Speed Classic Cape Town Brings Economic and Cultural Impact to the City, A Very New Update in Sports Tourism

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Speed Classic Cape Town is set to make a powerful return in 2025, reigniting the thrill of hillclimb racing on Philip Kgosana Drive, boosting sports tourism. Taking place on the weekend of 25-26 October, this exciting event promises not only to captivate motorsport enthusiasts but also bring significant economic and cultural benefits to the city. Cape Town’s return to motorsport, after a hiatus, signals a powerful leap forward in the city’s tourism and event sector. With an expected 10,000 spectators and over 100 drivers, the Speed Classic is poised to enhance Cape Town’s profile, attract international visitors, and inject valuable revenue into the local economy.

The event offers a unique blend of historic vehicles and modern supercars, which will compete on a 1.8 km stretch of road. With its classic car showcase on Saturday, and the King of the Mountain showdown on Sunday, the Speed Classic will attract visitors and media from around the globe. This prestigious event will also serve as an essential addition to Cape Town’s crowded events calendar, ensuring the city stays on the radar of international motorsport fans.

Alderman JP Smith, City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, has emphasised the economic impact that motorsport events like Speed Classic Cape Town bring to the city. He highlighted that Cape Town’s motorsport culture is a proud tradition, and the city is keen to support its continued growth. The event is expected to raise the profile of Cape Town as a motorsport destination and add to the already thriving tourism ecosystem. It will also bolster a motorsport industry in the Western Cape that generates approximately R350 million annually, creating thousands of jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, servicing, and repairs.

Moreover, Speed Classic Cape Town will add valuable tourism income, with significant benefits to local businesses, especially hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. The influx of visitors for the weekend will increase spending on accommodations, dining, and entertainment, enhancing the local economy. Hotels in the area are set to experience a rise in bookings, similar to other major events like the Cape Town E-Prix in 2023, which generated over R1 billion in economic activity.

Motorsport events like Speed Classic Cape Town play a vital role in the broader economy of the Western Cape. The Cape Town E-Prix alone has demonstrated the enormous potential for motorsport tourism, with an economic impact of R1 billion and global media value nearing R70 million. Events such as these are helping to secure Cape Town’s position as a prime destination for global sporting events, making it a crucial player in the regional tourism and business sectors.

The positive effects of motorsport tourism extend far beyond the event itself. As the local industry continues to grow, more job opportunities arise across various sectors, from tourism and hospitality to manufacturing and technical services. For example, the successful Simola Hillclimb in Knysna generated R52 million in visitor spend in 2025, showing the wide-reaching impact of motorsport tourism on local communities.

By hosting major motorsport events, Cape Town not only attracts international competitors and spectators but also reinforces its commitment to the local community. With an annual hosting capacity of over 1,200 events, the city generates nearly R4 billion to the local economy. This demonstrates the power of events like Speed Classic Cape Town to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Speed Classic Cape Town is expected to become an annual fixture at the end of October, coinciding with the beginning of Cape Town’s summer event season. The event’s organisers aim to expand it in the coming years, increasing its international competitor base and establishing Cape Town as a key player in the global motorsport community. With an increasing focus on tourism, job creation, and skills development, the city is positioning itself as a premier destination for motorsport events and cultural tourism.

Event Director Garth Mackintosh expressed the long-term goal of making Speed Classic Cape Town a key part of the international motoring calendar. The growth of the event is expected to enhance Cape Town’s global presence, driving further investment and increasing the city’s reputation for hosting world-class events.

Cape Town has long had a proud motorsport history, and Speed Classic Cape Town represents a major step in the city’s ongoing commitment to nurturing this culture. The event also offers a unique opportunity to showcase South Africa’s exceptional engineering and automotive skills. By bringing together classic cars, modern supercars, and international drivers, the event creates a platform for showcasing the rich diversity of motorsport talent in the region.

This rich history, combined with the modern excitement of hillclimb racing, has made motorsport in Cape Town an integral part of the city’s cultural identity. With a dedicated following of fans and increasing media exposure, the event also presents an opportunity for local drivers, mechanics, and enthusiasts to engage with the global motorsport community. Speed Classic Cape Town’s expansion and international appeal will continue to inspire future generations of motorsport fans and professionals in the region.

While motorsport enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy the racing action, the event also offers a rich cultural experience for all. The weekend will feature a wide range of local food vendors, live entertainment, and an electric atmosphere. With the competition set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town’s iconic landscapes, spectators will experience a celebration of not only motorsport but also the vibrant culture that defines the city.

The event also provides a platform for local vendors, artists, and performers to showcase their talents, creating a sense of community pride and further enhancing Cape Town’s cultural identity. Visitors will have the chance to engage with the local culture and enjoy a variety of attractions, making Speed Classic Cape Town more than just a motorsport event.

As the city continues to build on its growing motorsport legacy, Speed Classic Cape Town represents an important step forward. The event’s success is a testament to Cape Town’s ability to host high-profile international events, attract visitors, and stimulate the local economy. By capitalising on the global appeal of motorsport, Cape Town is poised to become a leading destination for motorsport tourism in the years ahead. With continued support from local authorities, international competitors, and a thriving fan base, Speed Classic Cape Town is set to leave a lasting impact on the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

Speed Classic Cape Town’s return in 2025 is a major milestone for the city, as it combines the excitement of motorsport with the potential for significant cultural and economic impact. The event showcases Cape Town’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for motorsport tourism and further solidifies its place on the global stage. As the city continues to host major events and attract international visitors, the future looks bright for Cape Town’s tourism industry and its role as a cultural hub in South Africa.