The FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy has unveiled details of a new rallycross track at Killarney International Circuit, which will host the season-closing World RX of South Africa.
More than 75 key South African media and 70 guests gathered at the launch of the new South African rallycross venue, which was attended by double World RX Champion Petter Solberg, reigning RX2 Champion Cyril Raymond and deputy executive mayor for the City of Cape Town, Alderman Ian Neilson.
The Cape Town leg of World RX is the only new addition to the rallycross calendar in 2017 and marks the first time that the World Championship has visited the continent of Africa. Dating back to 1947, Killarney International Raceway has the backdrop of Table Mountain and is based just ten miles outside the city of Cape Town.
The new rallycross circuit at Killarney is about a third of the size of the main circuit and is twisty in nature with a jump. The gravel and asphalt track will use sections of the existing circuit between Turn 2 (Engen Corner) and Turn 3 (Rose Foundation Corner). Several low level grandstands around the stock car oval have already been demolished and will be replaced by larger structures. A grass bank for spectators is currently under construction.
“With World RX coming to South Africa, we really have an event of great value and international exposure coming to our city,” explained Alderman Ian Neilson. “To have a five-year deal in place is fantastic news and means we’re really able to build the brand here in Cape Town. For the country as a whole, that has value too. The economic benefit in Cape Town helps the country as a whole. We not only have the drivers, teams and families but I think primarily for us the TV and international media coverage is where the real value lies, which will really help to put Cape Town on the map.”
“It’s very important for us to come to South Africa,” added Paul Bellamy, World RX managing director for IMG. “This is the only FIA World Championship to have a round staged in sub-Saharan African. We felt the country was right for a World Championship – I can’t think of any better place in the world to visit in November than Cape Town. We want the crowd to come down to Killarney and get behind the likes of their home driver Jon Williams who will be competing in November.”
