30 November – Rd 6 SA Endurance National Championship
The Nine-Hours of Kyalami, proudly driven by RACE!, delivered an unforgettable finale to the 2023 SA Endurance National Championship. Amid dramatic twists, nail-biting battles, and heroic comebacks, the 34-car grid captivated motorsport enthusiasts from start to finish.
Championship Glory for Letlaka, White, and Pitamber
Xolile Letlaka, Stuart White, and Mikaeel Pitamber emerged as the night’s heroes, clinching the overall victory and securing the SA Endurance National Championship in their Into Africa Lamborghini. This remarkable triumph capped a season of perseverance and skill, with Pitamber stepping in as a third driver for the high-stakes, double-points finale.
The drama unfolded when defending champion Charl Arangies led early in his Bobcat Audi R8 LMS GT3 before mechanical issues ended his race. This paved the way for a three-way battle between the Nova, the Audi, and the Into Africa Lamborghini. Despite a late charge by the Nova, a 20-second penalty for driver error handed the win to Letlaka and White, cementing their legacy in the championship.
Pesty Racing’s Historic Double
In another standout performance, the father-and-son duo of Harm and Barend Pretorius, racing under Team Pesty, claimed the inaugural V8 Roadster and Index of Performance National Championships. Their Backdraft Roadster overcame gearbox issues to finish sixth overall, securing the coveted titles in a season-defining effort.
Podium Finishes and Class Victories
Behind the leading contenders, Hein and Henk Lategan’s BBR Porsche 911 Cup team delivered a gritty performance, overcoming a misfire to claim third overall and the championship runner-up spot. Class victories were just as hard-fought, with Samlin Racing’s Trinity Lamborghini taking Class B honors and MKT Tactical’s Volkswagen Polo SupaCup dominating Class C.
The fleet of Backdraft Roadsters added a thrilling layer to the spectacle, with Robert Maudant, Mark Futcher, and Denver Branders emerging victorious in the Nine-Hours Index of Performance category.
Hard Luck and Heroic Recoveries
Endurance racing’s unpredictable nature was on full display as teams grappled with technical setbacks and on-track incidents. The Adjust for Sleep Nova team, victors in Friday’s Three-Hours race, were penalized out of a potential Nine-Hours win. Meanwhile, Team Qhubani overcame a bruising race that saw their Backdraft Roadster suffer a collision and lengthy repairs to secure a top-ten finish.
Other notable recoveries included Trevor Graham and Dan Hirsch, whose factory-run Backdraft rebounded from a fuel pump failure to finish ninth overall, and the Kalex VW Polo SupaCup, which battled multiple mechanical gremlins to secure second in Class C.
1-Hour Dash: A Championship for Verrier
The SA Endurance Interprovincial 1-Hour Dash Championship concluded with Mike Verrier taking the title in his Shelby CanAm. Craig Jarvis dominated both 1-Hour Dash races in his Ginetta G57, underscoring his prowess in the high-speed sprints.
A Celebration of Endurance Racing
The Nine-Hours of Kyalami and its accompanying Three-Hours event showcased the resilience, strategy, and passion that define endurance racing. Supported by RACE!, Jacaranda 94.2, MTV, and the Southern African Endurance Series’ sponsors, the event highlighted the rich motorsport culture of South Africa.
As the season draws to a close, the unforgettable moments from Kyalami will undoubtedly inspire teams and fans alike as they look ahead to the 2024 season.
