Kyalami - History

History

The original, sweeping circuit was in use from 1961 until political sanctions eliminated the Grand Prix after the 1985 race. When the circuit was rebuilt in the early 1990s as part of a commercial development, Leeukop Bend, the Kink, Pit lane and start finish straight, Crowthorne Corner, Barbeque Bend were all eliminated. Jukskei Sweep was heavily modified to create the entrance into the bend before the then newly built Pit lane and start finish straight. The remaining part of the old almost historical fast circuit, modified to a lesser degree were Sunset Bend, Clubhouse Bend and the Esses still incorporated into the current configuration, with the result that the circuit became a narrow, twisty ribbon rather than one of the fastest circuits on the calendar. Formula One abandoned the rebuilt circuit in 1993 after just two races and a bankruptcy on the part of the promoter. Kyalami was changed again with the building of the current Pit lane and start finish straight and later again changes were made, most recently the addition of the chicane which in turn was removed again for the 2009 World Superbike race. Kyalami is currently under new management and 2008 saw 50th Anniversary of the 9 hour revival being held at Kyalami with golden oldies like David Piper and others.