The roar returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from 28–30 August 2026 as the 9th edition of the Festival of Motoring (FoM), powered by WesBank, prepares to set the definitive benchmark for the South African automotive experience. This year’s event anchors itself in a powerful new theme: “Driven by Purpose, Defined by Legacy.”
In a world of digital noise, the 2026 Festival provides the essential physical heartbeat for the industry, a place where automotive heritage meets future innovation, and where the machine serves as the ultimate bridge between driver and community.
“As a naming rights partner returning to Festival of Motoring, WesBank is meeting the customers where buying decisions are actually made, inside the car and on the track. Their return reflects the value of that moment where real people are connecting with real cars. Together we will raise the bar to offer more immersion and purpose-driven experiences.,” states Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the organisers of the event.
“This year holds strong potential for the South African automotive market. Consumer confidence is steadily rebuilding, and the recovery is gaining real momentum. The Festival of Motoring clearly demonstrates that people are eager to reconnect with the industry, and I can’t think of a better platform to make that happen,” says Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank.
While the global automotive industry evolves, the Festival of Motoring remains the definitive physical touchpoint for enthusiasts. The 9th edition is built on a foundation of scale and seriousness, offering a remarkable experiential journey that moves the needle for exhibitors and consumers alike.
The Ultimate Experiential Playground:
A Global Showcase of Excellence The 9th edition is built on a foundation of scale and variety, offering a remarkable experiential journey that reflects the evolving global automotive landscape. The event will deliver an unprecedented volume of interactive platforms:
- 10,000+ Complimentary Track Drives on the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit: A signature FoM hallmark. Visitors will transition from spectators to participants, experiencing the latest models from an expanding roster of over 20 automotive brands.
- 50 Pit Doors & Main Circuit Action: The beating heart of Kyalami is fully operational! Expect a relentless lineup of high-performance demonstrations and visceral track experiences designed to thrill every enthusiast. Anchoring this year’s event is the iconic Volkswagen brand, celebrating a monumental 75 years. Joining VW on the grid are global powerhouses and consumer favourite including Suzuki, GWM, BAIC, GAC, Shelby and even more major brand reveals dropping in the coming weeks.
- The Self-Handling Track: A dedicated zone featuring over 40 vehicles, allowing visitors to personally test agility, braking, and electronic stability in a controlled, professional environment.
- The 4×4 Village: A rugged obstacle course where more than 10 dedicated off-road brands will demonstrate the raw capability and engineering of the latest SUVs and double-cabs.
High-Performance Track Action: Adrenaline Refined The Kyalami tarmac will come alive with a curated selection of racing and demonstration content designed to capture the emotions and create the lifetime memories that define the festival:
- Sunbet ZX10 Masters Cup: An official round of this premier racing series featuring standard Kawasaki ZX10R Superbikes, bringing world-class two-wheel action to the circuit.
- Formula One-Type Demonstrations presented by Investchem: The spine-tingling acoustic profile of classic F1-style machinery will once again echo through the Kyalami valley, offering a rare glimpse into the pinnacle of motorsport history.
- The Vilaca Racing Speed Challenge: A gripping time-attack format where precision meets raw speed in a battle against the clock. The challenge features cars like the Audi RS3, Toyota Supra MK5, and Porsche 911 GT3.
- BMW M Performance Parts Race Series: A showcase of one of the country’s most passionate owner communities in high-stakes competitive action.
- The Simola Hillclimb Experience: Bringing the spirit of Knysna’s legendary ascent to Johannesburg. This premium feature will showcase high-performance machinery from the country’s leading driver training academies, including Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.
The FoM Adventure Zone: Drifting and Karting
For those looking to push the limits of their own adrenaline, the FoM Adventure Zone debuts as a high-octane hub of participation. Visitors can immerse themselves in professionally helmed drifting experiences or take to the track in karting challenges. These premium experiences are designed for the ultimate thrill-seeker and will be available for purchase on-site, providing a customizable layer of excitement to the festival weekend.
The Heartbeat of Car Culture: Customization and Community
Beyond the track, the festival remains the ultimate destination for the automotive lifestyle. This year, the “Show and Shine” culture takes center stage as over five premier car clubs showcase their pristine collections, offering a visual spectacle of dedication and heritage. The retail and lifestyle hub features engaging demonstrations from industry leaders:
- Castrol: World-class lubricant technology and technical expertise to keep engines performing at their peak.
- The Grand Prix Store: The definitive source for official F1 merchandise and global motorsport apparel.
- Autostyle Motorsport: South Africa’s premier authority on styling, lighting, and performance accessories.
Tailored Experiences: Hospitality for an Exclusive Market
To ensure a premium experience for every visitor, FoM 2026 introduces a refined dual-track hospitality model catering to specific market segments:
- Family Hospitality: A tailored environment for families to enjoy the festival in comfort, with world-class amenities and premium viewing decks catering for all ages.
- Premium Suite Hospitality (Strictly No Under 16s): An exclusive, high-octane sanctuary for business networking and adult leisure, offering curated catering and prime views of the start/finish line.
The Closing Promise
“The 9th Festival of Motoring is a promise made to the South African public and the industry at large,” says Judy Maharaj, Show Director of the Festival of Motoring. “We have meticulously designed every track drive, every display, and every performance to ensure that when a visitor walks through the gates of Kyalami, they aren’t just attending an event, they are entering a space where their passion is validated and their “motoring journey” memories are stored. This is the one platform where the entire community gathers to create the stories that will define the next generation of our motoring legacy.”
Tickets are officially on sale today
Launching today, ticket sales are open and available at:
https://festivalofmotoring.howler.co.za/fom26
Ticket prices are set at R315 per adult and R88 for children aged 4 to 12 years.
Note on Hospitality tickets and corporate bookings: early booking is highly recommended as high-demand track slots and hospitality suites are expected to sell out rapidly.
For show enquiries contact Show Director, Judy Maharaj at judy.maharaj@za.messefrankfurt.com
