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International GT racer and reigning South African Endurance champion, Kwanda Mokoena celebrated signing for an international season for HRT Mercedes in 2024 with news of a last minute call-up to join Charl Arangies and Arnold Neveling aboard the Stradale Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in his home Nine Hours of Kyalami Hour Saturday 16 December.

“I was looking forward to spending Saturday at the track, but as a spectator not a driver, when the phone rang,” Kwanda pointed out. “It was Stradale asking if I could be their third driver for the Nine Hours of Kyalami this weekend and I had no hesitation but to accept! I can’t wait to race the Mercedes in anger and to return to the championship I won last year.”

Kwanda’s opportunity comes hot on the heels of Kyalami Kid signing to race for Nürburgring based HRT Mercedes in international GT racing in 2024. “I enjoyed valuable seat time at the official AMG Test Week in Valencia last month and was happy to impress the team with how quickly I adapted to the car with good pace and consistent lap times over the three days.

“My Nine Hours of Kyalami stint will also bring lots of valuable seat time in the Mercedes and I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to Charl and Arnold’s race weekend. From there, I move on to winter season preparation with HRT Mercedes and then I’m really looking forward to next year's GT3 season with my new team.”