By Nkweto Mfula
Nchanga Motor Sport Club has embarked on a fundraising venture to revamp the 2.4 kilometre Lawrence race circuit stretch, situated along Chingola-Chililabombwe road.
The target is K3.5 million.
The Nchanga motor sport club’s Lawrence circuit is one of the longest motor racing facility in Zambia.
Club vice chairman Lazarous Muntete said the circuit requires rehabilitation to bring it to the international standards.
“The circuit is in a state of disrepair, we want to restore it to its former state, to set standards in motor sport,” he said.
Mutete was speaking during the Nchanga Motor Sport Club fundraiser held at Protea Hotel recently..
He said the 2.4 kilometre stretch circuit which was established in 1971 by Allen Lawrence has hosted major national events in the last decades.
“Chingola is also a home town of the national champion Priyesh Patel, one of Africa’s best drivers,” he said.
And launching the Nchanga Motor Sport Club fundraiser, Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo said sport is important in Zambia, which should be supported by all stakeholders.
Tembo said the funds that would be raised for the rehabilitation of the race circuit should be used to its intended purposes with proper accountability.
“The revamping of the Lawrence race circuit has come at a better time as Chingola Municipal Council prepares the mining district to attaining a City status by 2020,” he said.
And officiating at the event National Construction Council (NCC) executive director Matthews Ngulube called on the club to ensure that the project is registered with NCC.
“Motor sports club here in Chingola has produced national champions,” he said.
He said there is good will from Government in promoting sport in the country saying the business community should support the motor cross sport.
He cited President Lungu and the First lady Ester Lungu as some of the national leaders who are involved in sport.