The upgrade of the skidpan facilities at Killarney Raceway in the Western Cape by MasterDrive in collaboration with Western Province Motor Club (WPMC) is complete. A significant investment was made into Cape Town’s only professional-grade skidpan training facility.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says as the only skidpan in Cape Town, it was important to ensure it meets professional standards. “Additionally, there was desperate need for an above average facility. Consequently, MasterDrive, assisted by WPMC, upgraded the facility and committed to its ongoing management.
“Additionally, the refurbished skidpan plays an important role in the entertainment function that motorsport plays in South Africa. It encourages drivers to keep antics meant for a controlled area to a professional-grade skidpan,” says Herbert.
The general manager of coastal regions at MasterDrive, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse, says the project was made possible through a combined approach of financial investment and strategic trade exchanges. “The value of this is well over R500 000. It shows full commitment to transforming the skidpan into a state-of-the-art facility.
“As the only skidpan in the Western Cape, the province is in desperate need of a well-maintained facility of this calibre. By partnering with WPMC, we have developed a resource that addresses a critical gap in the region’s road safety and motorsport infrastructure.”
The upgraded facility serves multiple needs, for both organisations and individuals in pursuit of improved driving skills. “Sectors including corporate fleet operators, government agencies, and law enforcement will have the opportunity to capitalise on the value of the training-grade skidpan. It also serves the unique needs of specialised services such as emergency response training.
“Beyond professional training, the skidpan is also available for team-building activities that combine education with entertainment—what we call ‘edutainment.’ This creates engaging learning opportunity that can help reduce risk across various organisations as well as expose drivers to experiences often limited to only a few.”
MasterDrive is also using the upgraded facilities to further increase access to skidpan experiences. “A key objective of the upgrade includes contributing toward social investment initiatives, particularly those focused on youth development. MasterDrive will use the facility to deliver educational programs targeted at improving driving practices among young drivers,” says Nourse.
Residents of Cape Town are encouraged to make full use of the improved facilities. “The skidpan is fully operational and accepting bookings from organisations seeking to enhance their driving capabilities with the assistance of MasterDrive or through one of the other means available. We look forward to providing the standard of facility not seen or experienced in the Western Cape before,” says Herbert.
