Keeping safety on track at Kyalami
 | Press release_Keeping safety on track at Kyalami_approved | 37 KB | Download |
 Preview | (LEFT) Kyalami general maintenance Co-Ordinator Marius Swart and (RIGHT) Banding & ID Solutions Africa sales manager Bertie Ferr | 273.14 KB | Download |
 Preview | Each new tyre is secured firmly in place by a combination of stainless steel strapping and buckling | 293.73 KB | Download |
 Preview | Stainless steel strapping and buckling solutions were supplied by Banding & ID Solutions Africa | 1.39 MB | Download |
 Preview | The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit | 1.17 MB | Download |
 Preview | The new tyres are stacked 1 m high and four tyres wide | 278.26 KB | Download |
PRESS RELEASE
Keeping safety on track at Kyalami
27 May 2016: The iconic Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg is currently undergoing an overhaul in a bid to increase track safety and attract more international motor racing events to South Africa. A major safety aspect of the project is to secure 46 000 new tyres around the circuit to act as impact barriers in the event of a crash.
Each new tyre is secured firmly in place by a combination of stainless steel strapping and buckling solutions supplied by Banding & ID Solutions Africa. In total, the company has supplied 2 548 items of 30 m strapping rolls, which are being used in conjunction with the 32 300 buckles supplied to secure the band. Each tyre is secured by five straps to ensure that, during impact, when it expands, the buckles will safely hold everything in place.
The new tyres are stacked 1 m high and four tyres wide on certain corners to sufficiently handle the high speed impact from the cars. The new tyres replace approximately 8000 existing tyres, which were held together in bundles by 5 mm thick steel rods, which had rusted over the years and became thread thin.
Kyalami general maintenance Co-Ordinator Marius Swart says that Banding & ID Solutions Africa provided consultation on the best tyre strapping solution to suit the race track. “We were looking for nylon strapping for the tyres, however, the Banding & ID Solutions Africa team advised us to use the locally manufactured stainless steel straps which last longer, are more cost-effective, and can withstand the high-velocity impacts.”
Banding & ID Solutions Africa sales manager Bertie Ferreira adds that the company started supplying the buckles, the Bantam ratchet action tool with built-in cutter, and all strapping in April 2015 “The installation is almost complete where the products are used to secure all the new tyres together.”
The Kyalami race track team underwent a one-day training course to learn how to effectively use all of the products supplied. The team was required to work six days a week to secure all of the tyres. “We carried out the installation by dividing our two teams into eight people each to cut the strapping to a certain length, lay the sheeting, pack the tyres, feed the straps through the tyres, fit the buckle, put the strap through and finally seal the buckles,” states Swart.
Ferreira highlights that Banding & ID Solutions Africa’s strapping and buckles are made of 304 grade stainless steel, guaranteeing a long life span. “Stainless steel boasts far better rust resistance properties, and the sharp edges on the strapping ensures greater robustness. As a result, Banding & ID Solutions Africa will supply strapping and buckle products to the race course in future for maintenance purposes,” he concludes.
About the Kyalami race track upgrade
After being extended by 300 m, the race track is now 4.522 km long. The upgrade project, which commenced in March 2015, is expected to be completed by mid-2016. The overhaul includes the refurbishment of the debris fencing, safety barriers and systems, tyres and belting. The main straight track is also being lengthened, corners are being modified, and improvements are being made to the overall spectator experience, in order to comply with FIA standards. The track’s pit building, conferencing, car parks and exhibition facilities will also receive a facelift.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Banding & ID Solutions Africa link to view the company’s press office.
About Banding & Identification Solutions Africa
Banding & Identification Solutions is the African distributor of USA-based Band-It – a leading manufacturer of a full range of stainless steel band, buckle systems, preformed clamps and cable ties for numerous applications.
Banding & Identification Solutions Africa Contact
Rosa Remendos
Business Manager
Phone: (011) 974 0424
Fax: (011) 974 0425
Email: rosa [dot] remendos [at] banding [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.banding.co.za
Media Contact
Jana Klut
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 074 111 4900
Email: jana [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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