Rallycross tickets go on sale

Killarney will host a round of the exciting tar-gravel series

TICKETS for the Cape Town leg of the World RallyCross Championship are now available to buy from TicketPro.

There are three options starting with General Admission (standing) for children priced at R220, General Admission for adults (standing) at R400, and a Grandstand ticket which also allows access to the paddock for 700.

The Cape’s Killarney circuit will host the 12th and last round of the international series on November 11 and 12, and preparations are underway for the new layout which in true rallycross style combines both tar and gravel sections. The track will be just over 1km long with six corners, including a ‘joker lap’ section which drivers will have to complete at least once in each race heat.

Since its introduction three years ago, The Monster Energy-sponsored World Rallycross series has attracted big names such as ex-WRC Champions Sebastien Loeb, Marcus Gronholm and Petter Solberg, American drift star Ken Block, and two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekstrom.

Current cars include the Audi S1, Ford Focus and Fiesta, VW Polo and Beetle, Citroën DS3 and Peugeot 208, all featuring all-wheel drive and up to 450kW of turbocharged four-cylinder power. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is similar to a Formula One car

Of the season’s 12 rounds, 10 are held at venues in Europe including Catalunya and Hockenheim F1 Circuits, and one is staged in Canada. The Cape Town round is the only event held in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the only FIA World Championship certified event held in sub-Saharan Africa.

For tickets go to www.ticketpros. co.za Fast facts about Rallycross: • Circuits are short (the Killarney rallycross layout is just over a kilometre in length), and offers spectators near 100% visibility.

• Races are similarly short, sharp events.

• Entries are limited, with usually four and never more than six cars in a race.

• There are a series elimination races, leading up to quarter, semis and finally a grand finale - much like rugby’s popular world sevens.

• No race is long enough to become boring.

• The road surface consists of sections of asphalt and of gravel and usually includes a jump - a true test of driver ability.

• There is also a unique slightly longer Joker Lap. Every driver has to complete one of these during a race.

• While metallic contact can slow a car, it is not advised. Nevertheless it happens, often in the most spectacular fashion.