These are exciting times for the motor sport industry.

First, it was announced that Singapore may become one of the stops on the Formula One calendar.

Negotiations are still ongoing, but what we know is that it will most likely be a street race.

However, it is still anybody's guess if the race will be held in the day or at night.

If that becomes a reality, the tourism industry will receive a massive shot in the arm.

The economic spin-offs will be tremendous.

But how does hosting an F1 race benefit the thousands of motor car enthusiasts in Singapore who love to take a spin at Pasir Gudang or at Sepang in Malaysia almost every weekend?

Will they get a crack at the street circuit? I don't think so.

All these speed merchants want is an avenue where they can let rip their engines and hone their racing skills.

Hosting an F1 race will not satisfy that desire of theirs. The proposed street route will be used only once a year when the Formula One swings into town.

Chances are the motor car enthusiasts will be reduced to the role of spectators.

As much as they desire, there is no way they will be allowed to test out the F1 street circuit.

That is why the Government should consider building a permanent race track in Singapore.

It was reported earlier this month that the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports is considering building a permanent race track off the East Coast Parkway near Changi Naval Base.

MAJOR EVENTS

The circuit is likely to be a FIA Grade 2 track which can host major motor sports events except F1 races, which require Grade 1 circuits.

According to Denis Lian, Singapore's best-known car racer, the Singapore authorities had planned to go down to the Sepang International Circuit to film the proceedings of the MPT Super Time Attack last Monday.

For some reason, they did not show up. What a pity.

If there were there, they would have found enough reasons to proceed with the race track.

From top executives to expatriates to the man in the street, the passion and enthusiasm shone through.

It is no secret that motor car enthusiasts travel to Malaysia on weekends to vent their speed urges.

But 72 cars on a working Monday? It was definitely an eye opener.

If there is worry that a race track will be under-utilised, those fears can be put to rest.

Besides hosting the Malaysian F1, the Sepang International Circuit has a usage rate of 95 per cent.

If you ask me, it's the same argument as the casino issue. There are some negative aspects, but overall, it is a positive step forward.