Colombia has been a victim of illegal car races because of its growing group of car fanatics and the only track being located in Bogota. In the spirit of the crescent petrolheads, the Colombian government has announced the new construction project of a car-racing track in Medellin.

Previously being planned to be built in Rionegro, Antioquia, because of the price range relationship with the budget, the local administration chose to do it in Medellin’s metropolitan area. According to the blueprints, the track will have a longitude of approximately 2,800 metres to 3,300 metres following the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) rules.

“It will affect us (petrolheads) tremendously, it’s a necessity because the amount of accidents that occur in public roads because of people trying to enjoy their cars in an irresponsible manner will be reduced,” Said Alejandro Gomez an 11th grade Columbus School student “People are going to come here from nearby towns. There are great cars in those cities and they also don’t have a place to enjoy them.”

The ICA has given up 90 hectares of land in Bello to the Department of Antioquia and the city of Medellin for common-benefit projects. Benefiting an approximate number of 18 municipalities.

“It promotes a leisure space for the car lovers but it also offers a lot of employment for the area, Bello not being one of the wealthiest cities of Colombia. This can give prestige to Medellin in the eyes of the international community,” Said David Arias a college student with acclaimed affinity for cars.

Various car racers have given testimonies about the necessity they’ve been having of a place to practice and compete legally while recognizing the other downright effects it will have in the city.

“This project will affect the city in a positive manner, here in medellin we have tons of car fanatics, people who enjoy the sport, people who enjoy watching and competing and right now we don’t have a place to do it, we have Las Palmas but that is [illegal] so I think it will benefit in tons of ways…” Said Alejandro.