24H Dubai to be Moved to Kyalami

Photo: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit

Creventic have announced that the Michelin 24H Dubai, which had originally been scheduled to take place at the Dubai Autodrome, has been moved to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in South Africa.

This news comes as a result of continuing conflict in the Middle East which has left Creventic unable to host its Michelin 24H Series Middle East Trophy over the winter months.

The Dutch organization cited inflated shipping costs and uncertainly around transport planning as a core reason for the decision. It had previously confirmed that Kyalami was being assessed as a contingency if the Iran war continued.

The new event will take place at Kyalami on the same weekend as previously announced (Jan. 8-10) and will be the first international 24-hour race to be held in South Africa.

It will mark the first international sports car endurance race of any kind to be held at the famed 2.814 mile circuit since the last running of the Kyalami 9 Hour under SRO Motorsports Group’s organization in 2023, when it was a round of Intercontinental GT Challenge.

Creventic has confirmed that race registrations are already open for the 24H Kyalami, and that participants will benefit from additional track time with three CR Track Days in the week preceding the event.

The other races in Creventic’s Middle East Trophy – both set to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi – have also been postponed to the 2027/2028 campaign.

“Changing our long-established Middle East calendar was an extremely difficult decision. We greatly value our relationships with Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina Circuit and are very grateful for their cooperation and understanding,” said Creventic General Manager Helen Roukens.

“At the same time, we are incredibly excited to bring the Michelin 24H Series to Kyalami for the first time. We always aim to offer our teams new experiences while retaining the quality and familiar character of our events. With its rich history, impressive facilities and iconic circuit, Kyalami has all the ingredients for a special event, and we cannot wait to race in South Africa in January.”

Toby Venter, CEO of the Kyalami circuit, said: ““We are delighted to be the hosts for the Michelin 24H Kyalami race. This event continues the success of Kyalami in hosting premium international racing events. Whilst Kyalami has a rich history of endurance racing, including the legendary Kyalami 9 Hour, this will be the first international 24-hour event hosted in South Africa.”

Finlay Ringer

Finlay Ringer is a freelance motorsport journalist covering the 24H Series for Sportscar365. He is also a journalism student at City St George's, University of London, and has contributed to publications such as The Race and Autocar.