Zwartkops re-opens for spectators ahead of Extreme Festival

A total of 2 000 motorsport starved fans will be allowed inside.

The event’s closest racing should be provided by the Volkswagen Polo Cup contingent – Picture: Reynard Gelderblom.

For South African motorsport enthusiasts, an 18-month drought will come to an end this weekend.

The Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria will host a round of this year’s Extreme Festival circuit racing show – and spectators will be welcome. The announcement was made by Zwartkops CEO Tanya Human this past weekend.

“We, and other circuits throughout the country, have not been allowed to accommodate spectators for the past 18 months. We are delighted that, with the current Covid-19 Adjusted Level One rulings allowing up to 2 000 people at sporting events, it possible for us to open our gates to enthusiasts once more,” Tanya said.

The Zwartkops event will offer races for Global Touring Cars, SupaPolo cars, Volkswagen Polo Cup, F1600 single seaters, Kawasaki ZX10 Challenge motorcycles, V8 Supercars and BMW Car Club series competitors.

That apart, there will be two races for Kia Picanto Cup drivers, visiting here from Mozambique. Spectators will be welcome at both the Friday’s practice sessions and the Saturday’s racing.

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Tickets will cost R130 per adult and R90 per student, with children under the age of 12 years to go in for free. Fans can purchase tickets from the Zwartkops circuit office, or on line by contacting Eunice at info@zwartkops.co.za. There will also be tickets on sale at the Zwartkops gates.

“We will try to keep the Zwartkops motorsport experience as close as possible to the great interaction we enjoyed with spectators before Covid,” Tanya said.

“Therefore visitors will, as has always been the case, be invited to visit the pits on foot at any time. As in the past, the circuit’s Mini Moke spectator trains will run between grandstands and the pit gates throughout the Saturday.

“We have always prided ourselves on the Zwartkops circuit’s reputation for hospitality and the inclusion of spectators with the on-track action. Covid-19 and the subsequent lock-downs have not changed that policy in the slightest,” she added.

Food and drink will be on sale the Saturday, or spectators may take their own.

“We will have to measure spectators’ temperatures at the gate, and we will have to enforce the wearing of face masks. That apart, our event will be business as usual, and we will welcome our spectator friends back with open arms,” Tania concluded.

To find out more, prospective spectators can call the Zwartkops Raceway at 012 384 2299.