Durban may host Top Gear festival
December 9 2011 at 10:10am
By Nondumiso Mbuyazi

Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium could be home to the Top Gear festival for the next three years.

This all depends on the eThekwini Municipality approving the more than R31 million needed to establish the relevant infrastructure to host the event from June next year.

The festival is a combination of events focusing around motorsports, featuring well- known TV personalities Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

It was held in Gauteng at The Dome in 2010 and at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in March this year.

A report tabled at the executive committee meeting yesterday by city manager, Michael Sutcliffe, said the festival would be a joint initiative between the city and province.

As the host city, Durban would ensure that infrastructure was in place and the province would provide the event fee and operational cost.

Top Gear’s nominated licensor would manage the event.

If approved, the agreement would be for three years.

The report states that R10m would be required for the first year, while R8m would be needed for the operating costs.

A further R7m would be needed for operating costs in 2013 and R8m for 2014.

An estimated R4.5m would be required in the first year for minor roadworks as well as establishing circuit protection and safety measures to allow the track to be approved by Motorsport South Africa.

In the subsequent two years, R2.5m would be expected each year to establish and de-establish the race track.

Next year’s event is expected to be staged between June 15-17.

According to the document, the stadium would need to be modified to accommodate the skid-pan and stunt circuit.


Other costs include R1.5m to provide staircases to make the existing pedestrian bridge functional and R1.3m a year for metro police and other line department support.

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/durban-may-host-top-gear-festival-1.1195564

I am very definitely all for this...

Would love for the Festival to come here....

agree. and most will be funded by province.

i am sure the incoming funds on visitors etc will outway but that is for the city to decide. if the event is held in durban jhb or ct then i wld say stop right here. but if it is only in durban then there is leverage they can play to get loads of other incoming income for the city n

suckcliffe still manager ?

Deal sealed for Top Gear in Durbs
January 26 2012 at 09:11am
By Barbara Cole

INLSA

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/copy-of-nd-lamborghini-2-22520343-1.1220663!/image/1766127772.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/1766127772.jpg

Grace Rheeders, of the IBV Supercar Club, shows off the only car of its type in the country, the R6.5 million Lamborghini LP700-Aventador. Picture: Marilyn Bernard


Durban and the province had signed the contracts and the Top Gear festival was coming to town, the council’s Speaker, Logie Naidoo, announced on Wednesday night.

“It’s confirmed and it is a three-year contract,” Naidoo said in an interview.

Then, at another car event – the unveiling of a R6.5 million Lamborghini LP700-4 Aventador at the International Bank Vaults (IBV) at the Gateway shopping centre – he announced: “Jeremy Clarkson and the entire team will be here.” Naidoo also told members of IBV’s exclusive Supercar Club, who attended the launch, that a Total Car Rally would be held in Durban in March and that 10 000 people were expected to attend.

The city’s executive committee approved a proposal to host the Top Gear Festival last December on condition that the province met it halfway, chipping in the half of the R31 million that was needed to stage it.

Andrew Layman, the chief executive of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who attended last night’s event, said that he felt it would be “absolutely marvellous for the city” and people would agree with him when all the details of what was involved were unveiled.

The Lamborghini Aventador was brought to Durban by IBV boss Ashok Sewnarain to show his Supercar members the latest in technology and design.

Six are on order – that is South Africa’s yearly allocation – and the bright orange car that was unveiled last night is the only one in the country.

And it almost did not get here as it was sold last week and Hilton Ralph, general manager of Lamborghini South Africa, had to persuade the unnamed owner, who lives in the Eastern Cape, to let him bring it to Durban for the diarised event.

There was a stunned silence from awestruck guests when the car was unveiled – and then people whipped out their cellphones to photograph it, eventually moving closer so that someone could take their pictures next to the car.

Asked if he had picked up any orders last night, Ralph said: “No yet… but I have a feeling I might.”

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/deal-sealed-for-top-gear-in-durbs-1.1220664

Apparently Logie stuffed up in his speech last night, I didnt go for the function but he said "Top Gear will be in SA for the first time"... he really should do some research first.

BTW, alreay know one guy from Durbs that has ordered the Aventador. Dark Grey.

Also Tenders are going out soon for the design of the track, drift track. Moses Mabhida precinct will be used for it.

Also heard from mates in the film industry that the Top Gear guys will be filming at least one episode while in the city

Awesome news actually..

I will be going to that without a doubt, and will be looking forward to whatever scripted irreverency the boys can come up with for our City and country.....

Thats frikkin awesome! I am so excited! I cant wait.

I am not fan of motorsport at all, and from I've seen and heard, the presenters of Top Gear are a bunch of attention-seeking turds. I;m thus unlikely to support this event.

However, that said, if this event is going to bring global attention (for whatever reason, that show has huge global ratings) to Durbs again (hopefully not infamy, given those presenters' track records re: insulting host destinations), then so be it.

Agg lighten up. They insult their own country too. Its not the motoring show in the world for nothing... Mainly because it actually has very little to do with motoring, it is the male version of a soap opera

KZN to fork out 50% for Top Gear
January 31 2012 at 11:00am
By Gugu Mbonambi

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has agreed to fork out 50 percent of the cost of hosting the Top Gear Festival in Durban, mayor James Nxumalo said at Monday’s full council meeting during a robust debate over whether the city could afford to stage the event.

Top Gear TV presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, as well as the popular character known as The Stig, are to appear at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in June, when a temporary racetrack would be constructed to hold the festival.

Economic Development Department spokesman Bheko Madlala said a preliminary assessment indicated that there would be “positive economic benefits for the province through direct tourism arrivals, infrastructure spend as well as the enhancement of KZN’s automotive sector”.


Flawed

Madlala said a press briefing would be held soon at which the matter would be discussed. A report tabled before the council’s executive committee last year suggested that R31.4 million was needed to host the festival for the next three years, with eThekwini ratepayers having to pay more than R15m and the balance being covered by the province.

The report proposed a three-year agreement in a joint initiative, with the host city providing infrastructure and the province providing the event fees and operational costs, while Top Gear’s licensor would manage the event.

DA caucus leader Tex Collins said while the party had no objection to the festival, there were elements in its approval which indicated that the process had been flawed, and the festival had no budget provision.

“In the first instance, the provincial government signed the contract with Top Gear before any consultative process had been entertained at council level… What is of equal concern is that the tender (for infrastructure) for the festival has already been published, yet no approval from council was obtained in this regard,” Collins said.

He said it was clear that the city had not shaken off the legacy left by former municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe, and “continues to steamroll issues which, at the outset, are procedurally flawed and contrary to regulations”.

However, municipal legal services head Nokhana Moerane said the council had resolved last year that the executive committee had the authority to finalise any matter that may arise, including the Top Gear matter.

“So all seems to be in line,” she said in response to Collins’s statement.

Municipal manager Sibusiso Sithole said he had been informed that a contract had been signed by Sutcliffe and the city was therefore committed to hosting the event.

“We are now bound by that contract… We need to expedite the process, hence the tender was advertised,” he said.

Minority Front councillor Patrick Pillay said the city should consider investing in a permanent race track. - The Mercury

E-mail Gugu: gugu.mbonambi@inl.co.za


http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/kzn-to-fork-out-50-for-top-gear-1.1223978

Durban’s Top Gear roars ahead
January 28 2012 at 01:05pm
By Arthi Sanpath
ARTHI SANPATH

Durban is pulling out all the stops in a race to have the city ready for the popular Top Gear festival in June.

Tenders were advertised yesterday for the infrastructure work that will need to be undertaken in and around the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct, in time for the proposed festival dates of June 15 to 17.

It is expected that the festival, hosted by presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, including the popular racing character known as The Stig, will draw large crowds, but local ratepayers’ associations and opposition parties have criticised the R31 million price tag needed to host the festival.

The city needs to fork out at least half of that amount for the stadium to be modified to accommodate a skid-pan and stunt circuit, as well as minor roadworks, establishing circuit protection and safety measures that would allow the track to be approved by Motorsport South Africa.

Other costs include R1.5m to provide staircases to make the existing pedestrian bridge functional and R1.3m for metro police and other department support.

In the subsequent two years, R2.5m would be expected each year to establish and de- establish the race track.

As the host city, Durban would ensure that infrastructure was in place and the province would provide the event fee and operational cost. Top Gear’s nominated licensor would manage the event.

However, despite the objections, the city is forging ahead. A site meeting with companies submitting tenders will be held within the next two weeks.

The Top Gear festival was held in Gauteng over the past two years with the first event taking place at Dome in Randburg in 2010 and at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in March last year.


http://www.iol.co.za/ios/news/durban-s-top-gear-roars-ahead-1.1222255

Good to see the DA getting on board now that there is greater clarification.

Top Gear money ‘will be well spent’
February 3 2012 at 10:52am
By Suren Naidoo

INLSA


The directors of the Top Gear Festival say the R15 million the eThekwini municipality will spend bringing the festival to Durban for three years will be well spent, because the city can expect an estimated economic spinoff of more than R59m and extensive exposure this year alone.

On Thursday, the festival directors briefed the eThekwini council’s economic development committee on the projected economic impact of the event, which would be held in June.

Hannah Cabral and Jamie Graham said the Durban event was expected to be a bigger and better organised spectacle at the Moses Mabhida Stadium than its Joburg predecessor.

“We’re keeping the details under wraps for now. We have intentionally been quiet ahead of a big official launch on February 21, when all will be revealed to the media and public… It’s going to be a stunning event in Durban, and more than you can imagine,” said Cabral.

Graham said people did not have all the information on the festival, which led to the uncertainty and scepticism over the event.

“We want to put on the best event Durban has ever seen, and we want to ensure we get it right,” he said.

Cabral said the first Top Gear Festival in SA, held in Joburg last year, had attracted more than 76 000 visitors and 8 000 hospitality patrons.

She claimed that around 25 000 visitors to the Joburg event, staged at Kyalami, had been from Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Using these figures, combined with the knowledge that Top Gear Festivals attract many thousands of inter-province and out of town visitors internationally, we are able to project the economic impact the event will have on Durban,” she said.

“Durban can expect around 25 000 motor racing fans from outside the city over the festival weekend. Over the two days, 25 000 people in 12 500 hotel rooms at an average room rate of R1 000 a night equates to R25m. We estimate their spending on entertainment, food and drinks at another R20m. These figures exclude money spent by service providers for the event,” added Cabral.

An expected 3 000 hospitality industry patrons are expected to spend R14m more, while the hosting of motor-related sideshows and conferences would result in a total estimated economic impact of R59m. Cabral said most of the organisers’ budget would be spent locally.

The city and KZN provincial government are expected to split the R30m bill to host the festival over the next three years.


Perfect

Questioned by committee members about the Joburg event, Graham said it had been a sell-out success. However, he said there had been problems relating to infrastructure at Kyalami and it had rained during the event.

“Moses Mabhida Stadium is going to be an incredible venue and the weather in Durban in June is perfect for such an event. We’ve also had outstanding support from the city and province,” he said.

DA councillor and committee member Nicole Graham said she was happy with what she had heard from the festival directors yesterday.

“I am cautiously optimistic now and wait to hear more,” she said.

Durban Tourism CEO Phillip Sithole said the city had the support of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the hospitality industry to host the event. - The Mercury

http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/top-gear-money-will-be-well-spent-1.1226766?showComments=true

http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/k...gear-1.1223978

Wow, the comments below that article are just :ohno::ohno: . Are people never happy with anything?

come on you know south africans love to moan, find a conspiracy in everything and blow everything out of proportion!

Top Gear money to be well spent
February 3 2012 at 03:38pm
By Suren Naidoo


Directors of the Top Gear Festival say the R15 million the eThekwini municipality will spend bringing the festival to Durban for three years will be well spent, because the city can expect an estimated economic spinoff of more than R59m and extensive exposure this year alone.

The festival directors yesterday briefed the eThekwini council’s economic development committee on the projected economic impact of the event, which would be held in June.

Hannah Cabral and Jamie Graham said the Durban event was expected to be a bigger and better organised spectacle at the Moses Mabhida Stadium than its Joburg predecessor.

“We’re keeping the details under wraps for now. We have intentionally been quiet ahead of a big official launch on February 21, when all will be revealed to the media and public… It’s going to be a stunning event in Durban, and more than you can imagine,” said Cabral.

Graham said people did not have all the information on the festival, which led to the uncertainty and scepticism over the event.

“We want to put on the best event Durban has ever seen, and we want to ensure we get it right,” he said.

Cabral said the first Top Gear Festival in SA, held in Joburg last year, had attracted more than 76 000 visitors and 8 000 hospitality patrons.

She claimed that around 25 000 visitors to the Joburg event, staged at Kyalami, had been from Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Using these figures, combined with the knowledge that Top Gear Festivals attract many thousands of inter-province and out of town visitors internationally, we are able to project the economic impact the event will have on Durban,” she said.

“Durban can expect around 25 000 motor racing fans from outside the city over the festival weekend. Over the two days, 25 000 people in 12 500 hotel rooms at an average room rate of R1 000 a night equates to R25m. We estimate their spending on entertainment, food and drinks at another R20m. These figures exclude money spent by service providers for the event,” added Cabral.

An expected 3 000 hospitality industry patrons are expected to spend R14m more, while the hosting of motor-related sideshows and conferences would result in a total estimated economic impact of R59m. Cabral said most of the organisers’ budget would be spent locally.

The city and KZN provincial government are expected to split the R30m bill to host the festival over the next three years.

Perfect

Questioned by committee members about the Joburg event, Graham said it had been a sell-out success. However, he said there had been problems relating to infrastructure at Kyalami and it had rained during the event.

“Moses Mabhida Stadium is going to be an incredible venue and the weather in Durban in June is perfect for such an event. We’ve also had outstanding support from the city and province,” he said.

DA councillor and committee member Nicole Graham said she was happy with what she had heard from the festival directors yesterday.

“I am cautiously optimistic now and wait to hear more,” she said.

Durban Tourism CEO Phillip Sithole said the city had the support of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as the hospitality industry to host the event.


http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/top-gear-money-to-be-well-spent-1.1227088

Today's Mercury has a render of the track. Looks quite cool.

----------------------

Durban goes into Top Gear

NIVASHNI NAIR
22 February, 2012 00:31

The Top Gear Festival hosted in Cape Town and Johannesburg in the past four years will look like a "Sunday school picnic" when Durban takes the wheel in June.

The competition between Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May rubbed off on KwaZulu-Natal economic development and tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu yesterday when he announced that the festival would be coming to Durban.

"This festival has attracted a total live audience of about 200000 spectators in South Africa over the past four years.

"Durban will dwarf those figures to make [previous festivals] look like a Sunday school picnic," he said.

After months of negotiating, the festival has been given the green light to take place at the Moses Mabhida stadium, which is surrounded by the festival's first street circuit - a 2km winding playground for Top Gear's invincible driver, the Stig.

"With such a massive space to play with, Top Gear's adrenaline-charged live show will be able to reach new heights, thrilling the audience with FMX bikes, donutting [circling at top acceleration on full wheel lock] and flaming rally cars, exhilarating, hair-raising stunt manoeuvres by the Top GearLive stunt driving team and nonsensical challenges synonymous with Top Gear," Top Gear Live chief operating officer James Cooke-Priest said yesterday.

Besides an expo of the world's finest supercars and of "cars modified beyond belief", petrolheads will also be able to see cars that have featured in the Top Gear TV show.

"Those cars have never before left the UK," Cooke-Priest said.

Clarkson, Hammond, May and a line-up of motorsport legends are expected to provide a "stellar showing" in Durban, he added.

Mabuyakhulu and Cooke-Priest said the economic spin-off for the city is estimated at R35-million a year, while R26-million will be injected into local procurement.

Acknowledging that many Durban ratepayers had labelled the event "a waste of taxpayers' money" because the city is contributing R31-million to the festival, Mabuyakhulu said Top Gear was a phenomenal global brand that would strengthen Durban's mark on the global trade and industry map.

Online ticket sales begin today.


http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2012/02/22/durban-goes-into-top-gear

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/picday1-21-02-1.1239473!/image/2637332668.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_600/2637332668.jpg

The website is also up and running and tickets are on sale from today

www.topgearfestival.co.za

http://www.topgearfestival.co.za/media/com_fpss/cache/16_c9b002fe1bb0320831a8ae78670fdb6f_m.jpg?t=1329845160

Thats quite awesome actually..

Will def be going to this.

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/picday1-21-02-1.1239473!/image/2637332668.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_600/2637332668.jpg

Wow! Nice pic!

Durbsboi is going to drool when he sees that....

I'll take oooo.... at least the 5 that i can easily identify :p

The Mercury article I referred to earlier...

--------------------

Top Gear in Durban on track
February 22 2012 at 10:20am
By Suren Naidoo

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-topgear-map-1.1239880!/image/3040118112.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3040118112.jpg
INLSA
The public road track mapped out for the Top Gear festival, that has been scheduled for Durban on June 16-17. Graphic: supplied


Durban is set to be revved up when the Top Gear Festival screeches into town on the weekend of June 16-17, with the organisers pulling out all the stops to put on a motoring spectacle not seen before in SA.

Top Gear Live operations chief James Cooke Priest flew into the city on Tuesday for the official media launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the anchor venue for the festival.

Priest said the Durban festival would take Top Gear Live’s global events “to another level”, and would help entrench Durban as a major events and tourism destination.

“We’ve had smaller Top Gear Live events in Joburg and Cape Town, and last year had the inaugural Top Gear Festival at Kyalami, which attracted more than 76 000 people. We were in talks with all three of SA’s major cities, but Durban and the KZN government mobilised with astonishing speed to secure this event for the city,” he said.

Priest said Durban’s festival would go beyond the track stunts and live show within the stadium, which would be hosted by Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, and “The Stig”.

“Durban will boast Top Gear’s first ever street circuit – over 2km long and winding around the streets surrounding the Moses Mabhida Stadium… Spectators will see Stig power laps, head-to-head racing, supercars, drag racing, drifting, celebrity race challenges and more in the packed daily schedule,” he said.

“Local motorsport talent will also be showcased, with Motorsport South Africa running the Super Production Car Series and the Volkswagen Polo Challenge Series on the Top Gear street circuit. And when visitors need a break from the action, they can head into the motoring expo packed with some of the world’s greatest supercars, classics and motoring memorabilia,” Priest said.

“This event will offer a more interactive experience for visitors, as Moses Mabhida Stadium and its surrounding precinct offers a world-class venue with the necessary infrastructure required to host this motoring festival. Our presenters will be pushing the boundaries of live motoring festivities as they perform to their biggest audience to date,” he said.

Deputy mayor Nomvuso Shabalala said she had no doubt the event would garner huge exposure and economic spin-offs for Durban.

“We’ve hosted several major global events and Top Gear will take our hosting reputation to new heights. Moses Mabhida Stadium is a multi-purpose venue with space for an athletics track, which is where the race track for the live show will be installed,” she said.

Shabalala said the street circuit would incorporate part of the old A1 GP track and would result in certain roads being closed for the event. Portions of Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue, and Sandile Thusi (Argyle), Battery Beach and Sylvester Ntuli (Brickhill) roads would be affected.

Economic Development and Tourism MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu said that the R30 million-plus invested jointly by the city and provincial government in hosting the event was money well spent.

“We believe that we have taken the correct decision to bring this event to Durban for the next three years.

“People who complain that we are wasting money need to look at the big picture.

“If we want to compete globally both for tourists and investment, then we need to play globally,” he said.

Mabuyakhulu said that the event would be linked to bigger plans to develop the automotive industry in Durban.

Tickets for the festival go on sale from today and range from R250 to R995 for a platinum package. - The Mercury

dont know how to put the youtube feed directly in here... but here is a short vid from the trio on the Top Gear festival in Durban

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1545174&sn=Detail&pid=490476&-Video--Top-Gear-stars-on-Durban

Wow! Nice pic!

Durbsboi is going to drool when he sees that....

haha! still drooling!

thing is people are always going to moan, yes the Top Gear presenters always have shit to say about the country theyre in but they ALWAYS round off the episode with the good stuff.

People will pay to go see this, trust me. I went to the Jhb event last year, it was packed!

Durban Top Gear show promises thrills
February 24 2012 at 09:25am
By Minesh Bhagaloo

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/iol-mot-feb24-top-gear-durban-1.1241903!/image/3918161747.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3918161747.jpg

INLSA
The Kwazulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu with The Stig.

Here’s some good news for all you Jeremy Clarkson fans. The organisers of the Top Gear Festival confirmed this week that this year’s event will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on June 16 and 17.

It will include a live stadium show and fans can expect the zany Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May trio to be in top form once again in South Africa. And, yes, the Stig is coming too.

The event has partnered with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the City of Durban to bring Top Gear’s first-ever stadium show to one of the world’s most iconic stadiums.

NONSENSICAL CHALLENGES

According to organisers fans can expect an adrenaline-charged experience including FMX bikes, rally cars, stunt driving by the Top Gear Live Stunt Driving Team and those nonsensical challenges synonymous with the well-known television show. A highlight will be a motorised version of the actual Top Gear studio, and the presenters will be delivering the irreverent humour we’ve come to expect.

Fans can also expect samples of the world’s finest supercars as well as cars modified beyond the norm. An expo will include these supercars in the flesh, flanked by classics and motoring memorabilia.

MORE INTERACTIVE

Organisers reckon the experience will be more interactive than before too, with the stadium’s surrounding precinct and Peoples Park promising a variety of outdoor activity.

The festival will host its first-ever street circuit, which will be over 2 kilometres long and wind through the streets of Durban. Expect Stig power laps, head-to-head racing, supercars, drag racing, drifting, and celebrity race challenges. Motorsport South Africa will be showcasing local talent on the street circuit through Super Production Car Series and VW Polo Challenge Series-based events.

In terms of big names, last year’s festival was graced by racing legends such as David Coulthard, Jody Scheckter, Sir Stirling Moss, Derek Bell, Eddie Jordan and Sabine Schmitz.

The organisers are still confirming this year’s line-up but assure us it will be as impressive.

The Festival will run from 10am to 8pm on Saturday June 16 and from 11am to 8pm on Sunday June 17. There will be two stadium shows per day – at 2.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturday, and at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday. Tickets are on sale and cost between R250 to R995. Visit www.itickets.co.za or www.topgearfestival.co.za for more info. -Mercury Motoring


http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/durban-top-gear-show-promises-thrills-1.1241904

What a total JOL ! Fucking crying that I won't be there for this, but congrats to Durbs, this is actually massive exposure!

dont know how to put the youtube feed directly in here... but here is a short vid from the trio on the Top Gear festival in Durban

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1545174&sn=Detail&pid=490476&-Video--Top-Gear-stars-on-Durban

4RqSs6kFAyA

:hi:

Top Gear’s sell-out Durban festival
April 4 2012 at 01:41pm
By Suren Naidoo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------INLSA

Who says that big events in Durban don’t get sold out? The 4 000 highest-priced platinum tickets offered for the Top Gear Festival in Durban in June are already sold out.

James Cooke Priest, operations chief of Top Gear Live events, said more than 17 000 tickets had already been sold, including all platinum tickets.

He was speaking at a Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry function on plans and business opportunities offered by the motoring spectacular on Tuesday.

“We’ve had a fantastic response, especially considering we have hardly scratched the surface in terms of marketing the festival yet. The fact that platinum tickets are sold out and we’ve already sold over 17 000 tickets demonstrates that there are many people who are fully behind this event,” said Priest.

He said with more than three months to go, early indications were that the motoring festival would be successful in Durban.

“A new trend is emerging here with ticket sales going incredibly well in South Africa, a country which is known for people who buy tickets for big events at the last minute,” said Priest.

Festival director James Graham said while higher priced hospitality packages were still available, the more than 4 000 platinum tickets costing R995 each were sold out.

“We are targeting between 60 000 to 70 000 motoring fans to attend the event. Gold tickets make up about 75 percent of the tickets for the festival and are also selling very well. We are spending R1.2 million on a marketing and PR campaign, which is focused on promoting Durban and KZN as a destination and host of the festival. We are only expected to start marketing the festival after Easter. Marketing will go into top gear in the month before the event. We are therefore thrilled at the huge early demand for tickets,” said Graham.

He said the festival would be a massive event in and around the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with business opportunities and economic spin-offs for Durban.

“This event is not just about the stadium show presented by the Top Gear hosts. We have a 2km street circuit, off-road track, biking stunts area, motoring exhibition, hospitality area, automotive conference and a dinner honouring a motoring legend.

“It will be a day-long event over two days,” said Graham.

“We have signed a three-year agreement (to host the festival in Durban) with the city, but we want to build this into a major annual event for Durban. We are talking to a number of F1 teams to come here and set a few world records at the festival. With all this happening, there are various business opportunities. One example is that we have to ship up to 15 containers from London to Durban for the event,” he added.

Durban Chamber CEO Andrew Layman said: “When it was first announced that Top Gear was coming to Durban, there was an uproar from some Durbanites that the R31 million being spent was a waste of taxpayers’ money. However, as more information is revealed, the economic benefits will be seen… It is a wonderful event for Durban and we fully support it.” - The Mercury

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/motorsport/top-gear-s-sell-out-durban-festival-1.1270463

Durban on track to host Top Gear Festival
24 April 2012 - 08:45
By Thrishni Subramoney

Plans to transform Moses Mabhida Stadium and its precinct into a racing track are going well.

Festival Director Hannah Cabral says they are pleased that all preparations are going smoothly.

"Everything is on track.

"The stadium is doing over the grass which is looking very impressive," she said.

The multi-million rand motor racing event is set to take place in June.

It will see the trio of motoring journalists from the popular BBC TV series, Top Gear, perform in Durban for two days.

Local and provincial authorities are paying around R30-million to host the event for three years.

"Obviously we've been working very closely with city, the province and the stadium, who've been really supportive and proactive partners for this event as well," added Cabral.

Cabral says they will have to set the stage for some pretty unique stunts.

"They can see chariot racing but probably not quite like that of the ancient Greeks.

"The popular sport of curling is being recreating somehow be played using cars, as well as some more ambitious sports not seen before in this continent," she said.

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1599296&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Durban-on-track-to-host-Top-Gear-Festival

Looks like Durbs will be the first SA city to have a F1 car roaring through its streets...

-------------

F1 car to hit streets of Durban
Fri, 11 May 2012 11:44 AM

http://stat2.iaf.cdn.playfair.co.za/assets/13/1862/203458/1008547.JPEG

Mercedes AMG Petronas will be the guest F1 team at the Top Gear Festival in Durban this June.

Yes, that means motoring fans will hear the roar of a Formula 1 engine on the streets of Durban.

F1 demonstrations will take place on a 2.4km street circuit throughout the weekend. The car will be driven by Sam Bird, a GP2 winner and test driver for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team.

"I'm really looking forward to the Top Gear Festival and the opportunity to drive our Silver Arrow F1 car through the streets of Durban. Any event where the fans can really get close to the car and experience the noise and power for themselves is fantastic, and we're all excited about travelling to South Africa in June. Everyone at the factory watches Top Gear regularly and I'm sure it will be a great event," Bird said.

Meanwhile, The Stig will be clocking up times on the Top Gear Festival leaderboard with power-laps in two of this year's hottest hypercars — a Lamborghini Aventador and a McLaren MP4-12C.

http://motoring.iafrica.com/newsbriefs/794086.html

Bird to fly F1 Merc at Top Gear fest

May 10 2012 at 02:19pm
By Minesh Bhagaloo

Reuters

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/iol-mot-pic-may10-f1-rosberg-2011-1.1293826!/image/1987700225.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/1987700225.jpg
Ever heard a Mercedes F1 at 18 000rpm? It is mind blowing and you will be able to experience it in Durban on June 16 and 17.

There’s some exciting news for Formula One fans attending this year’s Top Gear Festival in Durban on June 16 and 17.

The Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team will be sending last year’s actual F1 car to light up the streets of Durban on the Top Gear Festival street circuit.

The Silver Arrow will be piloted by Sam Bird, GP2 winner and test driver for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team, and fans can expect some interesting demonstrations of F1 power and roar throughout the weekend on the 2.4-km street circuit. Dubbed internally by the team as the MGP W02, the car runs a 2.4-litre, V8 that revs to a spine-chilling 18 000rpm.

Bird said: “I’m really looking forward to the Top Gear Festival and the opportunity to drive our Silver Arrow F1 car through the streets of Durban.

“Any event where the fans can really get close to the car and experience the noise and power for themselves is fantastic, and we’re all excited about travelling to South Africa in June”.

Never too far from the action, Top Gear’s tame racing driver the Stig has confirmed that he will be clocking up power laps of his own in a Lamborghini Aventador and a McLaren MP4-12C.

Aside from the street circuit, visitors can expect motoring action at the Moses Mabhida stadium and at the People’s Park, in what the organisers have said will be the biggest live event Top Gear has ever staged.

Tickets to the event are on sale and range from R250 for a bronze ticket to R1 995 for a Super Fan ticket. - Star Motoring


http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/motorsport/bird-to-fly-f1-merc-at-top-gear-fest-1.1293829

Awesome news..

I've been umming and ahhing over whether to get a ticket or not.. I think this has sealed the deal for me.

Today's Independent on Saturday has a pic of the tar track inside the stadium. Seems to be the same specs as a running track, but tar. Will probably be used as template for future running track.

this is getting attention out here in Asia as well, with packages available to visit for the event and ads on tv

Stadium hand over for Top Gear fest

June 5 2012 at 09:08am
By Lumka Nofemele


Durban is revved up and ready to go. So says MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuya-khulu and mayor James Nxumalo who were at Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday to hand over the stadium’s race track to the Top Gear Festival organisers.


The British motoring festival, which is based on the BBC television show Top Gear and features celebrities Richard Hammond, James May, Jeremy Clarkson and the mysterious driver “The Stig” is a global hit.

The show has toured SA several times, but this will be the first time it comes to Durban.


Already 40 000 of the 60 000 tickets for the festival, that will take place on June 16 and 17, have been snapped up and organisers expect the show to be a sell-out.

MEC Mabuyakhulu said the province and Durban would reap massive rewards from the festival.

“We value our partnership with Top Gear,” said Mabuyakhulu. “The festival will give the city access to the 400 million Top Gear viewers worldwide.”

The organisers say the city stands to make almost R59 million from the festival.

“The hospitality and tourism industries will be the main beneficiaries of the event. It is expected that over the course of the Top Gear Festival about 25 000 out-of-town visitors will descend on Durban,” said Mabuyakhulu.

Hosting Top Gear forms part of the city’s plans to position itself as the home of major international events.

“We have an action- packed season full of international sporting events planned. Next week we will host the rugby match between South Africa and England and the prestigious Top Gear Festival will follow,” said Mayor James Nxumalo.

http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/stadium-hand-over-for-top-gear-fest-1.1311810

Top Gear feast hots up
June 5 2012 at 08:41am
By Lumka Nofemele

Durban is revved up and ready to go. So says MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu and mayor James Nxumalo who were at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday to hand over the stadium’s race track to the Top Gear Festival organisers.

The British motoring festival, which is based on the BBC television show Top Gear and features celebrities Richard Hammond, James May, Jeremy Clarkson and the mysterious driver “The Stig” is a global hit.

The show has toured SA several times, but this will be the first time it comes to Durban.

Already 40 000 of the 60 000 tickets for the festival, that will take place on June 16 and 17, have been snapped up and organisers expect the show to be a sell-out.

MEC Mabuyakhulu said the province and Durban would reap massive rewards from the festival.

“We value our partnership with Top Gear,” said Mabuyakhulu. “The festival will give the city access to the 400 million Top Gear viewers worldwide.”

The organisers say the city stands to make almost R59 million from the festival.

“The hospitality and tourism industries will be the main beneficiaries of the event. It is expected that over the course of the Top Gear Festival about 25 000 out-of-town visitors will descend on Durban,” said Mabuyakhulu.

Hosting Top Gear forms part of the city’s plans to position itself as the home of major international events.

“We have an action- packed season full of international sporting events… planned. Next week we will host the rugby match between South Africa and England and the prestigious Top Gear Festival will follow,” said Mayor James Nxumalo.


http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/top-gear-feast-hots-up-1.1311789

Got me a gold ticket for Sunday, dont even know what that means but Im excited as hell! F1 on the streets of Durban! hell yeah!

Gold Ticket for the last show on sunday.. think its gonna be awesome.

Im at the same show, spot you there?

DB and TB, the VIP superfans are going to have one up on you guys... :)

--------------

Durban revs up for Top Gear Festival
June 7 2012 at 01:58pm
By Motoring Staff

While the Top Gear team entertain inside the stadium there will be plenty to see outside.

In just over a week’s time, the city of Durban will echo to the sound of engines as Jeremy Clarkson and his band of merry men kick off the 2012 Top Gear Festival.

The show will take place next Saturday and Sunday in and around the Moses Mabhida stadium, but activities of the motorised kind are set to begin far from the confines of KwaZulu-Natal. Supercar Lifestyle, the group responsible for organising some of South Africa’s top supercar events, has mobilised forces and arranged for a parade of about 60 exotics to tour from Johannesburg to the Durban-based Top Gear show.

After arrival at the venue, the fleet will be parked on static display as well as demonstrated in full flight around the specially-built street circuit. Top Gear’s masked hero, The Stig, may have his way with a few them too.

SUPERCAR AUCTIONS

Another Gauteng-based company, Aucor, which is one of SA’s leading auctioneers, is partnering the Top Gear Festival and will host two auctions over the weekend where a lineup of supercars, exotics, luxury sedans, coupés, SUVs and 4x4s will be sold to the highest bidder. Two auctions will be held, one on Saturday 16 June and one on Sunday 17.

And while Top Gear’s star presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig drive audiences wild inside during a series of live stadium shows, outside Bell Equipment will be taking visitors on an offroad adventure as the sponsor of a specially-designed 4x4 course.

Bell, well-known for its extra heavy-duty trucks and equipment will demonstrate vehicles such as its 6x6 articulated dump truck, and invites showgoers to pop in for rides.

WESBANK SUPER SERIES

Outside the stadium, on a 2.1km street circuit that forms part of Durban’s old A1GP track, SA’s national circuit-racing roadshow – the WesBank Super Series – will contest a round of its championship.

The country’s premier tin-top category Production Cars, together with Polo Cup and Single Seaters (Formula Volkswagen and Formula 1600) are all on the bill.

Other than the happenings with Clarkson, Hammond and May, these races, which will take place on both days, these races are the event’s star attractions.

The Mercedes AMG team will also demonstrate its 2011 Formula One car on this track.

The Top Gear Festival’s live stadium acts as usual promise plenty of smoke, fire and burning rubber, and are scheduled to start at 2pm and 7.30pm on both days. Various tickets to the festival are on sale and range from R250 for a bronze ticket to R1 995 for a VIP super fan ticket. - Star Motoring


http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/durban-revs-up-for-top-gear-festival-1.1313996

Track around the inside of the stadium...

http://www.durban.gov.za/media_publications/new2/PublishingImages/Top%20Gear.jpg

Stig on the SkyCar

http://www.mmstadium.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TheStig.jpg

Nice recognition for this Durban-born F1 designer...

--------------

All set for Top Gear Festival
June 11 2012 at 08:54am
By Sharika Regchand and Suren Naidoo

INLSA
http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-gordon-murray0-26036542-1.1315877!/image/2355900611.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/2355900611.jpg
Gordon Murray

Durban-born McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray will be honoured on Friday night in his home city as part of a glamorous VIP tribute dinner at the first official event of the Top Gear Festival weekend.

Murray will arrive in town this week for the event and will be joined by Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and “The Stig”.

“The public might be surprised to know that one of the world’s most influential race-car designers comes from right here in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The Top Gear Festival is proud to welcome Murray home and honour one of Durban’s unsung heroes,” said James Cooke-Priest, chief operations officer for the organisers, Top Gear Live.

Murray is a former technical director of McLaren and the designer of the McLaren F1.

His career spans over four decades, and his automotive creations were responsible for countless Grand Prix wins, including the late F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s first driver’s championship.

Tables at the tribute dinner cost R16 000, or R1 600 a head. The dinner will be hosted by radio personality Sasha Martinengo, and the event includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes pre-dinner pit walk.

“The Top Gear Festival weekend will be a culmination of inspiration, passion, expertise and meticulous planning.

“It will all come together to light up the Moses Mabhida Stadium and people’s park, and will spill out on to the streets of Durban,” said Cooke-Priest.

“We’ve spent months creating the content for the festival, and planning the immense logistical operations required for an event of this size, and we can’t wait to share it with the tens of thousands of fans who will be joining us over the weekend.

“The support from the city of Durban and KZN has been overwhelming, and the enthusiasm from Top Gear fans across SA, as always, has been second to none.

“With just a few final touches to be made, and just a few tickets remaining, we’re looking forward to a phenomenal weekend,” he said.

Cooke-Priest said the event was a motoring festival, so there would be all-day entertainment, including the first street track for a Top Gear event in the world.

“The street circuit in Durban will be over 2km long and will wind through the streets around the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“Spectators will see The Stig do power laps, and there will also be head-to-head racing, supercars, drag racing, drifting, celebrity race challenges and more,” he said.

The festival kicks off from 9am on Saturday. On the street, circuit visitors will be able to see international stunt and race-drivers pitted against each other in a number of motoring challenges, including high-speed races and daring manoeuvres.

The circuit shows will be hosted by former British racing driver Tiff Needell and local motoring celebrity Sasha Martinengo.


The live stadium shows will be presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and The Stig.

They will feature local personalities, international stunt drivers and a host of Top Gear’s trademark special effects, crashes and customised cars.

There will also be displays of driving brilliance by the Top Gear stunt driving team.

Another must-see at the show is the motoring pavilion, where some of the latest and greatest cars will be on display, including the Top Gear challenge favourites from the show.

The Franschhoek Motor Museum and Mercedes World form part of the highlights.

Visitors can enjoy an exhibition crammed with stylish, rare and expensive cars, as well as the latest gadgets, luxury goods, car accessories and motoring technology.

Features will include the Off Road Course and the FMX Track.

Super Car Lifestyle, an SA organiser of supercar events, will supply more than 80 supercars for the festival.


http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/all-set-for-top-gear-festival-1.1315878

Awesome.. at least Sasha isn't doing bugger all with the stadium show... he can piss Tiff Needell off and I can just ignore him on the street circuit stuff.

R1600 a head, hope they serving a good chow!

Top Gear eyes 'Deadly 720' (http://motoring.iafrica.com/features/799702.html)

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 7:34 AM

http://stat2.iaf.cdn.playfair.co.za/assets/13/1924/207027/1037110.JPEG

The Top Gear Live Stunt Team is aiming for another world record when it attempts a double loop-the-loop at the Top Gear Festival in Durban, South Africa.

Called the "Deadly 720", the stunt has never been performed before and will be staged in front of expected 15 000-strong live audiences during four action-packed shows at this weekend's Top Gear Festival in the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa (16-17 June).

The Deadly 720 is the latest in a succession of daring exploits performed by the Top Gear Live Stunt Team as an integral component of the popular Top Gear Live Shows that have wowed more than 1.2 million fans at venues all around the globe.

The daredevil team was the first to successfully complete a single loop-the-loop in an in-door arena but now is attempting to do the double for the first time in history.

"We've designed some pretty outlandish car stunts over the past four years, from car bungees in Moscow's Red Square to jet-propelled pushbikes, but this double loop the loop has the greatest chance of going wrong," admitted Top Gear Live Creative Director, Rowland French.

"We've completed a single loop the loop as the climax to the previous Carmageddon Tour more than 80 times, and you know barring any acts of God, the buggy will make it through. Adding the second loop, though, multiplies the danger by more than two and creates the very real possibility of the buggy falling out from the top of the second loop. There are absolutely no margins for error, which is probably why no one has ever been mad enough to try it before."

The extreme stunt will be attempted in a specially converted buggy fitted with hand controls to lock out the accelerator pedal during the stunt as the extreme g-forces experienced would thrust the driver's foot onto the standard throttle and result in a near-certain crash. Speed is one of the critical factors and the dashboard is fitted a large light that switches from red to green when the buggy is travelling at precisely the required velocity to complete the loops. Meticulous calculations have revealed the thin line between success and failure: enter the loop too slowly and the buggy will fall out of the top of the loop; a small increase in speed results in extra g-force and could cause him to black out.

"Absolutely everything has to be in perfect alignment, from the suspension compression and precise steering angle to the exact speed of entry," said French.

"If one element falls out of sync, there is no chance of the driver making the second loop. It is this split-second nature of the stunt that allows so much to go wrong, and what terrifies me."

^^ thats been getting lots of attention on the web... me thinks this will form part of the episode they filming in durban

Top Gear trio park in Durban
June 15 2012 at 07:31am
By Suren Naidoo and Kyle Venktess

Richard Hammond

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-top-gear-apes-26169445-1.1319756!/image/3509010652.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3509010652.jpg
Twitter picture taken by Richard Hammond of fellow Top Gear presenters James May and Jeremy Clarkson at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Top Gear circus has arrived in Durban with its entertaining trio of presenters, Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May, who quietly jetted into town before the massive motoring weekend.

Organisers of the Top Gear Festival refused to divulge any information to The Mercury on when the famous three would arrive or where they would be staying. But the banter among the famous presenters has begun on Twitter, with “the Hamster” Hammond revealing that he had arrived on Wednesday night.

“Well, I’m in Durban, ready for Top Gear Live. Captain Slow and The Ape arrive tomorrow. So… I was the first to arrive! First time ever,” he tweeted.

Hammond was in Africa on a safari in Botswana and flew into Durban from Joburg. Clarkson and May arrived from London on Thursday morning. Clarkson’s Twitter pictures showed that he and May flew in on a luxury private jet.

“Wow, slept in a room, not a tent – apparently you shower indoors. Going for a run by the sea. Other two still flying, can’t respond – the pair of... ,” Hammond tweeted on Thursday morning.

This week’s cold front from the Western Cape and unseasonal rainy weather had Hammond (and many Top Gear fans) set to descend on Durban worried. But a characteristically warm winter weekend has been forecast for Durban. The maximum temperature is expected to be 25ºC.

Hammond and crew are believed to be staying at the Beverley Hills Hotel and posted a Twitter picture of a raincoat-clad man on the uMhlanga beachfront promenade.

The antics are expected to spill over into the Top Gear Festival itself, which begins on Friday night with a tribute dinner for world-renowned Durban-born McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray.

Saturday and Sunday have four stadium shows hosted by the Top Gear trio and “The Stig” will include a number of motoring challenges and daring manoeuvres, including a double loop-the-loop stunt world record attempt.

Festival director Hannah Cabral said that, besides the live stadium show, there would be all-day entertainment, from street track and off-road challenges to an extensive exhibit of supercars and a luxury car auction.


“There are still tickets available. Saturday’s show is almost sold out, and platinum tickets are sold out.”


http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/top-gear-trio-park-in-durban-1.1319757

Festival: ‘Top gear’ presenters rev it up in Durban
15 Jun 2012
Witness Reporters

IT didn’t take much to rile Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson yesterday and it had nothing to do with Durban, KwaZulu-Natal or South Africa.

Instead it was some of his followers on Twitter back home who managed to irritate him.

Clarkson and co-presenter James May jetted into Durban aboard a private jet yesterday to join Richard Hammond, who is already in the city for this weekend’s Top Gear Festival.

“So. We’ve arrived in South Africa. We have a security team and a jet. Now what shall we do?” tweeted Clarkson.

He included a photo of the private jet and the men-in-black security detail, as well as other candid shots inside the plane, including a producer quaffing a glass of wine or champagne.

Later he posted a photo of Hammond looking worse for wear in the back of the Top Gear’s black taxi cab.

“Holy Cow. Look who’s in the back of our car,” he tweeted.

But if Tourism KZN and Durban had hoped for free publicity on the social networks to attract visitors from abroad, it appeared that some of the trio’s followers, at least in the UK, were not interested in South Africa.

Was it British taxpayers’ money that was funding the shindig with their BBC licence fees, they asked.

Clarkson’s initial tweets were polite, but as the questions continued in a similar vein, he replied, clearly exasperated: “Hysterical ignorance about how Top Gear Live is funded. No — repeat NO — licence fee money is used. None. Not a penny.”

And when someone finally asked how it was indeed funded, he sarcastically replied: “Er. Ticket sales. Like you know, every other live gig that’s ever been held anywhere.”

Those who might have reason to complain — such as Durban’s twitterati — appeared unfazed, even though it was their taxes that had been pumped into the festival.

The eThekwini Metro and the provincial government, for example, set aside R31 million to host the festival over the next three years.

So what did the trio think of Durban? Their PR people decided there would be no interviews and no photos. Nor were they prepared to divulge where the trio were staying.

But if there was supposed to be a media blackout, May was not about to play ball.

From his tweets it soon became clear they were staying at an upmarket Umhlanga hotel.

May tweeted an unflattering photo of racing star and TV presenter Tiff Needell with Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse in the backgroumd. “Look who’s staying in our hotel,” he tweeted.

Needell tweeted a view from his room at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where the cheapest room is about R3 500 a night.

If fans were hoping for some action, at the time of going to press the Top Gear crew had not yet insulted anyone or caused offence.

One or more of the trio have been known to upset a range of people, including British Labour leader Ed Milliband and the Mexican ambassador to England.


http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=82785

Top Gear road closure plans
June 15 2012 at 12:58pm
By Mercury Reporter

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-top-gear-track-78wq-1.1320064!/image/1649262702.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/1649262702.jpg
Durban 100512 Top Gear track Pic Terry Haywood

Durban’s Top Gear street circuit will start at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, run along Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue, Sandile Thusi (Argyle) Road, through the Natal Command site past Suncoast Casino and the King’s Park Pool and return to the stadium.

l Friday: From 8.30am to 3pm the southbound carriageway of Ruth First Freeway will be closed at Blue Lagoon, while the northbound carriageway of Ruth First Freeway will be closed at Somtseu Road (restricted access to Durban Central Police Station).

The southbound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue will be closed at Smiso Nkwanyana (Goble) Road (restricted access) while the northbound carriageway will be closed at Sandile Thusi Road.

From 3pm to 7pm both carriageways of Ruth First and the northbound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue will be open to traffic. Signs advising motorists of the closures will be erected at all the affected intersections. – Mercury Reporter

http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/top-gear-road-closure-plans-1.1320065

How insane was that show? Having attented the previous ones in Jhb I can honestly and ubiasedly say that was the BEST show they've done. True entertainers they are but the logistics that must have went on behind the scenes to pull of such an enormous event must be mind blowing. Everything went off without a hitch, my mates were in charge of the social media marketing and also had a stand there said its one of the best events they've done. Looking forward to the next 2 years for sure!

It was a very very good show...

Some pics... those who attended please share yours...

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/b3d8755b-63eb-4af0-a0b8-8ce1980bdafa/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:32

http://img.tapatalk.com/c4d7bc82-1d5b-cadf.jpg

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/adb5aa7d-37b6-4826-b105-191e07429e84/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:20

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/688c9d8b-543e-43f1-a62f-f36fac79bd79/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:23

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/2149a71b-edb6-45df-99fe-234f5dadc994/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:24

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/a99401e7-93fa-48e5-a188-e852b75f9cab/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:25

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/061eda7e-1c02-48fb-8797-11fd5c820215/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:26

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/c964c7c8-dce3-4e82-8eec-3bbf83b97057/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:26

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/3d51e238-d397-4a9d-831f-181839a9bdf8/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:26

http://www.topgear.com/uk/assets/cms/da9effca-9d41-447a-955d-dea49b826cf1/670x377Image.jpg?p=120618_02:27

http://bmxdirect.net/wp-content/gallery/top-gear/thumbs/thumbs_top-gear_013.jpg

http://bmxdirect.net/wp-content/gallery/top-gear/thumbs/thumbs_top-gear_005.jpg

http://bmxdirect.net/wp-content/gallery/top-gear/thumbs/thumbs_top-gear_017.jpg

http://bmxdirect.net/wp-content/gallery/top-gear/thumbs/thumbs_top-gear_030.jpg

http://i.etbnews.com/etb/article/2012/132903.jpg

havent gotten down to transfering them to PC yet. Will do it tonight.

Nice pics! Thanks for posting. Saw a video clip of someone who attended. Despite having no interest in motor events / shows, I must admit that it looked very good. From those that I spoke to who attended the Jhb shows (incl people from Jhb), there was unanimity that the Durban show was the best by far.

Another pic of the street circuit stands, with MM in the background...

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/early-1.1321723!/image/3858491147.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3858491147.jpg


Source: http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/early-1.1321723!/image/3858491147.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3858491147.jpg

Here's some ***AMAZING*** pics by Amith Gosai, who reserves his copyright to these images. Durbsboi, thanks for sharing. They're some of the best pics I've seen of this event!

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Sunrise3.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/TopGear-66123.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/TopGear-11063.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Stig3.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/KA-7203.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/20120616-_MGL10073.jpg


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/20120616-_ARD56943.jpg


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/F1-23.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/TopGearShow1-KA-Media3.jpg

fantastic pics of the event... how come DB not putting them up himself?

Awesome pics DB...

I apologise for not getting the up for you earlier when you asked, been stupid busy at work :(

Haha, those pics werent taken by me, its by the official photographers. No worries TB, Im also mad busy at work. Im not posting pictures because I cant, having upload problems at home with this 3G, takes 1 hour to upload a small picture. So 8ta still investigating the problem and at work all the hosting websites are blocked. Thanks again Jerome!

^^ that sucks!! Meanwhile here i complain because it took me 10mins to download 1.2gig the other day

download is fine, averaging at 8mbps, just uploads kill me.

weird

Some impressive results!!

Durban’s Top Gear Festival Economic Impact Results


An economic impact study on the Top Gear Festival hosted in Durban on 16 and 17 June at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and People’s Park in Durban KwaZulu-Natal has been released and the results are outstanding, writes Anne Fyfe-Hitchings.

At a recent event for all partners and sponsors of Top Gear Festival, James Cooke-Priest, COO of Top Gear Live presented the results of two independent evaluations, which were commissioned to assess the success criteria against all objectives (one of which was commissioned by the City of Durban), and the results were reassuringly outstanding.

In his speech, James commented, “There is plenty of both factual and anecdotal evidence that the Top Gear Festival more than achieved what it set out achieve in partnership with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the City of Durban. Whether it be the hard statistics, of having attracted over 67,000 visitors more than 20,000 of them (more than 31%) from outside eThekwini, or that having projected an economic benefit of R62 million, it has independently been calculated as nearer R93 million, which is a fantastic result”.

Over and above the research and hard facts, the positive impact of the event could be felt on the ground in a very real way. The flights were full; the hotels were full; the restaurants were full and new jobs were created. A well-defined development and legacy programme also plays a huge role in providing benefit to the local community and the Top Gear Festival more than achieved this.

A new CSI programme was initiated providing education and inspiration to the next generation of kids and already the initial plans have been further developed to create apprenticeships and work experience placements with local businesses.

From a publicity perspective, the show generated over R90 million worth of coverage in the print, online and digital realm. The ‘Deadly 720’ world record double loop the loop, which was specifically commissioned to attract global media interest in Durban has been viewed online by over 1.4 million and covered by the press around the world.

Said Philip Sithole, CEO of Durban Tourism, “‘The Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the City of Durban are proud to have hosted this prestigious festival of motoring. The objective of the City in hosting major events is not just about the event itself, but to create interest in the destination and thereby attract future visitation as well as boosting the local economy – short and long term. Successfully hosting high profile global brands such as the Top Gear Festival enhances the City’s profile as a city capable of hosting such major events and provides excellent opportunities to bid for and host other world-class events in the future. We are delighted with the achievements this year and look forward to taking the event to new heights in 2013. “

This year’s Top Gear Festival in ‘the warmest place to be’ attracted over 67,000 and achieved massive success in terms of its economic benefits and ongoing legacy programmes in the region. James Cooke-Priest concluded the formalities by saying, “Durban, in conjunction with the wider KwaZulu-Natal Province is a city with a world-class attitude and aptitude for attracting, supporting and hosting world class events. Thank you for having us, we look forward to many more years working together and supporting you in ensuring Durban remains in the top tier of destinations to host world class events”.

After the overwhelming popularity and success of this year’s event, plans are already underway to further cement the successes of this year and ensure that Top Gear Festival in partnership with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and the City of Durban goes from strength to strength.

For more information on the event or to register interest in next year’s event visit www.topgearfestival.co.za.

http://www.tourismtattler.co.za/durbans-top-gear-festival-economic-impact-results/

Very impressive!

Sydney to copy Durban’s Top Gear show

February 18 2013 at 07:35am
By Barbara Cole

Durban’s successful Top Gear Festival, which was staged for the first time in 2012, is being held up as the benchmark in Sydney, Australia, which is planning its own event.

James Cooke-Priest, the festival’s chief operations officer said this week that the Sydney organisers were trying to emulate Durban’s festival, held at the Moses Mabhiba stadium, which attracted 67 000 motoring fans and generated more than R93 million for the economy.

Cooke-Priest was in the city for the media launch of the 2013 Top Gear Festival, which will be held on 15 and 16 June.

The venue would be reconfigured to accommodate more people and organisers would be targeting 80 000 spectators.

Richard Hammond would not be flying in to join presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and “The Stig”, because of prior commitments.

Formula 1 legend Mika Häkkinen - the famous Flying Finn - would be joining the street circuit festivities.

In a recording Häkkinen said he was looking forward to visiting Durban.

Mike Mabuyakhulu, MEC for economic development and tourism, said that a decision had been taken to build on the afterglow of the 2010 Fifa World Cup to position the province as the home of mega events.

The city and province invested R37 million to stage the 2012 festival, and year two will cost less than R20 million. Andrew Layman, chief executive of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pledged the full support of the chamber and “applauded” the investment made.

“We understand the benefits to the local economy,” he said.

Tickets range from the basic ticket of R250, up to R2 100 for an “ultimate village package”.

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/motorsport/sydney-to-copy-durban-s-top-gear-show-1.1471897#.USI1lKWkp9U

DURBAN: TOP GEAR’S ‘SUNSHINE SANDWICH’ FOR 2013
by Ailsa Windsor
15 February 2013

Jeremy Clarkson, James, May, The Stig and Mika Häkkinen are among the stellar line-up for the 2nd Top Gear Festival Durban taking place 15-16 June 2013


Helsinki in November 2012, followed by a trip to Warsaw and then onto Moscow for the Russian Top Gear Live Festival in a fortnight’s time, Top Gear Live COO James Cooke-Priest has described Durban’s climes as a ‘sunshine sandwich’ for the Top Gear Festival Live team.

Revelling in the warm weather Cooke-Priest proudly revealed the successes of last year’s event in Durban which saw Top Gear’s first ‘ever’ Street Circuit, over 67 000 fans travelling to the City, a cash injection of over R93-million and exposure to 350-million viewers… and as a result the Street Circuit returns for the 2013 festivities.

“It’s fun in the sun for the fans with a variety of experiences. Durban is one of the top cities in the world,” Cooke-Priest stated at the media launch on Wednesday (13 Feb 2013). Working hand-in-hand with the eThekweni Municipality and the KZN Provincial Government, Top Gear Live aims to attract visitors from inside and outside South Africa’s borders as well as provide a platform for community level programmes.

MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in the KZN Provincial Government Mike Mabuyakulu confirmed provincial government’s commitment. “It’s not only about the event,” he said on Wednesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium which is set to host the Live Stadium show yet again, “ but growing tourism in the province. Last year the Top Gear Festival exceeded expectations and had a really positive impact – as an investment it was really worthwhile, now we must build on the gains.” He mentioned that he would like to see the Festival grow and encourage participants from other provinces and African countries. “Durban must be the holiday destination of choice,” he said.

Shell South Africa is also returning as a sponsor for the 2013 spectacle and with it comes the Shell V-Power Stunt School with professional drivers behind the wheel.

And the cherry on the top – an enormous coup for the 2103 Top Gear Live Festival Durban is the appearance of Mika Häkkinen aka the ‘Flying Finn’! Although he has raced in South Africa before, he is really looking forward to being part of the Top Gear Festival action, saying, “I had a great time when I appeared on the Top Gear show, and I can’t wait to take part in the exciting on track action at the Festival. Racing in Formula One in Kyalami left me with some good memories and it will be great to be back in the country to put on a fantastic show for the crowd in Durban”.

Festival Times
9am – 8pm on Sat 15 and Sunday 16 June 2013
· There will be two Stadium Shows per day at 1:30pm and 7pm;
· Two Street Circuit Shows per day 9:30am and 2pm; and
· Throughout the day there will be a timetable filled with special appearances and challenges, special effects, customised cars and more.

Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements as well as where to buy your tickets by popping onto the www.topgearfestival.co.za website

http://www.newsonline.co.za/article_detail.asp?Article_ID=3001

Will def be going to this again this year...

Was awesome last year.

Top Gear to thrill again in Durban

7 March 2013

Top Gear, the world's most popular motoring show, returns to Durban for a second time in June with Top Gear Live, which will see former Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen joining in the street circuit festivities.

The legendary Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula One world champion, said of the Finnish star: "Mika Hakkinen was the best opponent in terms of his quality, but the biggest admiration I had for him was we had 100% fight on track but a totally disciplined life off track. We respected each other highly and let each other live quietly."

Last year, Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, People's Park and Street Circuit played host to a sell-out event, with 67 000 visitors enjoying the explosive live show, an enthralling street circuit, and a motoring exhibition packed with some of the world's greatest supercars, classic automobiles and motoring memorabilia.
'Bigger and better'

Top Gear presenter James May, in a video promo on YouTube said the event should be even more entertaining this time around: "We have the world's most exciting cars. We have a fantastic street circuit. We have the world's only live Top Gear stadium show and it's going to be bigger and generally better than ever."

There will be four stadium shows, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, May and The Stig, who will be backed up by an amazing team of dare-devil precision drivers.

Also returning is the unique and action-packed Durban Street Circuit, which last year played host to a 90-minute track show hosted by Le Mans racing driver Tiff Needell and local F1 presenter and DJ Sasha Martinengo. A highlight of that show was the Formula One display and it will be back once again.

Petrolheads will also be able to immerse themselves in their favourite brands and merchandise at the extensive motoring expo out on the People’s Park.
Increased capacity

Top Gear festival director Hannah Cabral comments: "The Top Gear presenters, BBC Worldwide and the UK show's production team were so overwhelmed with the response from the South African leg of the World-tour last year that we have decided to increase the capacity and size of the event to a whopping 80 000 people.

"We are confident that this year's line-up of celebrities, guest drivers and awesome automobiles will allow us to achieve our visitor goal."

It won't be a first visit to South Africa for former Formula One world champion Mika Hakkinen, who previously raced at Kyalami in Johannesburg. "I'm looking forward to returning to South Africa for the Top Gear Festival in Durban," he said.
'Good memories'

"I had a great time when I appeared on the Top Gear show and I'm looking forward to some exciting on track action at the Festival. I have some good memories of racing in Formula One at Kyalami, and it will be great to be back in South Africa to put on a fantastic show for the crowd in Durban," Hakkinen said.

Jeremy Clarkson is a huge fan of South Africa, and said he cannot wait to return to the Rainbow Nation. "South Africa is amazing," he said, "a great setting for our largest event in the world tour and the only stadium show.

"The show in Durban will go down as one of our best Top Gear Live events ever."
Tickets

As they did last year, tickets are expected to sell out. They range in price from R250 to R2 100 for an Ultimate Village Package.

For people travelling from afar, there is a full range of travel packages, including self-drive, luxury coach and flight packages which include travel and accommodation on a B&B basis in a Southern Sun three-star of four-star hotel.

SAinfo reporter

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/news/top-gear-070313.htm#.UTh4mKPOTu4#ixzz2MryLYJ9t

KZN Top Gear promises non-stop action

April 29 2013 at 08:48am

Father’s Day is just around the corner and the Top Gear Festival is the ideal place for dads and their lads to celebrate and make it a day to remember for the whole family. What better way to treat dad on June 16 than with loads of activities, adrenalin-packed action and motoring-related toys for boys.

The festival at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban promises a fresh, all-new Top Gear Live Stadium Show featuring Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Top Gear’s tame racing driver, The Stig.

And 2013 brings a brand new layout for the Top Gear Festival Street Circuit, allowing greater overtaking possibilities and improved viewing when visitors watch hot laps by former World Formula 1 champion Mika Häkkinen, zany antics by the Top Gear presenters, Top Gear Challenges and tons of hotly contested MSA racing action.

With a selection of 21 local and national vendors, the Top Gear food court will have something for every taste.

PACKAGES

And if you’re looking to spoil dad this year, the Top Gear Festival is the perfect way with some of the packages on offer. The family package for four (two adults and two children under 16) is R1 750. The Sunday Classic Family package on June 16 includes:

- 4x Classic tickets for the Top Gear Stadium Show (1.30pm start).

- 4x Standing tickets for the Top Gear Festival Street Circuit Standing (9.30am start).

- All-day access to the whole festival area (9am to 8pm).

To book for the Sunday Classic Family package as well as other ticket packages that range from the Basic Ticket at R250 to R2100 for an Ultimate Package, go to www.topgearfestival.co.za

For travelling Top Gear enthusiasts and guests, there is a full range of packages, from self-drive and luxury coach packages to flight packages, which include travel and accommodation on a B&B basis in a Tsogo Sun three-star or four-star hotel.

For more information visit www.topgearfestival.co.za/ tickets/travel-packages or www.edusport.co.za

- Check out Top Gear Festival SA on Facebook; Twitter (@topgearfestsa) and www.topgearfestival.co.za

WIN BIG

If you’d like to win an all-inclusive package for two to the Top Gear Festival including flights, accommodation and the chance to meet Mika Häkkinen, sms TOPGEAR, your name and yes or no, if we may contact you for marketing purposes, to 45607. The winner will be announced in June. -The Star


http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/kzn-top-gear-promises-non-stop-action-1.1507537#.UX5alcpj63E

They've just announced that this one will feature the complete host lineup.

James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.

when did the little fellow get back involved?

No idea tbh, but i got the email last night saying he would be here.

I still want to go, but the pricing is just a bit out of my range for the moment unfortunately.

Top Gear Returns to Durban
By Zodwa Mayisela
2013-05-06

Top Gear is coming to Durban once again to grace the most praised tracks. The festival is expected to bring fun and lots of excitement to the city.

Fans will get the chance to meet all three of their icons live at Moses Mabida Staduim with the presence of the infamous driver from Top Gear ‘The Stig’. Also joining them will be the Formula One World Champion, Mika. The festival will take place on 15-16 June 2013.

South Africa seems to be one of the privileged countries to have all three hosts in one place. They sure promise to bring lots of fun to the table.

Yet again Moses Mabida Stadium has proved why it is one of the most popular stadiums in Africa. Richard has rescheduled his dairy just to make sure that he comes to the stadium, which once thrilled him last year when he graced the country with his presence. He says the tracks are of world class and he wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything in the Universe because this is a one in a million chance to enjoy himself with his co-hosts.


http://www.publicnewshub.com/top-gear-returning-to-durban/

Top Gear's Stig teases SA celebrities and journalists

Wednesday 15 May 2013 05:30

The organisers of the popular Top Gear Festival, to be held on June 15 and 16 in Durban, gave celebrities and journalists a taste of what would it be like to sit next to The Stig.

The enigmatic Stig had some fun with a BMW M6 Coupé in a cordoned off parking lot at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Before the arrival of the enigmatic race car driver from the hit BBC motoring show Top Gear, Olympic swimmer Chad le Clos stole the show saying he was nervous and excited at the same time as he was stepping out of his comfort zone.

The Stig was behind the wheel of a BMW M6 Coupé that has a 4.4 litre V8 engine generating 560 horsepower. The rear wheel drive power car was ideal for what he was about to do on the wet tarmac.

When they stepped out of the BMW, Le Clos, DJ Fresh and actress Hayley Owen described the ride as awesome, exhilarating, fantastic but not scary enough.

The Stig was doing 360’s and drifting the car through a series of tight turns at high speed.

Within the hour bits of rubber were flying off the tyres and The Stig pulled in for a tyre change.

With changes to the street circuit for this year's festival, chicanes and hairpin bends included, motoring enthusiasts can expect the racing cars to take a lot of punishment.


http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/7a2a4a804f9f0613aea1ee0b5d39e4bb/Top-Gears-Stig-teases-SA-celebrities-and-journalists-20131505

Top Gear to boost Durban's coffers by R100M
12 June 2013 at 11:40

Durban Tourism officials are expecting a R100-million financial boost from this weekend's Top Gear Festival.

http://www.ecr.co.za/media/photologue/photos/cache/top_gear_2012_publicity_pic_1_post_detail_web.jpg

The event, which will be held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, is expected to draw larger crowds than last year's.

Durban Tourism's Phillip Sithole says the city made over R93-million in 2012 with the hospitality, transport and entertainment industries being the biggest beneficiaries.

With more than 20 000 people expected to descend on Durban, Sithole is convinced the festival will be a huge success.

"The event last year attracted more than 20 000 visitors from outside the city, but in total the event had close to 70 000 people who watched, for a period of two days, four shows. This year we are hoping that we are going to reach the same numbers but we hoping we will have more than 20 000 visitors coming to the event," he said.

Various city roads will be closed during the weekend motoring spectacle.

http://www.ecr.co.za/post/top-gear-to-boost-durbans-coffers-by-r100m/

Durban braces itself for Top Gear

June 13 2013 at 12:22pm
By Minesh Bhagaloo

It’s officially Top Gear Festival time, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban set to enthral petrolheads with the variety of activities planned this Saturday and Sunday.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Top Gear Live Stadium Show hosted by the usual suspects: Jeremy Clarkson, James May, Richard Hammond, and that infamous white helmet known as The Stig. Fans can expect the trademark special effects and ridiculous motoring stunts we’ve become accustomed to – but a special show highlight will be The Stig piloting the 2011 season-winning Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 car inside the stadium.

STREET CIRCUIT

There’s lots happening outside the stadium too, not the least of which will be the Street Circuit where the Red Bull F1 car will be charging down the road in the hands of Red Bull Junior driver Antonio Felix da Costa. Two-time Formula One champion Mika Häkkinen will also be in attendance, and along with The Stig will be piloting some exotic machinery through the winding streets of Durban.

Hosted by radio personality Sasha Martinengo and racing driver Gugu Zulu, the updated 2.8km circuit (now with better viewing opportunities) will also play host to the fifth round of the Bridgestone Production Car National Championship. Motorsport fans can expect to see brands like BMW, Audi, Ford, Renault, VW, Mini and Chevrolet take on the circuit’s new hairpin corner and chicane in anger.

Top South African drivers like Etienne van der Linde, Johan Fourie, Melvill Priest and Gennaro Bonafede in Class A and Graeme Nathan, Gavin Cronje, Gary Formato and Michael van Rooyen in Class T will have their work cut out for them.

ICONIC RACE CARS

Other show highlights include a display by the Franschhoek Motor Museum celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours, with a procession of 14 iconic racing cars spanning the period from the 1930s to present day.

The Red Bull Toyota Dakar Hilux bakkie, driven by Giniel de Villiers, will also be in attendance, tackling a specially set-up rally stage in a point-to-point timed format. De Villiers will be piloting the same Hilux in which he finished second in this year’s Dakar rally.

Also interesting will be the Super Rugby Hot Rods Grudge Match, which combines motoring and rugby. The inaugural challenge will see eight hot rods race a total of five laps against Australian and New Zealand counterparts. Then there’s the Hot Hatch Grudge Match, which sees international pro-race drivers go head to head in a bid to set the fastest lap over five races.

ACTION ZONE

The Action Zone will play host to South Africa’s Shell Stunt School and the XS Promotions Stunt Team, who will be demonstrating Fast and Furious-style handbrake turns and drifting.

It will also be home to drag racing, rallying and extreme offroading – as well as the Red Bull X-Fighters and their FMX champion riders Nick de Wet and Brian Capper.

Rounding off the festivities is the Motoring Pavilion, which will feature new cars like the Jaguar F-Type, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the Peugeot 208 GTI and Audi’s RS5 Cabrio. Ticket prices range from R250 to R2 100 and are still available. For information on tickets and travel, or to book, visit www.topgearfestival.co.za

-Mercury Motoring


http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/red-bull-wings-its-way-to-durban-1.1520701

Going on Sunday

Lucky bastard..

I just can't justify the cost atm :( Hopefully finances will be better next year.

Ticket prices seem very very reasonable

what i could find online... seems a bigger crowd than last year

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Ticket prices seem very very reasonable

They were very very reasonable.... If i hadn't had a few unexpected large expenses recently, I would have been there.

The Rugby test ticket prices were stupid, the Top Gear prices were very reasonable if you wanted to have an afternoon out and a damn good show. (I went last year, and will be doing my damnedest to be there next year)

Those pics are stunning. The stadium looks amazing! Thanks for posting!

Variety & spice at Durban Top Gear

Petrolheads who braved the traffic jams surrounding the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban this weekend were treated to an action-packed event that fused hard-core racing, comedy and what's become known as 'theatrical' motoring.

Even though the stadium event, presented by Top Gear 'boys' Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, felt a little too short - it lasted just under an hour and a half - there was plenty of action taking place before the show in the areas surrounding the stadium.

MEAN STREETS

The tight street circuit that had been erected next to the stadium saw plenty of rubber scorched in a variety of races that ranged from serious to comical.

Crowds looked on in amusement as former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, Gugu Zulu and Sasha Martinengo raced each other in bright yellow tuk-tuks and felt the goose flesh form as Antonie Felix Da Costa screamed down the road in the RB7 Red Bull F1 race car.

There was some serious action too as the fifth round of the Bridgestone Production Car championship saw Audi S4s dominate on both Saturday's and Sunday's races - with Michael Stephen taking a pair of wins. Spectators were also treated to hot rod and hot hatch races as well as some drifting action.

STUNTS AND MORE

As headline sponsor of the event, our hosts from Shell provided more than their fair share of the spectacle. In addition to fuelling the cars of the event, Shell entertained crowds with its V Power Stunt School demonstrations, while the Shell stand challenged fans to an F1-style pit stop challenge, as well as the incredibly realistic Cruden Ferrari F1 simulator - mounted on hydraulics.

The expo area also gave motor-heads the chance to admire a wide variety of cars from classics to supercars and even some not-yet-launched vehicles like the Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG.

MAIN SHOW MAYHEM

Of course, the real highlight of the event was the Top Gear stadium show, which saw Jeremy, James and The Hamster entertain with the clownish antics that they're known and loved for.

The trio wafted into the stadium on a moving stage that was, quite fittingly, powered by a V8 engine. They even gave it a good rev just to prove that, before indulging in some donuts.

Jeremy was his usual cocky self, quipping that Richard was "just a helmet with feet sticking out"; that James only joined Top Gear from the second season because it took him that long to drive to the studio; we also found out that the long-in-the-tooth Lamborghini Gallardo was first found in the Sterkfontein Caves and even Oscar got a few rude mentions.

FROM RELIANTS TO A RED BULL

The trio, together with The Stig, treated crowds to a few theatrical races, including a Reliant three-wheeler dice in which they spent most of their time on their sides; the RB7 made another appearance as it smoked up the stage with some spectacular donuts and there was some eye-popping stunt biking action and a motorcycle polo match.

For that all important "on that bombshell" finale, the crew strapped Sasha Martinengo into a Nissan Micra, which they hoisted into the air with a crane to ultimately send him on a 61-metre plunge. We got to see his face on the giant screen as he descended, although the state of his trousers remained a subject of speculation.

All in all, the festival was an entertaining event but given the amount of investment it required, and the ticket prices for that matter, a longer main show would no doubt have been appreciated by many.

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/special-features/variety-spice-at-durban-top-gear-1.1533662#.UcBFSJwUtac

Went on Sunday, not much different from last year but there was fast cars, hot woman and a flippin F1 car screaming around the streets of Durban! whats not to enjoy?