South African Endurance Series Launched

Photo: African 6 Hour

The South African motorsports community has taken a step towards its goal of the return of a world championship sports car event with the launch of a three-race domestic championship for 2015.

Motorsport South Africa, the country’s governing body, has confirmed the formation of the South African Endurance Series, a multi-class championship open to prototype and GT machinery, both locally and from abroad.

The championship, organized by African 6 Hour promoter Roger Pearce, will include rounds at Phakisa Raceway, Cape Town’s Killarney Raceway and the historic Kyalami circuit, which was recently purchased in an auction by Porsche SA.

A wide range of cars will be eligible, including FIA-homologated LMP1, LMP2 and GTE cars, as well as saloon, GT and sports racing prototypes that fall under MSA’s technical regulations.

At least one ACO-spec LMP2 entry is expected from Zoo Racing, which will field its Pilbeam MP100. The Greg Mills-led team aims to be on the grid for next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The car is expected to debut at the 3 Hours of Killarney on Dec. 6, which will serve as the unofficial kick-off event prior to the 2015 SA Endurance Series.

Pearce, of Classic Car Events, is aiming to help revive the South African motorsports scene, with the long-term goal of hosting a round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

2015 Schedule

February 20-21 — Phakisa Raceway, Welkom (6 Hours)
May 22-23 — Killarney Raceway, Cape Town (6 Hours)
Nov. 20-21 – Kyalami, Johannesburg (9 Hours)

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John