Motor racing spectacular brings Soweto to its feet

Soweto – 19 July 2009.  The streets of Soweto came alive today with the sound of screeching tyres and revving engines at the WesBank Street Race – Soweto.  The event was hosted by WesBank in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and Motorsport South Africa.

The 2009 WesBank Street Race – Soweto saw drivers from five categories racing the 2.2 km “L-shaped” track along Chris Hani Road (opposite the UJ Campus) and Nicholas Street in Soweto.

The event drew over 20 000 spectators to the event and well known South African celebrities and soccer were also in attendance.

According to George Nyabadza, General Manager Marketing at WesBank, “We are proud that we are taking motorsport to the Soweto community.  Today will definitely be the talk of the town for many days to come.  WesBank along with its partners are committed to developing motorsport in the township and believe this opportunity to see racing up close will encourage members of the community to pursue careers in motorsport.”

The people of Soweto truly benefited from the race as approximately 70% of the contract workforce for the event was from local residents from Soweto.

Participating categories in the 2009 WesBank Street Race – Soweto included the WesBank V8 Supercars, Interfile Superbikes (1000 cc) and Supersport (600cc), Bridgestone Production Cars, Formula Volkswagens and Engen Polo Cups.

“We have already begun planning for next year’s race which we believe will be even bigger and better,” concluded Nyabadza.