Desire for race track debated

UPDATE: 3 June, 8am:

With the news of Kyalami Race Track for sale, Midrand Reporter‘s readers spoke out about what they hope will happen to the land.
Most of the readers on Midrand Reporter‘s website and BBM community want the property to remain a race track.

Commenting on the website, Veronika said, ” I have been living near the race track for over 40 years and I hope the new owners brings it back to its former glory as there is nothing like the roar of engines during a race day.”

Thinus agreed, “Please don’t let this happen. Kyalami is a race track that must remain. I agree with Veronika, if you’ve never heard a Rothmans Porsche 962 at full revs, or a Ferrari or a Ducati 1098, I’ll understand.”

Ajay Ramchuran, Lalamani Samuel Ndou, Nishan Sitlu and Simphiwe on Midrand Reporter‘s BBM all hope the property will remain a race track, while two users said they didn’t mind what happened to the property. Wendy hoped it would be built into a park and orphanage.

On Facebook, the community was divided, with many readers believing property development was inevitable. Fiona Black hoped it would be built into an entertainment complex for the community to play sport and pursue hobbies.

UPDATE: 23 May, 11.30am:

Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe welcomes the move to auction Kyalami Race Track.

She wished the bidders good luck and said she hoped the buyer would help to bring economic growth and development to the area.

“With whatever the race track becomes with the new buyers, I hope it will bring services to the area such as taxi facilities, schools, job creation, skills development, a transport link with the Rea Vaya route and growth to the Midrand area,” said Deppe.

She did not think the property would remain a race track.

She confirmed that the race track was put up for auction after it was liquidated.

A Midrand Reporter’s BBM user said, “The race track brings nothing to me so I won’t mind if nothing happens to it.”

Would you like the property to remain a race track or be developed into something else? Tweet @MidrandReporter, post your comments on the Midrand Reporter Facebook page or BBM: 2B943B56 to comment.

May 23, 11am:

This means the property will be sold on auction day, 24 July, no matter the price. It will take place at Summer Place in Illovo.

It is reported that the auction comes after the race track was liquidated two days ago. Director of The High St Auction Co, Joff van Reenen made the announcement at the company’s monthly auction.

It is reported that a number of enquiries have been made about the auction, including from potential international buyers. The value of the property is unknown by Midrand Reporter at this stage.

Kyalami race track has been in existence 53 years this year and is located on a 72ha property on the R55 in Midrand.