Kyalami track under auction

Kyalami racetrack, host to Formula One Grand Prix races for almost twenty years, is to be sold and may be given to motorsport, according to auction organisers today. 

A minimum price of 200million rand ($19million) has been set for the celebrated circuit upon 72 hectares of land within a rapidly developing region, North of Johannesburg, as claimed by a representative of the High Street Auction Company. 

It is said if a developer is to purchase the track, the nature of the Kyalami property would be expected to vary quite considerably, with the possibility of there no longer being a track. 

However, some potential buyers were looking at the possibility of keeping the track whilst developing its surroundings. 

The 4.26km circuit held Formula One races between 1967 until 1985, when it was then dismissed from the world championship due to a sports boycott opposing the former racist apartheid regime. 

Former world champion, Jody Scheckter won the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami during 1975. 

Formula One was rejuvenated at Kyalami during 1992 and 1993 as light came to the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, however the sponsor’s bankruptcy ended the programme. 

Alain Prost of France was the last winner at Kyalami in 1993. The circuit held its last international competition during May 2010, being the sixth World Superbike Championship race. 

Kyalami is now being sold due to the property owner’s liquidation. 

It will not be sold for less than 200million and there is confidence of it exceeding the reserve price. 

The sale will take place tomorrow at 12:00 (10:00 GMT) in Johannesburg.