Durban's car fanatics have something to look forward to - two new circuits for safe racing.
Following close on the Top Gear festival where fans had their share of super stunts by super cars, petrolheads won't have to wait too long for their own dedicated venues.
Kas Moodley, president of KwaZulu-Natal Motor Racing, said a race track would be opened in two month's time at iSithebe, Mandeni, North Coast.
“This is an old airfield and we will be using it for racing every fortnight,” said Moodley, adding that it would be a suitable venue for people in the northern areas of Durban.
More details on the launch would be released soon, said Moodley.
And in about two year's time, another major development is expected to be completed in Cato Ridge, subject to an environmental assessment.
A 30m-wide, 1.2km tarred circuit will be laid out on 18ha along Eddie Hagen Drive.
One of the owners of the business, Trishane Pillay, said KwaZulu-Natal needed a circuit and the development was meant to cater not only for car enthusiasts, but the whole family.
Facilities at the site would include a block of private box suites overlooking the start line, grandstand seating for about 2000 people, ablution facilities, a food court, a conference centre, child recreational facilities and an indoor/outdoor sport arena, he said.
“I've lost a few friends in illegal drag racing, and this will be a safe place where people can come, rather than race on the streets,” Pillay said.
Mike Hurwith of Cyclecraft said Durban needed race tracks. “If you look at the number of people who attended Top Gear last weekend, you'll see people want a place to race cars, and, hopefully, these projects would keep the illegal drag racers off the streets.” - Independent on Saturday.