Zwartkops Raceway

Zwartkops Raceway is situated in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. During the period 1988 to 1995 Zwartkops Raceway proved beyond doubt that the Pretoria / Centurion Racing venue was viable. The facility was supported by the public and proved to be very popular with competitors and associated sponsors. ^[1]

The new Zwartkops International Raceway – completion February 2001

Aerial view of the Zwartkops Raceway in Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa.

• The new facility consists of an international standard race track of 2.5km in length
• The circuit is designed along the latest in world racing circuits i.e. on the American “Amphitheatre” concept whereby 70% of the circuit is visible to spectators
• The focus of the new Zwartkops Raceway is on spectator viewing and facilities
• The venue and layout has been subjected to extensive acoustical environmental testing
• The facility was built for the sole use of high speed motoring both in the form of competition and driver development.
• The Zwartkops Raceway, which is situated in Gauteng forms part of the highest population density in South Africa, is fully proclaimed for the use of motor sport.

Home of motor sport in South Africa

Gauteng is the heart of motor sport in South Africa. Some 76% of circuit racing license holders live in Gauteng. At national level the figure is 80%. Some 60% of these license holders are not being provided for a consistent, public support, circuit availability and dignified way.

Spectators

South African motor racing has lost considerable public support (physical attendance and TV viewership) in recent years. A Gate of 30 000 people would mean some 12 000 vehicles passing through the gate which on present circuit infrastructure would take up to ten hours to enter the facility. It is doubtful if there is a circuit in South Africa which could park 8 000 vehicles and effective access system. It is the view of Zwartkops Raceway that motor racing in South Africa will not survive commercial sponsorship without public support.

International events

Zwartkops Raceway will promote international events. These events will be practical and involve the participation of South Africans. These events will also complement existing racing formulas and stimulate the sport. Every major sport in South Africa has internationalized itself in recent years barring motor racing. Given the above and Zwartkops Raceway will give you the finest bit of tarmac and the greatest racing experience in the world.

Zwartkops Raceway is for the benefit of all South Africans. By its stated objectives and focus on practical yet high value events, all racing circuits, competitors and sponsors will enhance their respective interests.

Zwartkops was born out of passion with purpose to create

• The most exciting motoring centre in Africa
• To be practical and affordable (as best it can be in motor racing terms)
• An “Arena” circuit, so everybody can see and know what is happening and experience the sight and sound of motor racing.
• Ensure that the facility has an open plan – assessable to the family man, paying spectator with all the components of racing i.e. man and machine
• Good ablution facilities – medical, effective event management and public address structures
• To grow participative motoring, we have created some 14 new formulas over the past twelve years
• Driver Training, world standard facilities.
• Karting circuit, skidpan etc.
• Enable the ordinary citizen on selective days to enjoy driving, with full support – medical and marshals on a high speed course – cars and motorcycles
• Invite international participants to stimulate our sport
• Empower all South Africans through ownership, skills development and giving “vision” as to what can be achieved through initiative.

Zwarkops Raceway Races

Below is a list of some of the motorsport racing events held at the Zwartkops Raceway.

Engen Volkswagen Cup at Zwartkops Raceway

Image of a Volkswagen Polo during a race at the Zwartkop Raceway in Centurion, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

The Engen Volkswagen Zwartkop Race takes place at Zwartkops Raceway. This is one of the most spectacular and entertaining racing formulas in the country. A one-make championship (Volkswagen), it has seen young drivers like Tschops Sipuka, Graeme Nathan and Michael Stephen competing against crafty veterans like Derrick Irving (a former World Kart Champion), Neil Stephen, Iain Pepper and others. It is always the biggest single entry for any race meeting. Close competition, clean racing and the fact that the cars are technically compatible, make the Engen Volkswagen Cup even more exciting as it is only driver skill that determines the winner.

References

1. "Zwartkops". Zwartkops. Zwartkops. Retrieved 23 March 2014.

Coordinates: 25°48′36″S 28°06′35″E / 25.8101°S 28.1097°E