Comments on: Historic East London Circuit Faces Demolition

By: Formula 1’s lost nations: South Africa | F1 Fanatic - The Formula 1 Blog | F1 news, cars, drivers and more

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:00:13 +0000

[...] first world championship South African Grands Prix were held at the East London circuit, a venue which today faces demolition. The event soon moved to Kyalami, near Johannesburg. The rapid track was popular with the drivers [...]

By: Ali

Ali — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:44:20 +0000

Hi there chaps.

It is a pity that ill informed opinions are openly spread all over the world. Before anyone blames the Buffalo City Development Agency that they are going to “Demolish” the track, one certainly needs to see the drawings of the intended developments. I have been privy to the drawings of the proposed development and can CATEGORICALY state that under no circumstances the track will is in any danger. The developments are on the North bank Next to the track!!

Currently there are no facilities close to the track. Think of the possibilities of all the accommodation and facilities close to the track, and what it could mean to potential future races. These kind of symbioses can complement each other.

Only when the public were asked for comments, they now jump and shout as if BCDA is the villain, and totally distorted information is flung around.

Further more. When last were there any major race took there! Certainly no development what so ever took place during the past decade. The proposed development is for the Engineering faculties of the University and can only bring technology closer to the racing fraternity. For how long are everybody crying for development of our city? Everybody is moaning about residences in the suburbs. Now at last there are solutions for everybody.

So to all you fanatic motor enthusiasts. please do not sign any petition before you have seen the real deal. To Mr. Rob Hatfield-Jones, please make sure of your facts before sending everybody in a spin for nothing.

Concerned, from East London

By: Links: Ecclestone on Hamilton & co. | F1 Fanatic - The Formula 1 Blog | F1 news, cars, drivers and more

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:29:56 +0000

[...] Historic East London Circuit Faces Demolition – “Buffalo City Development Agency want to redevelop the area and build a modern university to serve the needs of the population. But in doing so, part of South Africa’s motorsport heritage will be destroyed. Handfield-Jones has called upon South Africans to lend their support and sign an online petition urging the Buffalo City Development Agency to reconsider its plans.” [...]

By: Oliver White

Oliver White — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:12:40 +0000

it is not a circuit I have any strong feelings about

Me neither, to be honest. But it means a helluva lot to South Africans. Imagine Silverstone were to be ripped up because they hadn’t held a Formula One race for a while – and let’s be honest here, that could very well happen – how would you feel then?

I don’t think East London is South Africa’s crown jewel in terms of racing circuits, but it has played a significant part in the nation’s motorsporting heritage, just as Silverstone has with Brits.

And yeah, the track really is still in use. Still going strong (well, I say that, but clearly that’s a lie) and still exciting the locals and the tourists.

It’s a bit like Taupo really; insignificant, but important. Or Brands Hatch for that matter. Or Imola, the way that place is going anyway…

By: Steven Roy

Steven Roy — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:38:19 +0000

Thanks for this Ollie. I had no idea East London still existed. I thought it had gone years ago. It is a shame when a circuit is destroyed but it is not a circuit I have any strong feelings about as I never saw a race there and it is not exactly one of the great circuits.