Tickets are on sales for the ninth Festival of Motoring (FoM), powered by WesBank, at Kyalami from August 28 to 30. Organisers say this year’s event will centre on the theme ‘Driven by Purpose, Defined by Legacy’, and aims to bring together elements of automotive history and current industry developments.
Messe Frankfurt South Africa’s managing director, Michael Dehn, says WesBank’s return as naming-rights partner reflects the value of direct engagement between customers and vehicles. “WesBank is meeting customers where buying decisions are actually made, inside the car and on the track,” adding the partnership will focus on more immersive, purpose-driven experiences.
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Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank, described the timing as favourable for the local market. “Consumer confidence is steadily rebuilding, and the recovery is gaining momentum,” he says. “The Festival of Motoring demonstrates people are keen to reconnect with the industry.”
The three-day programme will include a range of on-track and off-track activities. Organisers plan to offer more than 10 000 complimentary track drives on the Kyalami circuit, with visitors able to sample models from an expanding roster of over 20 automotive brands. The main circuit will operate with 50 pit doors and a schedule of performance demonstrations and track sessions.
Manufacturers confirmed to appear include Volkswagen, which will mark 75 years, alongside Suzuki, GWM, BAIC, GAC and Shelby. Additional brand announcements are expected in the weeks leading up to the event. A self-handling track will feature more than 40 vehicles for visitors to test handling, braking and stability systems in a controlled environment, while a 4x4 Village will host an obstacle course for off-road demonstrations from more than 10 dedicated brands.
Racing and demonstration content will form a significant part of the on-track offering. The Sunbet ZX10 Masters Cup will stage an official round for Kawasaki ZX10R superbikes. Formula One–type demonstrations presented by Investchem will bring classic F1-style machinery to the circuit, and the Vilaca Racing Speed Challenge will run a time-attack format featuring cars such as the Audi RS3, Toyota Supra MK5 and Porsche 911 GT3. The BMW M Performance Parts Race Series and a Simola Hillclimb Experience, showcasing driver training academies, are also on the programme.
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The FoM Adventure Zone will introduce drifting and karting experiences for visitors who wish to participate. These activities will be professionally supervised and available for purchase on site.
Off the track, the festival will present a focus on car culture and customisation. More than five car clubs are expected to display collections in the Show and Shine area. The retail and lifestyle section will include demonstrations and stands from industry suppliers such as Castrol, the Grand Prix Store and Autostyle Motorsport.
Hospitality options have been revised to offer two distinct tracks. Family Hospitality will provide facilities and viewing areas suited to visitors of all ages, while Premium Suite Hospitality will be restricted to guests aged 16 and over and aimed at business networking and adult leisure, with curated catering and views of the start/finish line.
Judy Maharaj, Show Director of the Festival of Motoring, says the event has been planned to deliver a cohesive experience across drives, displays and performances. “When a visitor walks through the gates of Kyalami, they are entering a space where their interest in motoring is recognised and where new memories can be made.”
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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