Remember all those rumours that Cape Town was going to host a Formula One race?

That dream appeared to die around mid-2015, which would have been a massive bummer for all our local petrolheads.

How about a little good news, then? Three, two, one…

For the first time in history the FIA World Rallycross Championship is coming to South Africa, with the season-closer bringing the sport’s biggest names to our neck of the woods.

Put these dates in your diary right now – Saturday, 11 November from 8AM until Sunday, 12 November 2017 at 4PM at Killarney International Raceway, Cape Town (tickets HERE).

Sponsored by Gumtree, who are doing wonders for the automotive industry in South Africa (check out the Pre-Owned Car Awards), fans can look forward to seeing all of the stars in action.

Superstar drivers include Sebastien Loeb, Petter Solberg, Mattias Ekstrom and Ken Block on track, and entertainment throughout the weekend in the fanzone – including an exclusive flying display.

According to the WRX website, here’s what you’re in for:

A weekend of exhilarating wheel-to-wheel race action on mixed surfaces (dirt and asphalt), the FIA World Rallycross Championship delivers serious indulgence for fans of speed and cars. High profile drivers are equipped with RX Supercars with over 600bhp and the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than two seconds – faster than a Formula One car.

Move over, Lewis Hamilton, these babies will put you to shame.

Here’s world champion Johan Kristoffersson:

New team, new car, new everything! I’m going into the 2017 season with extremely high motivation. And the dessert always comes at the end! I’ve never been to African continent. I can’t wait to explore the ‘Mother City’ and set my mark on the first ever FIA World RX event in Africa!

And Petter Solberg, currently second in the standings:

I expect South Africa to become a fantastic event. What more would a motorsport loving crowd want than a full World RX display of the roughest and fastest cars on the planet racing each other? I will for sure be there fighting for the season finale win!

I think we’re all keen to see a good duel for top spot. Here’s how Killarney will shape up for the race:

You’ll need to pop over HERE to get your hands on some tickets, and I would suggest you hurry to avoid disappointment.

Who says you need the Formula One and those prima donnas, right?