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Giordano Lupini heads to the historic Kyalami 9 Hour race meeting to celebrate a special anniversary aboard his Bullion IT Polo GTI over the weekend of 3-4 December. Lupini will mark 95 years of his family in motor racing when he takes to the grid in the weekend’s Polo Cup championship finale on Friday and Saturday.

Great grandfather Gigi not only started his car racing career in 1926, before going on to win his class in the ’27 Mille Miglia in a Buick. He was also instrumental in establishing the first 9 Hour race at the old Grand Central track. Gigi moved to South Africa in the 1930s, where he set up a construction business and before becoming entrenched in the local racing scene. He entered his ex-Mille Miglia and Monaco GP winning Ferrari and a swarm of Alfa Romeos in that first 9 Hour.

Giordano’s grandfather Mario shared one of those Alfas, a lightweight Sprint Veloce in that race with Horse Boyden, with brothers Gino and Italo also racing. A successful tin-top racer, Mario later rubbed panels with Arnold Chatz, Basil van Rooyen and other SA legends. He competed in several 9 Hours, including after the race moved to Kyalami, 60 years ago, in 1961. Today his grandad Mario is one of Giordano’s greatest fans.

Gio’s dad Michele, and uncles Paolo and Rico, also made their presence felt on track. Michele enjoyed a successful career, winning race and rally titles primarily in Group N in the ‘80s, 1990s and early 2000s. Although it was a different race, Michele, Paolo and Rico also raced several Killarney Group N 9 Hours together over the years. Giordano started his own title winning career in karts before moving up to the main circuit where his combative style has earned him a solid reputation.

“This is a big weekend for us,” Giordano admitted. “I truly am proud to have a racing heritage that stretches back four generations and now 95 years. “So, to celebrate that at the Kyalami 9 Hour, which has such a strong family connotation too, is a special privilege! “I have raced at Kyalami twice before — once when I took my maiden main circuit win at the newest track’s opening meeting. And again a few years back in Polo Cup. “We had some good pace there, but no luck. 

“I really enjoy Kyalami — it's a proper classic grand prix circuit. “Depending how you cut it, there are 15 corners including the classic Sunset, Clubhouse and the Esses, where both my dad and grandfather also raced through over the years. “So it’s as challenging as it is rewarding! “This will be our second race back with the Bullion IT Polo Cup and our objective is simply to take a significant step forward. “We really can’t wait — bring it on!”

Kyalami's SA National Volkswagen Polo Cup finals will commence with qualifying Friday morning before the first heat on Friday afternoon. The second race runs Saturday morning as part of an entertaining program leading up to the the main event. The Intercontinental GT Challenge finale Jo’burg 9 Hour starts midday. A limited number of pre-booked spectators will be allowed access to Kyalami. All races will be broadcast live on DSTV Supersport channel 215.