The City of Cape Town’s (CoCT) Mayoral Committee has recommended the approval of a new lease for Killarney International Raceway operated by Western Province Motor Club (WPMC).

“While this recommendation to approve the lease must still be tabled at full Council for a final decision on August 18, the proposed transaction aims to secure the future of motorsport in Cape Town and celebrates the heritage of 75 years of motor racing success on the site,” said CoCT Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos.

Killarney is the most-used multi-purpose event venue in Cape Town, with a total of 200 events per year (pre-COVID). It hosts a range of motor and motorcycling events for all people in the Western Cape, but also non-motorised sporting events like cycling, duathlons and marathons.

The sport contributes R357 million (€21 million)  to Cape Town’s economy while supporting an extensive industry and thousands of jobs in race manufacturing, trading, servicing, repairs, parts and accessories.

It also draws international and South African competitors, manufacturers, fans, and sponsors who come for extended stays and investments.

“I believe that this new lease gives WPMC the ability to do long-range planning and actively recruit key international motorsport events for the benefit of racing fans, the industry, Cape Town’s economy and the tourist destination. Motorsport at Killarney is a key component in making Cape Town Africa’s event capital,” said Vos.