Killarney Motor Show, Sunday 15 Oct 2017

The coming Killarney Motor Show has it all.

 The 2017 Killarney Motor Show is certainly going to have it all. Starting with the static exhibits, that will include everything from sleek Supercars and then gradually proceed down the line to the latest in family transportation.

In another area, a trip down memory lane will be responsible for the sighs of nostalgia that are sure to greet the magnificent display of meticulously restored vintage and classic masterpieces of years gone by –  some of them more than a century ago. But they’re all in perfect working order and to prove it the Crankhandle Club are going to hold a demonstration drive around the circuit.

Much the same can be expected from the motorcycle fraternity, with a selection of sidecars to remind viewers of the bridge that used to narrow the gap between two and four wheels – well it did to an extent anyway.   

In between them, will be sports and racing cars of all types and sizes, as well as Afrika Burn and several ageless wacky wonders like the Opel powered, make believe, motorcycle tank that was said to have been commissioned for towing, by the German Luftwaffe.

While those are only some of the static displays, they’re going to occupy a large area of the complex. However thoughtful planning has ensured that a leisurely walk to take it all in and can be punctuated at any one of the many of fast food and drink replenishment stopovers that the organizers have spread out around the main site.

While everything mentioned above is essentially static, as happens at the world’s top traditional motor shows like Geneva, Tokyo and others – the Killarney Motor Show is also mobile.

In fact, at times it’s going to be extremely lively.

However, that does not apply to the latest cars and motorcycles being available for test runs on a restricted section of the Killarney main circuit.

Ironically, one of the highlights of the show is going to be conducted at no more than a snail’s pace because that’s when Alphonso Loots is going to afford a South African audience their first opportunity to see a monster truck in real car crunching action.

At this stage it is not yet certain what type of cars are going to be flattened, but there will be more than one of them. Titan (that’s the truck’s name), is rather fond of Beetles as a snack, but is known to settle for almost any other brand as well.

However Alphonso also has a trained Beetle that he keeps well clear of Titan. This one is known for its ability to execute spectacular wheelies and it is also going to be in action at the show.   

But while Titan is the new kid on the block, the Le Riche brothers, who were at Killarney for the 2016 show, are going to be back in action again. Recently returned from a working holiday in the United States, where they both qualified in the country’s top 10 for their type of stunt riding, they have a new show for Killarney.

There were said to have been 2000 mechanical units on display in 2016, and at the present rate there may well be even more this year.       

Click here for Killarney Motor Show Web Page (Registrations and Information)

Click here for PROGRAMME-OF-EVENTS

SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST A ROUND OF WORLD RX FROM 2017

The FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy will visit Africa for the first time next year. Killarney race circuit in Cape Town will stage a round of the World Championship in 2017 as part of a new multi-year deal with Championship promoter, IMG.

The South African round of World RX will form the final event of next year’s calendar. Dating back to 1947, Killarney has the magnificent back drop of Table Mountain in one of the world’s most beautiful cities that is Cape Town. The construction of a brand new rallycross track will commence in the next six weeks and will be a permanent circuit.

The Western Cape then had its first taste of international Formula One racing when the non-championship Cape Grand Prix was held at Killarney back in 1960. Since then, the complex has grown and hosts several forms of main circuit racing as well as motocross, karting, stock cars and drag racing.

Des Easom, Executive Manager of Killarney International Raceway commented: “Killarney is delighted to be hosting this first of its kind event in Africa. Our thousands of loyal fans and spectators, Cape Town and its New Seven Wonders of Nature Table Mountain deserve no less. This is a thrilling, highly competitive form of racing with international appeal and media coverage. We look forward to working with IMG and pooling our expertise and experience on the series of events. This is a great addition to our whole-year racing calendar and spectators can look forward to an international and world-class event.”

Alderman Ian Neilson, the City of Cape Town’s Executive Deputy Mayor, believes that the city’s investment in this initiative will reaffirm Cape Town’s status as a world-class African city. He explained: “Worldwide, motorsport is a significant generator of economic activity. This in turn enables economic growth and drives job creation. The City of Cape Town will do everything in its power to create an enabling environment to unlock investment and employment opportunities. This sporting event will also contribute positively to tourism, the marketing of Cape Town as a preferred destination and help to grow this sport in South Africa and in the rest of Africa. In South Africa in particular, sport has had a profound reconciliatory impact and we look forward to welcoming our diverse communities as well as the international fraternity.”

Paul Bellamy, World RX Managing Director for IMG, concluded: “We have been looking at South Africa as a potential new venue in World RX for some time and we are delighted to be able to announce the new deal from 2017 onwards. We are the only FIA World Championship to host an event in sub-Saharan Africa and the Killarney circuit is a fantastic facility where we can create a truly sensational season-closer. Next year will mark the first time that a rallycross event has taken place on the African continent and we are extremely excited to bring the sport to a new continent. I’d like to thank the Killarney organisers and the city of Cape Town for all their support in helping to get this project off the ground.”

Tickets for the World Rallycross championship at Killarney International Raceway on 11 and 12 November 2017 now available from Ticketpros

3^rd Century Classic Car Run- Sunday 19 November 

The 3^rd Century Classic Car Run is to be held on 19^th November, 2017. The event, run by the Triumph Sports Car Club, supported by Century City and Western Province Motor Club is designed to have some motoring fun and also raise a donation to the Children’s Hospital Trust. It is for cars where the minimum age of the vehicle must be 25 years and the total age of the car and driver must equal or exceed a century (100 years). From the meeting point at Century City, cars will travel route of 100 km, while veteran cars will be given a shorter route, and the number of participants in the event will be limited to 100 cars.

There will be a donation required of R100 with each entry to cover administration, emergency rescue/backup, prizes and printing. Certificates will be awarded for the following categories:

100-124 years     Bronze Certificate

125-149 years     Silver Certificate

150-174 years     Gold Certificate

175-199 years     Platinum Certificate

200+                      Methuselah Award

Participants should register with the organiser (see below) and registration on the day at Century City starts at 08:30. An indemnity form needs to be signed by all participants (including passengers). The first cars will be away at 10:30.

Entrants should register individually, requesting an entry form from Tom Dougan on 3rdcenturyclassiccarrun@gmail.com   by 10^th  November, 2017.

Members of the public are welcome to come along and see an eclectic mixture of motoring heritage gathered at Century City E Parking (adjacent to Porsche). There is no charge to see the cars or even to take a selfie!)

From the meeting point at Century City, participants will travel a route of 100 km to the end point at Killarney racing circuit with the cars doing 2 parade laps of the circuit to finish. Refreshments and lunch will be available in the WPMC clubhouse which is where the prize giving and fundraising will take place. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Don’t delay; as we will only allow 100 cars on this event. Register today to avoid disappointment.

For more information contact : 3rdcenturyclassiccarrun@gmail.com