Formula K finally open in Benoni
An open day was hosted by the API Property Group at the premises, on the corner of Snake Road and Golden Drive, where media and API VIPs were treated to the first viewing of the completed track.
A 10-year-long vision came to fruition with the opening of the Formula K Business Park to the public on November 18.
An open day was hosted by the API Property Group at the premises, on the corner of Snake Road and Golden Drive, where media and API VIPs were treated to the first viewing of the completed track.
Presented by Auto Trader CEO George Minnie and API director and principal Stephanus Weyers, attendees had the opportunity of viewing the renders and 3D model of the park, interspersed with live action on the track.
The Formula K project is a treat for anyone who wants to experience high-end short circuit racing.
The circuit has been designed and constructed to the exact specifications required by the CIK/FIA governing body to enable classification as a “Grade A” short circuit.
This makes it the only circuit in South Africa currently eligible to host a karting world championship event.
The Formula K Business Park is alongside a world-class short circuit race track set to be an ideal location for numerous competitions and events on an international level, yet suitable for the whole family.
The circuit is the culmination of a vision, in 2008, of brothers Phillip and Marius Swanepoel (Formula K SA), who’ve been involved in the karting world since 1990.
There is much to look forward to from the circuit as they sell, service, tune, race and have a driving academy. “It’s not just rental karts. It’s everything,” said the Swanepoels.
They secured land in 2009, only to face an eight-year-long battle to establish the property as a fully serviced township and construction could only begin after local and national authorities’ requirements were met.
“We can say without prejudice that this is the best track in South Africa and is certainly one of the best ‘Arrive and Drive’ tracks in the world.” said the Swanepoels.
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“Circuits of this calibre are typically reserved for hardcore racers with their own machines and the owners of karts and bikes who are serious about competing … but the Formula K track will be furnished with a fleet of rental karts later this month so that anyone in search of having a blast on the track will be able to take a spin.
“The track also offers a full-service centre.”
Weather permitting, the circuit will be open every day of the year.
In its standard karting configuration, the Formula K Circuit is 1.51 kilometres in length, but can quickly be modified, add in the two back straights, the chicanes (essentially, a tight series of fast, alternate- direction turns) and it grows to 2.1 kilometres, subtract sections, and it shrinks to less than a kilometre in length – ideal for the baby karts as well as rental karting.
Drivers can experience many aspects of the track, such as fast sections, technical sections, a great variety of corner types, elevation changes and several turns which are noticeably banked.
The track will also feature a number of new additions in the near future, including a skidpan for advanced driver training, a K53 training ground, facilities for super-car enthusiasts, mountain bike, BMX and 4×4 tracks and an obstacle course.
The greater development is the business and lifestyle park, a commercial property development which overlooks the track and features a pit building with a clubhouse containing conference facilities, a restaurant, gym, restrooms and retail stores.
Although the circuit is now open to the public, those wishing to participate in racing should contact the track directly to ascertain availability of karts as well as the formalised timetable.
Email marius@formula-k.co.za or call him on 083 289 9328.
