Travel safety concerns amidst the looting and ransacking in the Gauteng region coupled with date clashes with other motor sport events have prompted the organisers to cancel the Emerald Speed Fest for 2019 and move it to a new date next year.

Originally scheduled for the September 28/29 the motor sport and motoring lifestyle at the Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark will now take place on February 7/9.

“A date in early 2020 has proven to be a more desirable option for this exciting new motor sport event. The safety of competitors and spectators is a prime concern and the new date will also ensure all competitors in local motor sport will get an opportunity to participate in this unique event,” says Shaun Swart, Head of Business Development for show organizers Messe Frankfurt South Africa.

“Messe Frankfurt South Africa is fully committed to deliver a safe and successful event and the new date provides a better platform to achieve this objective. We would also like to thank our event partners and the venue for the overwhelming support of the exciting new motorsport event,” added Messe Frankfurt South Africa CEO Joshua Low.

High-performance race cars, modern road-cars, historic race cars and supercars will compete in a time challenge along a 1,6 km strip of tar at the Vaal Resort. The event will offer competitors a challenging high-speed run competing, in classes, for a variety of prizes totaling close to half a million rand in value.

Spectators will witness these high-performance road and race cars in action as well as also enjoy a variety of displays and refreshments. The pit area will be open to the public. Classic Car displays as well as motoring and motor sport related exhibitors will add to the excitement of the event. Visitors will also benefit from the family orientated features and attractions Emerald Resort has to offer.