The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit will buzz with noise again this weekend (15-16 December) as it hosts the South African Endurance Series (SAES): Nine Hours of Kyalami event.
Tyler Robinson, competing in her Universal Racing Polo Cup race car, will be part of a Volkswagen field of over 30 Polos, forming part of several support categories to the SAES spectacle. Robinson, who made her Polo Cup debut at the same circuit earlier this season, has gained much experience and is expected to be a podium contender in her class.
Like most racers, Tyler started in karting, where she quickly made a name for herself before progressing through the ranks. Her passion and skill did not go unnoticed. In 2020, Tyler was selected to represent the African continent as one of 20 girls to participate in the inaugural FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars Programme, which aims to qualify young female candidates to become full-time motorsport students. The initiative is supported by the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission and the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), which aims to develop a long-term pathway to support young female racing drivers. While not progressing to the final stages of the program, Tyler was awarded a seat in the CIK FIA Karting Academy Trophy in 2021, where she competed in Europe.
Responding to her experiences as a young woman in a male-dominated sport, she replied, “It is not an issue for me; it motivates me. If I want to succeed, I know I must beat everyone. We’re on the same circuit with equal equipment, which comes down to skill. If I don’t perform well, I won’t make any excuses for being a woman. Many have been in my shoes, and many more will follow. It’s a privilege to race the boys and promote women in motorsport.”
Tyler will undoubtedly push herself and her competition to show why she is regarded as one of South Africa’s rising motorsport talents. She thanks AF Fans, Motorsport Fanatix, her team, and her family for the support this weekend.
Tyler will be out on the circuit on Friday morning for the first of two practice sessions (07:50 and 09:45) before heading into qualification (11:45) for the opening race later the afternoon (14:50). Race 2 is scheduled for an 08:05 start on Saturday. While the action will be live-streamed on the SAES YouTube channel, SuperSport will broadcast the event live from 14:30 on Friday.
General access tickets will set you back a mere R50 for Friday and R100 for Saturday. Spectators are encouraged to bring their coolers and braai stands to enjoy a day of exciting racing on the Highveld.
Published by: Motorsport Fanatix
Picture Caption: Tyler Robinson
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