A different type of horse power will soon be seen at Germiston’s Gosforth Park Racecourse, which is being converted into one of the largest motorsport stadiums in the world.
The 200 acre motorsport park will accommodate South Africa’s first Sascar oval (one kilometre), a 400 metre sprint car and hot rod oval, a drag strip, a 2,6 km road racing circuit, motocross track, junior motocross track, quad and 4×4 tracks and a skid pan.
Construction of the raceway got underway last week when DIP Civils moved in with their bulldozers to build the racing facilities which are expected to be open to the public in June 2003.
”Having been designed for horse racing, Gosforth Park with all its up-market suites, lounges and facilities will enable spectators to enjoy motorsport stadium-style”, said Peter Lindenberg, the complex’s Managing Director.
With legalisation of gambling in South Africa together with expendable income going on the Lotto and cellular phones, horse racing has been hard hit.
The facility is ideal for motorsport, and the excellent facilities built by Phumelela will be utilised pretty much as is.
As a result, virtually nothing outside the motor racing facilities will be changed.
Lindenberg plans to run 70 motorsport events per year including interactive learning experiences specifically aimed at teaching scholars about road safety, development training, an advanced driver training school, an International racing school (which will qualify successful candidates for an SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) license, team-building events for adrenaline junkies and to take illegal street drags off the streets into a properly managed environment.
Gosforth Park is the epicentre of Gauteng right next to the Rand Airport N3 offramp, and is part of the Wadeville Alrode Blue IQ.
”With our excellent access, and particularly being in the East Rand which is home to petrol heads, we will be taking motorsport to the people,” added Lindenberg.
The last horse race at Gosforth Park was held in March 2002. Aside of stadium racing with the entire circuit visible to some 6 500 spectators that can be accommodated in the grandstands, Gosforth Park will include facilities such as a gymnasium, an outdoor music stage, a bed and breakfast facility, a large flea market for the Ekhuruleni
Behind the circuit is a group of motorsport fanatics, who are all equally as passionate about motor racing as they are patriotic to South Africa. – Sapa