Killarney International Raceway
Location
Table View, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Killarney International Raceway - Cape Town, South Africa
Historic multi-purpose motorsport complex beneath Table Mountain - home to circuit racing, motorcycles, karting, rallycross and drag racing
When was the track built?
Killarney began when local enthusiasts were allowed to hold speed trials on an abandoned section of the old road between Milnerton and Malmesbury. A connecting road was added in 1952, turning the original straight into a simple racing circuit.
The venue was completely redesigned by racing driver and engineer Edgar Hoal in 1959 and 1960. The new 3.267 km course was built to attract international single-seater racing.
When was its first major race?
The redesigned circuit opened with the Cape Grand Prix on 17 December 1960. Stirling Moss won for Porsche, ahead of teammate Jo Bonnier and Lotus driver Wolfgang von Trips.
A second Cape Grand Prix followed in January 1962, when Trevor Taylor won after his Lotus teammate Jim Clark spun at Malmesbury Sweep.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Killarney has relatively few slow corners, so maintaining speed and using smooth steering are especially important.
- Long acceleration zones: Drivers spend much of the lap building speed before braking for the larger corners.
- Malmesbury Sweep: This long corner rewards confidence and a clean exit because it leads onto a fast section of the lap.
- Wind can matter: The circuit's open position near the Atlantic coast means strong Cape winds may affect braking, handling and motorcycle stability.
What races here?
- Main-circuit cars: Touring cars, GT machinery, historic vehicles, single-seaters and locally developed racing cars compete throughout the season.
- Motorcycles: Superbikes, middleweight machines, classic bikes and entry-level categories use the main and short circuits.
- Karting: The separate technical course supports young beginners through to fast senior competition classes.
- Drag racing: Cars and motorcycles compete from a standing start over the quarter-mile strip incorporated into the main straight.
- Rallycross and short circuit: Smaller layouts provide mixed-surface racing and affordable categories with close spectator views.
Records and major events
- Historic outright benchmark: 1:08.09 - Ian Scheckter in a Lotus 72, 1974.
- Cape Grand Prix: International Formula One drivers competed here during the 1960s, although the races did not count towards the World Championship.
- Cape 9 Hour: Endurance events continue the circuit's tradition of long races involving several drivers and pit stops.
- Power Series: Regular regional meetings bring several car and motorcycle categories together on one programme.
- World Rallycross: A purpose-built mixed-surface layout hosted international World RX events between 2017 and 2023.
Lap records are separated by vehicle type and circuit layout. Historic Formula One cars, modern sports cars and motorcycles cannot be compared directly.
Why go?
Killarney offers more forms of motorsport than most circuits. Depending on the event, visitors may see modern racing cars, classic machinery, motorcycles, karts or straight-line competition at the same complex.
Its Cape Town setting is another major attraction. Table Mountain is visible beyond parts of the circuit, while the relaxed spectator areas create a traditional club-racing atmosphere close to the city.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight: Best for race starts, pit stops, drag-racing launches and close finishes.
- Cape Town Corner: Good for braking, overtaking attempts and cars accelerating away from a slower part of the lap.
- Malmesbury Sweep: Best for appreciating speed, balance and driver commitment through a long corner.
- Clubhouse and central viewing areas: Useful for seeing several sections while remaining close to food, timing information and other facilities.
- Short-circuit stands: A strong choice for newcomers because almost the entire smaller layout can be followed from one place.
Killarney International Raceway is at 6 Potsdam Road in Table View, approximately 15 km north of central Cape Town. Different disciplines use separate gates, paddocks and spectator areas, so check the official event information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Killarney International Raceway (Cape Town)
Killarney International Raceway is in Cape Town, around 15 km north of the city centre. Driving is straightforward, but visitors without a car can also use the MyCiTi bus network, with a station normally located directly beside the raceway on Potsdam Road.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is easy compared with most motorsport venues because Killarney is within Cape Town's northern suburbs and close to the N7.
- From central Cape Town: head north towards the N7 and continue towards Killarney Gardens and Potsdam Road.
- From the northern suburbs: approach through the N7, Plattekloof Road or surrounding local road network.
- Navigation: search for “Killarney International Raceway”.
- Event days: follow temporary signs because different gates can be used for parking and spectator access.
Save the address as 6 Potsdam Road, Killarney Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa.
Getting there by MyCiTi
Killarney is unusual for a race circuit because Cape Town's MyCiTi bus network serves Potsdam Road immediately beside the venue.
- Killarney Station: normally the closest stop, with the circuit only a short walk away.
- From central Cape Town: use the MyCiTi network and connect towards the Table View and Potsdam Road area.
- Plan your return: check the latest timetable if your race meeting finishes in the evening.
- Current disruption: Killarney Station is temporarily closed following a fire in July 2026, with replacement transport operating while repairs are underway.
Check the MyCiTi journey planner immediately before travelling, particularly while the temporary station closure remains in place.
Flying in
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main airport for both domestic and international visitors and is within the Cape Town metropolitan area.
- Rental car: convenient if you are attending several days of motorsport or exploring Cape Town.
- Taxi or rideshare: Uber and other services provide a simple direct journey to the circuit.
- Public transport: reaching Killarney by bus is possible, but a taxi or rideshare is normally easier when arriving with luggage.
Cape Town traffic varies greatly. Allow considerably more time if travelling during the weekday morning or afternoon peak.
Parking & rideshare
Killarney has substantial space for spectator vehicles, although there is no single parking arrangement used for every event.
- On-site parking: available at many major race meetings and shows.
- Parking charges: can be included, charged separately or differ according to the event.
- Different gates: large events may separate general parking, accessible parking, VIPs and pedestrian access.
- Rideshare: organisers may provide a designated Uber or Bolt drop-off area during major meetings.
Check the event map before travelling. Killarney has several gates, and the correct entrance can change from one meeting to another.
Understanding the circuit
Killarney is much more than one race track. The large motorsport complex hosts several different forms of racing throughout the year.
- Main circuit: a 3.267 km clockwise road-racing layout.
- Drag racing: the venue regularly hosts quarter-mile and street-to-strip events.
- Rallycross: mixed-surface racing takes place on a separate course within the complex.
- Karting & short circuit: additional tracks allow several forms of motorsport to take place at the venue.
Check which part of Killarney your event uses, as the correct entrance and spectator area can differ considerably.
Where to stay
Because Killarney is within Cape Town, visitors have a much wider choice of accommodation than at most race circuits.
- Table View: close to the circuit and convenient if motorsport is the main purpose of your trip.
- Bloubergstrand: nearby, with restaurants, beaches and views towards Table Mountain.
- Central Cape Town: best for sightseeing and nightlife, with a longer journey to the raceway.
If you are staying centrally without a car, check the MyCiTi journey before choosing your hotel.
Race-day tips
- Buy tickets online: Killarney normally sells spectator tickets online, with gate prices often slightly higher.
- Arrive early: Potsdam Road can become heavily congested before major events.
- Check your gate: parking and pedestrian entrances can differ depending on the meeting.
- Prepare for the weather: Cape Town can be hot and sunny or cool, windy and wet depending on the season.
- Bring hearing protection: especially for children and spectators attending drag racing.
- Save the address: 6 Potsdam Road, Killarney Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa.
For a first visit, driving directly to Killarney is the simplest option. Without a car, MyCiTi normally provides an excellent alternative, but check the current Killarney Station disruption before travelling.
Parking, entrance gates, ticket prices and public transport can change between events. Killarney MyCiTi Station is temporarily closed as of August 2026, so check the latest MyCiTi and Western Province Motor Club information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Killarney International Raceway (Cape Town, South Africa)
Killarney International Raceway is Cape Town's historic home of motorsport, with Table Mountain visible beyond the circuit on clear days. The large complex hosts circuit racing, drag racing, rallycross, karting, drifting and more - while beaches, nature reserves, museums and central Cape Town are all within easy driving distance.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Bloubergstrand: A long Atlantic beachfront famous for postcard views of Table Mountain. It is ideal for a walk, ice cream or sunset after a day of racing.
- Intaka Island: A 16-hectare wetland and bird sanctuary in Century City with walking paths, bird hides and seasonal boat trips.
- Two Oceans Aquarium: Head to the V&A Waterfront for sharks, turtles, penguins and displays introducing the marine life found around southern Africa.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Zeitz MOCAA: A huge contemporary African art museum built inside a converted grain silo at the V&A Waterfront.
- District Six Museum: Learn about the Cape Town community that was forcibly removed under apartheid through photographs, maps and personal stories.
- V&A Waterfront: Shopping, restaurants, museums and indoor entertainment make the harbour precinct one of the easiest places to spend a wet afternoon.
Eat & drink around the circuit
- Blouberg & Table View: The closest useful areas for seafood, burgers, cafés and relaxed restaurants, often with excellent Table Mountain views.
- Try Cape Malay food: Look for fragrant curries, samoosas and other dishes shaped by Cape Town's long multicultural history.
- Have a braai: South Africa's style of cooking meat over a fire is an important part of local food culture - think of it as more than simply a barbecue.
Get outdoors between race days
- Bloubergstrand: Walk the beachfront or watch the kitesurfers and windsurfers that make use of the area's famously strong winds.
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve: Explore coastal fynbos and viewpoints where both Table Mountain and Robben Island can be seen on clear days.
- Table Mountain: Take the cableway or choose an appropriate hiking route for some of the most famous views in South Africa.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Check conditions before hiking and follow current SANParks safety guidance.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- V&A Waterfront: Combine the aquarium, Zeitz MOCAA, harbour attractions, restaurants and shopping in one easy day.
- Kirstenbosch: Explore the national botanical garden on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, with walking paths and the elevated canopy walkway.
- Cape Peninsula: Allow a full day for the spectacular coastal journey toward Cape Point, with beaches and mountain scenery along the way.
- Stellenbosch: Head into the Cape Winelands for historic streets, mountain scenery and wine estates. Non-drivers can still enjoy restaurants, gardens and cellar tours.
Good to know during race weekends
- Killarney is much more than one circuit: Different weekends can use the main track, drag strip, kart circuit, rallycross area or several venues at the same time.
- Check exactly what you're attending: A Power Series race meeting feels very different from drag racing, karting, drifting or the All Tar Rally.
- Allow for Cape Town traffic: Journey times can increase significantly around weekday rush hours, so give yourself extra time when travelling from the city centre.
- Expect wind: Killarney is close to Cape Town's exposed west coast, and strong winds can make an otherwise warm day feel cooler.
- Bring hearing protection: Circuit racing, drag racing and other events can be extremely loud, especially for children.
Race schedules, spectator access, ticket prices, attraction opening hours and weather conditions can change - check current information before travelling.