The exciting project, estimated to cost around R140-million, is set to bring a kart racing circuit, complete with industrial business park, to Benoni. It will be known as the Formula-K Sport and Business Park.
After six-and-a-half years of vague promises and unmitigated disappointment, approval from the Ekurhuleni Metro for the development of an international “Grade A” CIK-FIA approved kart circuit, which will incorporate a sports centre, restaurant, conference facilities and industrial business park, was granted in January, with ground being broken at the site on Monday, June 1.
The project is a joint venture between Formula-K (Pty) Ltd, the official importer and distributor of Formula-K karting equipment and TM Racing Engines for the sub-Sahara region, and the API Property Group, the largest industrial and commercial property brokerage firm in Gauteng.
Formula-K South Africa is responsible for the development of the world-class kart circuit, while API will handle the industrial development.
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
Currently Stefcor Construction is clearing the 21ha site at a rapid rate, while general municipal services are being installed in the area, which has now been established as the new township of Morehill Extension 17.
The site
The site is described as “a fantastic location”, as it is perfectly positioned for the population of Ekurhuleni and across the central belt of Gauteng, due to its excellent position in regard to the N17 and N12 highways, East Rand Mall and O R Tambo International Airport.
With the property situated on 200 000m², the three-story, 5 000m² commercial centre will be built to five-star standards.
The building will be located next to the pit lane, encompassing pits and mechanic areas, various retail shops, a briefing and meeting room and a children’s play area.
The first floor will boast a bar/restaurant with track-side viewing (through glass windows overlooking the track), while the second floor control room area and outside patio will form part of the facility.
The sectional title industrial units (ranging from 112 m² to 2 000+ m²) will form a major part of the development, with the smaller units (112 m² to 150 m²) to be constructed track-side – each with their own terrace overlooking the race circuit.
These units are mainly aimed at the karting community and motorsport enthusiasts, as they will have direct access to the pit lane.
Formula-K Business Park will also construct secured storage units to eliminate the frustration of towing equipment to the track every week.
The kart circuit
The 2km kart circuit will be signed-off by Schreiner Consulting GmbH according to the latest CIK/FIA standards, which will make it the only kart circuit compliant to host a world championship in Southern Africa.
The world-class karting venue, consisting of various track configurations, will provide for a wide range of karting competition, such as the Rotax World Finals, Sodi World Series, national championships, regional events, club events, corporate karting, Arrive and Drive, Kiddies Karting, F1 in School and team-building sessions.
Due to the state-of-the-art lighting system, this karting circuit will be the only existing venue in the country to host international events at night.
The different track layouts will allow for tracks to be run simultaneously, one dedicated to professionals to practise, while others cater for corporate events, kiddies’ karting and school classes at the same time.
It will also offer advanced driving facilities, with a unique sprinkler system providing for rain practise.
“Karting is financially the most accessible form of motorsport that everyone can enjoy, starting from four years old,” said Marius Swanepoel, of Formula-K SA.
“It is one of the most competitive sports there is and gives drivers the opportunity to step up to the next level.
“Our aim is to grow motorsport in South Africa, starting with karting.”
There are only two operating kart circuits in Gauteng, namely Zwartkops and Vereeniging, and Swanepoel believes that the sport will grow tremendously due to the construction of the new circuit.
“Most of the guys involved in karting are from the northern suburbs or on the East Rand, so by building the circuit here we will save them the schlep of travelling so far to race,” he said.
For more information regarding the Formula-K Sport and Business Park, contact Formula-K SA on 011 425 0777 or 083 289 9328, or email to marius@formula-k.co.za.
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