess who will cross the finish line first.
