MasterDrive officially opened Cape Town’s first professional-grade skidpan training facility in March. It marks a significant milestone in advancing road safety education across the Western Cape. While it holds an important role in entertainment it is also an investment in practical driver training infrastructure that will serve the broader community.
The skidpan facility addresses a critical gap in South Africa’s advanced driving landscape. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, expands: “It provides a controlled environment where drivers can safely experience and learn to manage vehicle dynamics in challenging conditions.
“Unlike traditional training methods, a professional-grade skidpan allows participants to practice emergency braking, skid recovery, and vehicle control techniques in a safe, supervised setting that replicates real-world scenarios without the associated risks.”
MasterDrive’s General Manager of coastal regions, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse, says: “The benefits of skidpan training in road safety are well-documented internationally. Drivers gain hands-on experience in understanding vehicle behaviour during emergency situations.
“Investing in this professional-grade skidpan facility demonstrates our commitment to increasing road safety standards across South Africa. This facility provides an invaluable opportunity for drivers to develop critical skills that could one day save their lives and the lives of others on our roads,” says Herbert.
Recognising the broader community need for advanced driver training, MasterDrive has made the facility available beyond its own client base. “The skidpan is open to other accredited training providers, enabling them to share these vital skills. Additionally, social car clubs can use it for skill development, fostering a culture of responsible driving among motorsport enthusiasts.
“The facility also serves as a valuable resource for CSI initiatives. Organisations committed to community development can make use of the skidpan for training among underserved or vulnerable driving communities. An investment into the skidpan is an investment into driver safety.”
The opening of Cape Town’s first professional-grade skidpan represents more than just a training facility – it symbolises a collaborative approach to road safety that extends beyond commercial interests. Herbert concludes: “MasterDrive is fostering an ecosystem where various organisations can contribute to reducing road fatalities.”
