IndyCar to South Africa (Update 2)
12/31/13 After speaking with some high-level motorsports figures in South Africa, we have some new information regarding the possibility of IndyCar racing in South Africa.
For one, an official from MotorSport South Africa (the FIA auxiliary of South Africa) confirmed that IndyCar requested and were granted preliminary approval in May to hold an event at Phakisa Freeway in 2015. This official did not know if progress had been made on the commercial end.
Also, while we mentioned the Phakisa oval, and suggested it might not be up to safety standards, we can confirm that IndyCar was looking to race on the 2.6-mile Phakisa road course. Multiple sources confirmed that Phakisa is likely the only viable permanent circuit currently in South Africa.
Sadly, this means the celebrated Kyalami is not a possibility. Apparently, the track is not doing well financially, and would need a sugar daddy to bring the upgrades necessary for a major international event.
Potential street races at Cape Town and Durban were not ruled out, our sources seemed less than hopeful. Cape Town, the largest city in the Western Cape is ruled by the opposition Democratic Alliance party. While I do not profess to be an expert in South African politics, apparently the African National Congress will not okay the funding Cape Town would need with the opposition party in place. This leads us back to Phakisa.
Its location is not optimal as the track is located nowhere near any of the major urban centers. Phakisa does host the African Six Hour in February. Given that Miles has indicated February would be the likely time for international races, one has to wonder if IndyCar will be part of the African Six Hour at Phakisa.
We'll pass along more info as we receive it.
Brian C. reporting for AR1.
12/30/13 Hulman & Co., CEO Mark Miles has indicated that IndyCar could have as many as three overseas races in February of 2015. One of the markets Miles has mentioned as a possibility is South Africa.
Now, before moving ahead let's establish a few things. One, we at AR1 believe IndyCar should pursue overseas events. However, with the information at our disposal we question whether the series is approaching international events with a coherent strategy.
With regards to South Africa specifically, our research has led us to assume none of the nation's permanent facilities are suitable for IndyCars. Kyalami, which has hosted 21 South African Grand Prixs, and is located near Johannesburg might seem a logical option.
However, recent housing developments have limited the parking around Kyalami. Also, the circuit has not hosted major single-seater racing in nearly two decades, and is now used primarily for racing schools, and lower formulae. Thus, we are not sure if the track has been upgraded or maintained to the level where it would be suitable for Indy Cars. And even if it were, does the limited seating and parking make the business proposition suitable for the promoter?
Also, the original Grand Prix circuit was shortened in the early 1990s, and replaced by a sanitized, neutered version of the classic F1 layout.
Interestingly, there is a 1.5-mile banked oval, the Phikasa Freeway in Welkom, which has a capacity of 60,000. However, we saw no indication the circuit is outfitted with the SAFER Barrier or debris fencing we see on modern ovals in the United States.
Killarney outside Cape Town is a favorite of many drivers, but incredibly short and narrow. Plus, the circuit has seen few upgrades since the 1970s, and is said to still be outfitted with guardrails in some high speed turns.
The Zwarktops circuit outside Pretoria is better in terms of width and runoff, but has a pit lane measuring a mere 420 ft., minimal capacity, and a small paddock area.
In short, our research tells us that if IndyCar is going to South Africa, it will be on a street circuit somewhere. And the most likely option we're guessing will be the street circuit in the coastal town of Durban. Durban played host to A1 GP in 2008. While a stadium was built near the track for the World Cup, there is still plenty of room to host the race.
Plus, Durban has a built-in infrastructure and coastal backdrop like Long Beach and Monaco that would lend itself to a world-class event. And while we don't know exactly what Miles has up his sleeve, if we had to make a guess at this point, his best option in South Africa has to be Durban.
AutoRacing1 Staff