Zara Nicholson
Metro Writer
THE city has stopped the idea of Formula One racing in its tracks with a refusal to host races at the Cape Town Stadium.
In two years, the city has received 11 proposals for major racing and Formula One events, and Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has his sights set on Cape Town to host a race next year.
The city is willing to consider two of the 11 proposals, which include the Cape Town Grand Prix, the Monster Ja, G1 Racing Green and the Zone 7 Motor City Project.
Most of the proposals name Sea Point and Cape Town Stadium as their suggested track route, but this has been turned down by councillors.
The executive director for tourism, events and marketing, Anton Groenewald, said: “We are not in favour of it because of the huge cost implications to the city.”
The proposed City Challenge Cape Town would be a street race showcasing new technology, using electric power or gas. The circuit proposed is outside a residential area and would require R2 million in services from the city.
The G1 Racing Green would be a street race with electric cars, and held at the Athlone Stadium or V&A Waterfront.
Groenewald said the city would consider these two events.
“The city can consider this because we have to make sure Athlone Stadium gets its fair share of business,” he said.
“We have to distribute events throughout the city. With all the events at the stadium, we cannot have the same community being continually subjected to noise and traffic.”
Councillor Felicity Purchase said: “Right up front we need to say the stadium is not available for racing. We cannot subject residents in the area to the noise of racing.”
zara.nicholson@inl.co.za
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