An action-packed weekend as drivers took on the custom-built track at the inaugural Emerald Speed Fest
The Emerald Speed Fest record has been set by Reghard Roets who claimed bragging rights with an outright victory of 33.869 seconds.
Reghard says he is still in shock. When asked about the custom-built track, his only comment was,
"It's a driver's track with no margin for error".
He thoroughly enjoyed its challenges and looks forward to defending his title in 2021, but first he is super excited to enjoy the prestigious 1st place prize of a 5-night stay at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The three days of motoring action saw over 5300 spectators through the gates of the Emerald Resort and Casino and welcomed 71 race competitors to the 1.6km racetrack at the Vaal resort.
Pieter Zeelie who took second place in the Master of the Mile, says
"Fast, daunting, and exciting! This promises to be a super event on the calendar in ensuing years."
Well known racing champion Franco Scribante, took third place with an ailing car after suffering a front differential failure prior to the final race. This put Franco on the backfoot slightly having to race the Sherriff - his Nissan GTR 35 hill climb special as a 2-wheel drive instead of a 4-wheel drive as meant to run.
"We are overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback we are receiving from visitors and competitors after this first-edition event. It certainly was a memorable weekend and we look forward to an even bigger and better ESF in 2021. I would also like to thank Emerald Resort and Casino and our partners who trusted us to deliver an event of this caliber,"
says Joshua Low, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa.
Day 1 and 2 of this motorsport extravaganza, consisted of qualifying shootouts from drivers in each category. Spectators were spoilt with action by Franco Scribante in his record-breaking Nissan GTR, which hit a top speed of 302 km/h on the racetrack.
Day 3 was filled with action and the Harley Davidson Parade done by Harley Davidson Dealership and Owners Group of Gold Rand created even more excitement on the racetrack. The cool temperature on the day was welcomed by the drivers who pushed hard to claim their top spots. It was an expeditious race day, that kept spectators on the edge of their seats as the event culminated to the nail-biting Master of the Mile shootout - the perfect ending to an adrenaline filled weekend of racing.
The Messe Frankfurt South Africa team and our partners would like to express our sincere thank you and appreciation for being a part of the Emerald Speed Fest journey and participating in this inaugural event. To all contenders who brought the ESF racetrack to life over the 3 days of motoring action, we look forward to seeing you in 2021.
Competitor impressions
"Thank you for a superb event. It was an amazing event and we loved every second of exhibiting and competing. One thing you guys have right, you know how to appreciate and treat competitors, without competitors there is no event! Thank you for making us feel so welcome. You have an incredible team and we will gladly work with you anytime we possibly can. We are committed to 2021 and look forward to working with you on improving the event for next year."
- Peter, Paige and the Shelby, Road to Race and Lindenberg Racing crew
"An incredible experience this past weekend where we had the privilege of representing Mercedes-Benz SA and the AMG Driving Academy SA at the inaugural Emerald Speed Fest."
- Courtney Nicholl, AMG Driving Academy
Spectator impressions
"Thank you to all the contenders for putting up a memorable event to us motorsport enthusiasts at the ESF 2020 event."
- Nick Beukes, SA Car Clubs Magazine
"It was an unbelieve experience and we hope to see you next year."
- Norma Thorsen
"An awesome experience, this event was out of this world."
- Hendrik Barend Terblanche
"A fantastic event, looking forward too many more years of this motorsport action."
- Marcel Conradie
"Brilliant event...very brave venture and one of the few motor sports events that had us on the edge of our seats watching that final shootout. Could not have been scripted better."
- Paul David Clark
"Watching this event from Scotland, what a brilliant event."
- John Scott
"Watched the live feed on Saturday and Sunday, was great to experience. Congratulations to all the winners. And, a special congratulations to the Master of the Mile - Reghard Roets. A great show. Thanks to the organizers and Sponsors. Onward and upward 2021."
- Paul Stevens
