Sport Industry Group

Push for World Six-Hour SA endurance race- 9 Aug 2012 00:00:00

Classis Car Events, a Motorsport SA promoter, is reportedly lobbying for a World Endurance championship event - which could take place at Welkom’s Phakisa Raceway.

According to media reports, and with no indication of a Formula One or World Rally Championship race in the near future, a campaign to host a six-hour endurance race outside of a current National or Regional championship will kick off in September. 

According to CCE, only one local circuit would be able to meet the requirements for an international endurance race: Phakisa Raceway in Welkom in the Free State was built in the late 1990's to host MotoGP events. 

CCE has proposed a six-hour endurance race for Saloon, Sports and GT cars – to be called “The African Six-Hour” – on 23rd February 2013. 

According to the organisers, the race will use a section of the banked oval circuit to the entry of the back straight and will increase the circuit length to 4.4km. 

At least 50 cars are expected to enter the race to which all forms of closed-wheel circuit racing cars will be invited, whether in National, Regional or Club vehicles. 

Trophies will be awarded for overall, class and team victories, with a separate trophy for Index of Performance. CCE said negotiations for sponsorship are under way.