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Preparations for the hosting of South Africa's first Motocross Grand Prix (24-26 September) in 18 years are reaching top gear and Sun City have built a world class track
The track has been designed by New Zealander, Greg Atkins, from Tokoroa, who oversees the creation of each track for Youthstream, the promoters of the 16-round world motocross championships. Hundreds of tonnes of special soil mixtures have been brought in for the construction of this permanent facility. Hydroseeded natural veld grass and trees are being planted to give the area a more natural look as well as reducing the chance of dust ruining the spectator view. Man made lakes have also been constructed in the centre of the track, and are being stocked with fish and water lilies to create an aesthetically pleasing circuit.
The FIM track designer, Greg Atkins, has put in a huge amount of work to design a circuit that is both good looking and provides spectacular racing. "We have tried to go for something completely different with the Sun City track. The FIM MXGP's are about differing styles of circuits in different countries. Some tracks will favor some riders and others will not. The track at Sun City will be fast as well as technical, offering different racing lines through certain sections. It is something new we are trying here and we are confident that it will be well received by the competitors." said Atkins.
"The track is superb. As well as being fast, it is very wide so lots of racing lines can be created. It is a little different to the tracks the guys are used to, but will provide an interesting day's racing." said Ryan Hunt, former SA National Motocross Champion, after completing a testing session. "The guys have really created something special here", added Hunt.
Bret Hoppe, General Manager of events and incentives for Sun City, the man in charge of the logistics for the event has been hard at work putting the finishing touches to the circuit. "We are close to completion of the track. The grass and trees have been planted, and the stands are nearing completion. Our watering system is in place and we can give the track a thorough watering in half an hour. The electricity cables are laid, the pit and paddock areas are complete and the medical area is finished. We have had a few test rides on the track and are busy putting the finishing touches to it at the moment. Greg Atkins will be here in two weeks to help with the final sculpting the track." commented Hoppe.
Ticket sales are going well with over 5500 tickets already sold, according to Computicket.
