Killarney six-hour endurance race a test of physical and mental stamina

Cape Town petrolhead David Franco, 28, from Sea Point, will fly the flag for the Mother City at the Southern African Endurance Series (SAES) at Killarney, at the weekend. Billed as the "Six Hours of Killarney" race, organisers say the event is a celebration of South African motorsport culture, promising high-octane wheel-to-wheel action and strategic team dynamics.

Introduced to motorsport at a young age and spending hours on the sidelines watching his father, Roberto, race, it’s hardly surprising that it wasn’t long before he knew that’s exactly what he wanted to do. Like most professional drivers, he started out karting and taking part in local club events.

“It took me rolling and landing on my head for my mom to decide she’d seen enough and pull me out of the sport. However, In 2020, I was trackside as a supporter and the racing bug bit again. Within four weeks I was back on track. I started in a local regional series and from there, I moved into more competitive formats and started to take it seriously as more than just a hobby. I now race in the South African Endurance Series as well as South African Touring Cars, Supa Cup," he said. 

Staying focused for six hours behind the steering wheel is a tough ask, Franco knows he will need every inch of mental and physical stamina when he slips into the driver's seat. “You have to be mentally sharp every second you’re in the car,” he said, adding that one lapse in concentration can cost you.

"Staying calm under pressure is something racing constantly reinforces,” he said.

Used to racing under different and often tricky conditions, Franco will be back in familiar territory when he takes control of the steering rack.

“Killarney is my home circuit where I’ve done hundreds of laps over the years. However, it’s not the most technical circuit, with only five corners and two long straights,” he said. 

"Getting a class win in 2022 with my father and winning their respective championships that year, remains a highlight in his career thus far, he said.

“With an hour to go we were sitting P3 in class. The rain came and changed the fate of the race, we were on a semi slick tyre, allowing us to continue through the rain and not make an extra pit stop, which helped us leapfrog one of our class competitors, while the other had mechanical issues in the last couple laps,” he said. 

He said Saturday’s endurance race is all about strategy, teamwork, and staying consistent over a long period of time, in this case, six hours. “It’s a test of both the machine and the people behind it. You’re not just racing the clock or your competitors—you’re racing fatigue, changing conditions, mechanical wear, and the mental challenge of staying sharp lap after lap,” he said.

Liyema Letlaka, acting CEO of SAES, said they’re happy to be back in Cape Town.

“We are incredibly proud to bring the Six Hours of Killarney back to Cape Town. It’s been two years since this prestigious race graced the city, and the return signals our deep commitment to growing motorsport across South Africa. Cape Town has always been a vibrant and enthusiastic host city, and we are looking forward to the energy, talent, and community spirit that this event always inspires.”

“In addition to the racing, fans can look forward to a dynamic lifestyle experience featuring food vendors and live DJs — making the Six Hours of Killarney much more than just a race,” she said.