Not just since its inclusion in Assetto Corsa Competizione does the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit enjoy renewed popularity among sim racers. Formula One fans are hoping for a return of the championship to South Africa as they praise the modern circuit's layout, which is far different from what it used to be: The original version of Kyalami was much simpler – and should be rated much higher among vintage circuits.
Vintage circuits are popular among sim racers, as the recently released and very impressive 1971 version of the Nürburgring for Automobilista 2 shows. It is these classics that most tend to think about when it comes to classic tracks. Nürburgring, Monza, Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps – but Kyalami rarely gets mentioned.
Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
In its early days, Kyalami hosted Formula One cars without wings, but considerable power, especially after the introduction of 3-liter-engines for 1966. Four-wheel-drifting these cars was the key to quick lap times, and the sweeping corners of the track located on the outskirts of Johannesburg lent themselves perfectly to this, with the tricky downhill Esses presenting a different kind of challenge due to their open layout.
On the other end of classic Kyalami's life cycle, cars that were the complete opposite raced there: Not only did the track host the mid-80s turbo monsters of F1, the no less mind blowing Group C vehicles of the time were also among the competitors there. Despite the enormous developments in race cars in the meantime, the old, simple layout worked well for these decidedly more modern vehicles, too. Maximizing speed through the fast turns under heavy aero load and a good exit out of Leeukop, the final turn, to make the most of the long start/finish straight were essential.
Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
Luckily, sim racing allows us to still experience the old circuit in cars that actually raced there between 1961 and 1988. Automobilista 2 comes with a version called Kyalami 1976 that is not even DLC, and mods exist for Assetto Corsa and rFactor 2. If you have never tried the circuit, go ahead and pick your favorite vintage car for a few laps. A word of warning, though: You might get hooked and not want to stop!
Vintage circuits are popular among sim racers, as the recently released and very impressive 1971 version of the Nürburgring for Automobilista 2 shows. It is these classics that most tend to think about when it comes to classic tracks. Nürburgring, Monza, Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps – but Kyalami rarely gets mentioned.
Short and simple, but fun
While the modern version of the circuit has 16 corners and its own, great flow, the original version of the track that was in use until 1988 – the final F1 race on the old layout took place in 1985 – had only half as many. Yet, the circuit that was opened in 1961 is a prime example for a simple layout that works extremely well for different types of cars. Not to mention that it used to be immensely popular with the F1 circus for the party atmosphere surrounding the event.Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
In its early days, Kyalami hosted Formula One cars without wings, but considerable power, especially after the introduction of 3-liter-engines for 1966. Four-wheel-drifting these cars was the key to quick lap times, and the sweeping corners of the track located on the outskirts of Johannesburg lent themselves perfectly to this, with the tricky downhill Esses presenting a different kind of challenge due to their open layout.
On the other end of classic Kyalami's life cycle, cars that were the complete opposite raced there: Not only did the track host the mid-80s turbo monsters of F1, the no less mind blowing Group C vehicles of the time were also among the competitors there. Despite the enormous developments in race cars in the meantime, the old, simple layout worked well for these decidedly more modern vehicles, too. Maximizing speed through the fast turns under heavy aero load and a good exit out of Leeukop, the final turn, to make the most of the long start/finish straight were essential.
Gone, but not forgotten
Unfortunately, the old layout of the circuit is almost entirely gone today, although several of the old corner names are still in use in other places. The only part that is incorporated into the modern circuit starts at the straight just after Barbeque Bend, includes Sunset Bend and Clubhouse, and then goes uphill after The Esses where it would have turned right up until 1988. The rest of the old circuit has been redeveloped into a commercial district with warehouses and stores.Image Credit: racingcircuits.info
Luckily, sim racing allows us to still experience the old circuit in cars that actually raced there between 1961 and 1988. Automobilista 2 comes with a version called Kyalami 1976 that is not even DLC, and mods exist for Assetto Corsa and rFactor 2. If you have never tried the circuit, go ahead and pick your favorite vintage car for a few laps. A word of warning, though: You might get hooked and not want to stop!
