Aldo Scribante Raceway
Location
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Aldo Scribante Raceway - Gqeberha, South Africa
Compact permanent circuit in the Eastern Cape - clockwise - narrow, technical and famous for close racing
When was the track built?
The Algoa Motor Sport Club spent more than a decade trying to create a permanent race circuit for the Port Elizabeth area. Local manufacturers including Ford and General Motors supported the project, but the club still needed considerable extra funding.
That help came from construction businessman and motorsport patron Aldo Scribante, who backed the project financially. The circuit was named in his honour. Scribante was already well known in South African racing through Scuderia Scribante and his support of multiple national champion Dave Charlton.
The circuit has remained largely unchanged in shape, although its facilities have steadily improved. A major upgrade came in 2018 when the entire racing surface was replaced.
When was its first race?
The circuit's first race meeting was held on 30 November 1975. The programme featured 14 races, and motorcycles actually produced the venue's first winner: local rider Tiny Marriner on a Honda 750.
Ernst Viljoen then became the first car-race winner in a Ford Escort 1600 GT. Ray Emond was the fastest driver of the meeting, circulating in a little over 1 minute 10 seconds.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and demanding: At less than 2.5 km, there is little time to relax. The circuit rewards drivers who can repeatedly hit the same braking points and racing lines.
- Fast meets slow: The quick Hanger section leads towards the tight hairpin, forcing competitors to switch rapidly from carrying speed to heavy braking.
- Hard on tyres: Aldo Scribante is known for an abrasive surface and high tyre loads, particularly through its faster corners. Managing grip can become important during longer races.
The circuit is narrow by modern standards, which makes overtaking challenging. That often produces close racing because drivers must carefully prepare a move rather than simply relying on extra power.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Historic Formula Atlantic benchmark: 0:55.28 - Tony Martin, Maurer-Mazda.
- South African Endurance: 0:56.3 - Gavin Cronje, Ginetta-Corvette V8, 2018.
- South African GT qualifying: 0:56.995 - Arnold Neveling, Audi R8 GT3, 2022.
- Superbike: 0:59.862 - Clinton Seller, Yamaha, 2018.
- Toyota GR Cup: 1:11.876 - Nabil Abdool, Toyota GR Yaris, qualifying, 2025.
Some Aldo Scribante benchmarks come from qualifying while others are official race laps, so they should not be compared directly. The 2018 resurfacing also makes older and newer records slightly different reference points.
Why go?
Aldo Scribante provides an intimate alternative to South Africa's larger circuits. Spectator banks and grandstands sit close to the action, while the compact layout means races are easy to follow and the cars or motorcycles pass frequently.
The circuit hosts national touring cars, one-make racing, endurance events, motorcycles and regular Algoa Motor Sport Club competition. It also has strong links with the Eastern Cape's motor industry, with manufacturers using the venue for testing, launches and special events.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: Cars arrive after the long main straight and brake hard for the right-hander, making this a natural place for overtaking attempts.
- Hunts Hairpin: One of the circuit's slowest corners and probably its clearest passing opportunity. Expect late braking and drivers trying different lines.
- Final corner and main straight: A strong exit from the Dunlop corner is vital because it determines speed all the way down the straight and can set up a move into Turn 1.
Spectator areas can vary between events, so follow circuit signage and instructions from officials when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Aldo Scribante Raceway (Gqeberha, South Africa)
Aldo Scribante Raceway is a permanent circuit on the outskirts of Gqeberha in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Driving, hiring a car or taking a taxi is the easiest way to arrive, with the venue north of the city in the Coega area.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From central Gqeberha: head north towards the Coega area using the N2, then follow navigation to Aldo Scribante Raceway.
- From the airport: travel through or around the city towards the N2 and continue north towards Coega.
- Navigation: search for Aldo Scribante Race Circuit, Coega IDZ, Gqeberha.
- Parking: spectator parking is provided for race meetings, but follow event signage because paddock, competitor and spectator traffic may use different areas.
Tip: Older signs and travel information may still use the city's former name, Port Elizabeth. Gqeberha and Port Elizabeth refer to the same city.
Coach & public transport
- Intercape: operates long-distance coach services into Gqeberha from other South African cities.
- City arrival: Intercape currently uses several Gqeberha stops, including the railway-station area and Perridgevale.
- City → circuit: arrange a taxi, ride-hailing vehicle or rental car for the final journey to Coega.
- Local buses: Algoa Bus Company operates throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, but there is no straightforward race-day bus service to the circuit gate.
If this is your first visit, road transport from your hotel or coach stop is considerably simpler than trying to build the journey around local bus routes.
Airport transfers
- Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ): the main airport for Gqeberha and the obvious choice for visitors flying to Aldo Scribante.
- Rental car: the simplest option for a multi-day motorsport weekend.
- Car hire: multiple companies operate at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, First, Hertz and others.
- Taxi: practical if you plan to stay in Gqeberha and only need transport to and from the circuit.
Race-day tips
- Active circuit: Aldo Scribante hosts regional club racing, national championships, endurance racing and motorcycle events.
- 2026 calendar: the venue has hosted several major meetings this year and gained an additional National Extreme Festival round in August.
- Tickets: admission varies by event. Some major meetings sell tickets directly at the circuit entrance.
- Viewing: spectator banks and stands provide views around the compact 2.48 km circuit.
Check the exact meeting before travelling because ticket prices, opening times and spectator areas are not identical for every event.
Where to stay
- Gqeberha: the easiest base, with a wide choice of hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Beachfront: popular with visitors who want accommodation and restaurants away from the industrial Coega area.
- Camping: general spectator camping is not advertised as a standard facility for every meeting, so confirm with the Algoa Motorsport Club before planning to camp.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: car, taxi or ride-hailing is normally the easiest way to reach the venue.
- Before travelling: contact the Algoa Motorsport Club to confirm the best parking, entrance and viewing arrangements for your event.
- Flying: arrange any airport mobility assistance through your airline and book suitable onward transport if needed.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head north from Gqeberha towards Coega and navigate directly to Aldo Scribante Race Circuit.
- Coming by coach? Travel into Gqeberha, then complete the journey by taxi or pre-arranged ride.
- Flying? Use Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport and hire a car for the simplest trip.
Check the Algoa Motorsport Club and your event organiser shortly before travelling, as gates, parking, ticket prices and spectator arrangements can vary between meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Aldo Scribante Raceway (Gqeberha, South Africa)
Aldo Scribante Raceway sits on the outskirts of Gqeberha, close to both the city and the Eastern Cape’s wildlife country. Whether you’re visiting for touring cars, endurance racing, motorcycles or a club event, you can easily add beaches, museums, safari experiences and coastal scenery to your race weekend.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Bayworld: A useful rainy-day stop with a museum and snake park. Displays cover local marine life, dinosaurs and the natural history of Algoa Bay.
- Hobie Beach: One of Gqeberha’s best-known city beaches, with swimming, rock pools, Shark Rock Pier and places to eat close by.
- Boardwalk & Summerstrand: An easy area for families needing restaurants, shops and entertainment after a day at the circuit.
- Kragga Kamma Game Park: See animals including white rhino, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and cheetah in a wildlife park within the wider city area. Self-drive and guided visits are available.
History & rainy-day stops
- Route 67 & Donkin Reserve: Explore public artworks connected with Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service, then enjoy views across the city and harbour from the historic Donkin Reserve.
- Bayworld Museum: Highlights include a huge southern right whale skeleton, maritime objects and exhibits explaining the area’s natural history.
- Motorsport history: Aldo Scribante has been part of Eastern Cape racing since the 1970s and remains an important venue for South African national and regional competition.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Summerstrand: Head towards the beachfront for casual restaurants, seafood and easy family dining around Hobie Beach and the Boardwalk.
- Stanley Street: Richmond Hill is a popular choice for restaurants and evening meals if you want somewhere livelier after the track closes.
- Stock up before the circuit: Aldo Scribante is outside the main city centre, so carrying water and snacks is sensible even when catering is available at an event.
Get outdoors by the coast
- Sardinia Bay: A beautiful undeveloped beach backed by dunes. It is particularly good for long walks, picnics and sunset views.
- Sacramento Trail: An 8 km coastal walking route beginning around Sardinia Bay and Schoenmakerskop, with open sea views and natural coastline.
- Cape Recife Nature Reserve: Combine beaches, dunes, birdlife and walking trails on the southern side of Gqeberha.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Addo Elephant National Park: The standout day trip for many visitors. Self-drive through the park looking for elephants, buffalo, lions, antelope and other wildlife, or book a guided game drive.
- Sundays River & Colchester: Combine the southern entrance to Addo with river cruises, canoeing or sandboarding around the enormous coastal dune fields.
- Jeffreys Bay: Head west along the coast for famous surf breaks, beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. It works well as a full-day trip.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the calendar: Club meetings, endurance races and national championship weekends can have very different timetables, ticketing and spectator access.
- Expect wind: Gqeberha is well known for breezy coastal weather, so bring a layer as well as sunscreen and a hat.
- A car is useful: Driving is the easiest way to move between the circuit, beachfront and wildlife attractions.
- Allow extra time: Major events can bring larger crowds. Arriving early makes parking and finding a good viewing position easier.
Race calendars, spectator access, attraction opening hours, park entry conditions and beach conditions can change - check current information before you travel.