The Killarney International Raceway is urging the community and motorsport fans to add their voice in support of its future by participating in a public comment process to have its lease renewed.
This comes as the lease for the ground that Killarney International Raceway stands on is due for renewal on 31 December.
The property is leased from the City of Cape Town.
Over the past several years the Western Province Motor Club – which operates this facility – has been negotiating a new lease, which will secure the future of the home of motorsport in the Western Cape until at least 2038.
In a social media post, Killarney International Raceway says it is a legal requirement that this process be opened for public comment by means of an advertisement in the media.
“You will note that in the advertisement, the City makes mention of the fact that Killarney creates thousands of jobs, both directly at the circuit and in the automotive industry, and that renewing our lease will contribute to training and development in motorsport, as well as road safety through our track days, driver training, and by helping to combat illegal street racing by providing a safe and controlled environment for our Street2Strip and Robot Racing events,” the post reads.
The City says in its advertisement that “a long-term lease will ensure the continued lease of the property as a motor vehicle race track, which will be a benefit to the City of Cape Town and its citizens”.
Killarney International Raceway, which is located in Potsdam Road in Table View, is like a second home to all motor race junkies, says Lourens Hemmies.
“Not renewing its lease would simply not make sense. The property is basically their home,” Hemmies says.
Arrie Swanepoel shares via social media: “I would like to hereby ask that Killarney raceway stays the way it is and the lease is renewed. In fact … I believe the track and facilities should be upgraded to international standard.
“Killarney raceway is a landmark in international racing and should be protected. And the Western Cape government and City municipality are leaders in many other aspects in this country and should be in motor sport as well.”
Killarney International Raceway urged motorsport fans to send an email, detailing all the reasons why they think Killarney is important to the City’s motorsport enthusiasts, “and to Capetonians in general through its contributions to tourism, employment, road safety, entertainment and as a venue for huge charity events.”
- Send an email to Susarah.DuPlessis@capetown.gov.za to voice your support.
Submissions close on 23 May.
