Pretoria, South Africa – Zwartkops Raceway is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Thompson, has been selected to participate in the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the U.S. Government’s premier professional exchange programme.
Thompson will represent both South African motorsport and Zwartkops Raceway during the specialised programme, ‘Racing Forward: American Innovation in Motorsports.’
The multi-regional programme will include professional visits to Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Charlotte, Daytona Beach and Austin, where delegates from around the world will engage with government representatives, motorsport organisations and industry leaders. The programme focuses on motorsport business development, event management, innovation, sponsorship, engineering, safety, tourism and the economic impact of major sporting events.
The International Visitor Leadership Program provides participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas, explore international best practices and develop professional relationships that contribute to the advancement of their respective industries.
“This is an incredible opportunity, not just for me personally, but for Zwartkops Raceway and South African motorsport. I’m looking forward to seeing how some of the world’s leading motorsport organisations approach the same challenges we face – whether it’s attracting spectators, improving operations, growing commercial partnerships or creating memorable experiences for competitors and fans. If I can return with practical ideas that make us better at what we do, then the programme will have been worthwhile.”
– Tanya Thompson
Tanya Thompson meeting with Pontsho Mohlola & Jake Goshert, Professional Exchanges Coordinator, U.S. Embassy Pretoria, Public Diplomacy Section
At Zwartkops Raceway, we believe that standing still is never an option. Whether it’s improving the experience for competitors, officials, spectators or commercial partners, we are constantly looking for better ways to do things. Learning from international best practice is part of that journey, and participation in the IVLP provides a valuable opportunity to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives back to South African motorsport.
The International Visitor Leadership Program has, for more than eighty years, connected emerging and established leaders from around the world with their American counterparts through professional exchanges designed to promote collaboration, innovation and mutual understanding.
About Zwartkops Raceway
Based in Pretoria, Zwartkops Raceway is one of South Africa’s leading motorsport and lifestyle destinations. The facility hosts national and regional circuit racing, historic motorsport, karting, driver training, corporate events and a wide range of public motoring experiences. Through its commitment to innovation, accessibility and operational excellence, Zwartkops continues to play a significant role in the growth and promotion of South African motorsport.
