The Top Gear Festival – powered by Shell V-Power in ‘the warmest place to be’ isexpected to attract tens of thousands of petrolheads keen to see the most anticipated line-up of motoring entertainmentin Durban.
You’ve seen the highest class of international open-wheeled auto racing on TV. Now prepare to smell the rubber first hand as come June 15-16, 2013, the Moses Mabhida Stadium and Top Gear Festival Street Circuit will be transformed into a Top Gear fan’s nirvana.
This year Street Circuit drivers from Motor Sport SA (MSA) and the Franschhoek Motor Museum (FMM) will need to put their skills to the test as they race around the newly-updated track layout.
The enhanced 2.8km Street Circuit show will be presented by popular and respected Sasha Martinengo and Gugu O’ Zulu.
Visitors can expect two days of sensational driving, as the Street Circuit features a number of daring events and skills to match.
1) THE STIG
The king of the track, The Stig, will lay down the law as he screeches through the Street Circuit in the country’s fastest, most enhanced track-day vehicles, setting the fastest times throughout the show.
2) HOT HATCH GRUDGE MATCH
Get behind your favourite hot hatch back cars, driven by international pro race drivers, as they go head to head to lap each other in five races, in an attempt to set the fastest lap.
3) RALLY CARS GRUDGE MATCH
For the first time catch the Red Bull Toyota Dakar car, driven by our very own Geniel de Villiers, who will take on a special individual rally stage in a point to point timed event. Vehicles and drivers will face handbrake turns as they display masterful manoeuvring at the new hairpin and chicane in the course.
4) RUGBY HOT RODS GUDGE MATCH
A gem to be seen, this year eight Hot Rods, courtesy of the National Hot Rods Series based in Richards Bay, will race five laps in the name of South Africa’s eight Super Rugby teams. They will try to outdo each other as they race to predict who will win this year’s Super Rugby Challenge.
5) TANDEM DRIFTING GRUDGE MATCH
Also taking to the new course and streets for the first time, watch the country’s top drifters go head to head drifting, as they lead the crowds in their favour while taking turn to be the lead car and the chasing car.
Other highlights will also include world famous presenters; guest drivers including two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen, who will later be interviewed live on stage in the Ultimate Village along with a number of legends and celebrities all in action.
The show will round off with the Franschhoek Motor Museum’s impressive display, as they celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours by showcasing an impressive procession of 14 iconic race cars spanning from the 1930’s to present day.
The Festival, which takes place on a long weekend in Durban, promises to be full of the Top Gear trademark special effects, smashes and customised cars.
Also debuting will be an all-new Top Gear Live Stadium Show featuring Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson; James May and The Stig.
With over7000sqm of exhibition space in the Motoring Pavilion, visitors are encouraged to book early so as not to miss the most awaited event on this year’s entertainment and motoring calendar.
Avariety of unique packages have been carefully designed to suit every fan’s needs.
Premium packages, include, the Ultimate Package to the Ultimate Village and the DStv Supreme tickets, offering guests exclusive access into the designated areas and a thrilling view of the Street Circuit.
