2009-07-14: It’s all systems go for spectacular motor racing in Soweto
CHRIS Hani Road Soweto will come alive on Sunday 19th of July as the 2009 WesBank Street Race, Soweto gears into action. The City of Johannesburg is proud to be associated with the WesBank Street Race, Soweto. Hosting the first ever street race in a township confirms Johannesburg's status as a world-class African city,committed to the creation of new economic and social opportunities for its entire people.
The event is a partnership between WesBank, the City of Johannesburg, Motorsport South Africa and the people of Soweto. George Nyabadza, General Manager Marketing at WesBank was excited to announce that it is “all systems go” for race day and that spectators are in for a thrilling day of entertainment. “We are adding the final touches to months of preparation and can hardly wait for Sunday to arrive. The circuit, which is bigger and better than last year is being prepared and grandstands are being built as we speak,” said Nyabadza.
The event is free of charge and racing on the “L-shaped” circuit along Chris Hani Road (opposite the UJ Campus) and Nicholas Street will start at 12h00 on Sunday, continuing until 17h00. Spectator parking facilities will be clearly signposted and are located at Baragwanath Mall and the Shell Garage Mall, giving easy access to the grandstands that have been erected to bring the crowd up close and personal with the racing cars.
Safety is of extreme importance at an event of this nature and the WesBank Street Race, Soweto will be no different. It is fully sanctioned and run by Motorsport South Africa and will ensure safe, yet exciting entertainment for both the public and the racing drivers.
With the country’s leading circuit racing drivers and their teams revved up to race, spectators are invited to come and meet them in the pit area at the University of Johannesburg Soweto campus from about 11h00. “We believe that motorsport, like most other sports in the world, is all about exposure. We are bringing motorsport to the people through this race and have no doubt that it will inspire young black South Africans to consider making it their career dream, be that as a driver, mechanic or team manager” continues Nyabadza.
An event of this size unfortunately does not come without disruption and Sowetans need to be aware that road closures are inevitable. Chris Hani Road will be closed from 06h00 to 18h00 on Sunday the 19th between Immink Road and Modjadji. Nicholas Street will also be closed between the Orlando Towers and Chris Hani Road, giving only limited access to taxis and spectators wishing to make use of the public parking facilities. Alternative routes have however been developed to minimise traffic congestion and will be clearly signposted. A pedestrian bridge across Chris Hani Road has also been erected to accommodate the residents of Power Park.
The City believes that the WesBank Street Race, Soweto will be a big success and look forward to community members being afforded the opportunity to learn more about this wonderful sport.
WesBank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. Authorised Financial Services and Credit Providers (NCRCP20).
"Joburg, a City where community development, personal growth and social mobility are enhanced so that challenges of poverty, vulnerability, inequality and social exclusion are fundamentally addressed".
For more information or press interviews, please contact:
Loura Brown
Modingoane
WesBank
Tel: 011 649 5298
Email: loura.brown@wesbank.co.za
Nthatisi
City of Johannesburg
Tel:011 407 73 54
Email: nthatisem@joburg.org.za
