Local motoring enthusiasts are hoping the upcoming Top Gear Festival will help make the case for a permanent race track in Durban.

The British TV franchise will be heading to the East Coast for shows on June 16 and 17, with the Moses Mabhida Stadium set to be transformed into a race track.  A street circuit will also be set up.

Durban and the province are splitting the anticipated R31-million bill for the event, with a view to enhancing tourism revenue.

KZN Motor Racing’s Kas Moodley told East Coast Radio that his members are hoping that the show will highlight the need for permanent motoring facilities in Durban.

“The city have done it for the A1 Grand Prix and I think they will easily prepare and have the track ready, the two kilometre track, for Top Gear. There will be quite a bit of economic spin-off and I think this should obviously be channelled into a permanent facility.”