Dynamic sports host, radio and television presenter Kriya Gangiah will return as the official host of the Kyalami 9 Hour in 2023. The Kyalami 9 Hour, one of the biggest motoring events on the sporting calendar, will return to the circuit from 23 to 25 February 2023 at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
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In 2023, more than 20 local and international entries are expected to take to the grid, promising an exciting variety of machinery for spectators tuning in. Additionally, organizers have created a three -day Motorsport extravaganza. It will also be the first time that the Thursday evening night practice will be open to the public. To boost the spectator value, there will be close to 12 hours of on-track action per day, with over 250 local support racers.
As host, Kriya will be leading the on-air team and bringing fans closer to the racing action. Viewers can expect exclusive interviews with drivers, pit crew, chefs and other industry experts as well as an inside look at what goes down behind the scenes and inside the VIP areas. She will be hosting inserts on the Intercontinental GT Challenge social media pages as well as form part of the live broadcast on SuperSport. In the lead-up to the event, Kriya will host a bi-daily “Insight K9h” video show, revealing all the latest news and developments at the Kyalami Grand Prix venue.
Naturally, Kriya is thrilled to be returning as anchor for the 2023 event. “I am so excited to be part of the team that is bringing this major international event, not only to South African public, but to the world. It brings together some of the best local and international endurance race drivers and it is an honour to be a part of the team. As a major petrolhead, I look forward to giving fans a little more insight into the race and a behind-the-scenes look at this major global event, it really is a dream come true,” Kriya says.
In 2019, Kyalami made a welcome return to the international motorsport calendar as the iconic 9 Hour endurance race returned as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge series. The 9 Hour was again held in 2020 notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by the global covid pandemic. The race returned in 2022 (rescheduled from December 2021).
The 9 Hour race has a long history at Kyalami with the first race being hosted at the circuit’s inaugural meeting held on the 4th of November 1961. The 9 Hour race was hosted at Kyalami until the mid-1980’s with many races won by Ferrari and Porsche amongst other great racing marques. Drivers contested the 9 Hour from all around the world with race winners including David Piper, Derek Bell and Jacky Ickx. The return of the race to Kyalami in 2019 has ensured that the mystic and heritage, that made the 9 Hour and international success, continues for a new generation to experience and enjoy.
Kriya has quickly cemented herself as motorsport’s leading female voice in South Africa. With her extensive knowledge of the sport and dynamic personality, Kriya has become a familiar face in the motor sports community, hosting a number of big motoring events as well as leading the popular F1: Track This podcast alongside other industry experts.
Image Courtesy: Supplied
