Phakisa Freeway
Location
Welkom, Free State, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Phakisa Freeway - Welkom, Free State, South Africa
International-standard road circuit and banked oval - clockwise - flat, flowing and best known for hosting MotoGP
When was the track built?
Phakisa Freeway was constructed in 1998-99 on the site of Goldfields Raceway, a 4.168 km circuit that had hosted South African Formula 1, sports car and touring car racing from 1970 until its closure in 1997.
The replacement was much more ambitious. Alongside a new 4.242 km Grand Prix road course, the developers built a 1.5-mile banked oval inspired by the 1997 version of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Construction began in September 1998 and the main circuit and paddock were completed by the following April.
When was its first race?
National racing took place at the new facility during 1999, but Phakisa's major international debut came on 10 October 1999 with the South African Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Max Biaggi won the 500cc race for Yamaha, while a young Valentino Rossi won the 250cc category. Phakisa remained on the motorcycle Grand Prix calendar through 2004, hosting six consecutive South African rounds.
What's the circuit like?
- Fast and flowing: Phakisa has relatively short straights but no tight chicanes. Riders and drivers spend much of the lap linking corners together, making smooth lines and momentum very important.
- Flat but demanding: There is little dramatic elevation change to help identify braking points. The open Free State surroundings can also leave dust on the surface and change grip levels.
- Two circuits in one: The Grand Prix track crosses through the separate oval complex and even uses the oval pit lane as its back straight, giving Phakisa an unusual layout unlike most traditional road circuits.
The racing surface is around 12 metres wide, giving competitors room to choose different lines even though overtaking can still require careful preparation.
Lap records and benchmarks
- MotoGP: 1:33.208 - Max Biaggi, Honda RC211V, 2004.
- 500cc Grand Prix: 1:35.508 - Valentino Rossi, Honda NSR500, 2001.
- 250cc Grand Prix: 1:35.593 - Sebastián Porto, Aprilia, 2004.
- 125cc Grand Prix: 1:40.711 - Roberto Locatelli, Aprilia, 2004.
- Historic Goldfields Raceway Formula 1: 1:23.000 - Dave Charlton, McLaren M23, 1975.
The Dave Charlton lap was set on the old Goldfields Raceway and cannot be directly compared with times from the modern Phakisa Grand Prix circuit.
Why go?
Phakisa has an unusual place in motorsport history. Few circuits combine a European-style road course with a full American-inspired speedway, and even fewer hosted MotoGP during one of the sport's most memorable periods.
The greatest moment came in 2004 when Valentino Rossi won his very first race for Yamaha after leaving Honda. He defeated Max Biaggi in a close battle and became the first premier-class rider to win consecutive Grands Prix for different manufacturers.
International racing later disappeared from Phakisa, but the facility remains an important part of Free State motorsport and has been the subject of efforts to restore more regular competition and activity.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and grandstands: The easiest choice for first-time visitors, with race starts, finishes and pit-lane activity directly in front of you.
- Road course near the oval: One of Phakisa's most distinctive viewing areas, where you can see how the Grand Prix circuit crosses through and interacts with the speedway layout.
- Final sector: A useful place to watch competitors build speed for the main straight and see how a good corner exit can set up an attack into the next lap.
Phakisa's event schedule and available spectator areas can vary considerably, so check current event information before travelling to the circuit.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Phakisa Freeway (Welkom, South Africa)
Phakisa Freeway is between Welkom and Odendaalsrus in South Africa's Free State province. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, especially because the circuit is outside the main urban area and its 2026 motorsport programme is much quieter than in its international-racing years.
Important 2026 circuit update
Phakisa Freeway still exists as a motorsport facility, but it is not currently operating the busy national and international schedule it once had.
- Redevelopment: a current project aims to upgrade the raceway and bring it back towards Motorsport South Africa standards.
- Current use: testing and occasional track activities can still take place, but regular large race meetings are limited.
- Before booking: confirm that your specific event is definitely taking place at Phakisa before arranging flights or accommodation.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Welkom: head towards Odendaalsrus and follow the R70 towards Phakisa Freeway.
- From Odendaalsrus: take the R70 towards Welkom; the circuit complex lies between the two towns.
- From Bloemfontein: allow roughly two to two-and-a-half hours and head towards Welkom before following the R70 to the circuit.
- From Johannesburg: Welkom is roughly a three-hour drive from O.R. Tambo Airport, making a rental car practical for a weekend visit.
Tip: Search directly for Phakisa Freeway rather than relying on a Welkom postcode, as the circuit is outside the city centre.
Coach & public transport
Long-distance coaches can get you into Welkom, but the final journey to Phakisa needs to be completed by road.
- Intercape: currently serves Welkom as part of its Free State network.
- Welkom stop: coaches use the EP Building at 17A Buiten Street in central Welkom.
- Welkom → circuit: arrange a taxi, private transfer or pickup before you arrive.
- Event shuttle: only rely on one if your particular organiser specifically advertises it.
For first-time visitors, driving is considerably simpler than trying to reach the venue entirely by public transport.
Airports & transfers
- Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN): the most practical scheduled passenger airport for visitors wanting to stay within the Free State.
- Rental car: the easiest onward option, with several major car-hire companies operating at the airport.
- Taxi & shuttle: services are available at Bram Fischer Airport, although a direct transfer to Welkom is a long journey.
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): a useful alternative if you need a much wider choice of domestic or international flights.
- Welkom Airport: do not assume scheduled passenger flights are available; check current services before planning around it.
Race-day tips
- Large venue: Phakisa contains a 4.242 km Grand Prix road circuit as well as a 2.414 km oval.
- Event arrangements: gates, spectator areas and parking can differ considerably depending on whether the venue is hosting a track day, test or larger meeting.
- Bring essentials: take water, sun protection and anything else you may need during the day rather than assuming every event has full spectator facilities.
- Supplies: Welkom is the easiest place to buy fuel, food and other essentials before travelling to the track.
Camping & staying nearby
- Camping: Free State tourism information lists camping facilities at Phakisa, but availability should be confirmed for your particular event.
- Welkom: the best accommodation base, with hotels, guest houses, restaurants and shops close enough for an easy drive to the circuit.
- Odendaalsrus: even closer to the raceway, although accommodation choices are more limited.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car or pre-arranged taxi is the simplest option because regular public transport does not reach the circuit.
- Before travelling: contact your event organiser to confirm accessible parking, entrances and spectator viewing arrangements.
- Airport arrival: Bram Fischer Airport provides taxis and rental cars, allowing you to arrange suitable onward transport before leaving the terminal.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head to Welkom or Odendaalsrus and follow the R70 to Phakisa Freeway.
- Coming by coach? Travel to central Welkom with Intercape, then arrange a taxi or pickup.
- Flying? Bram Fischer International Airport is the most practical Free State option; hire a car for the onward journey.
Most importantly, confirm that your specific event is proceeding before travelling. Phakisa is currently the subject of redevelopment plans and does not have the regular racing programme it once did.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Phakisa Freeway (Welkom, South Africa)
Phakisa Freeway sits between Welkom and Odendaalsrus in South Africa’s Free State, surrounded by open grassland and the region’s historic goldfields. Whether you’re visiting for car racing, motorcycles or simply to see one of Africa’s most unusual circuits, Welkom offers mining history, birdlife and relaxed places to explore between track sessions.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Goldfields Mall: An easy stop for restaurants, shopping and supplies, particularly useful if you have children or need somewhere indoors between activities.
- Flamingo Pan: One of the wetlands around Welkom known for attracting flamingos and other waterbirds. Bird numbers depend on conditions, so treat sightings as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
- Welkom’s parks: The city was planned with unusually generous green space and thousands of planted trees, making its parks useful for a picnic or a quiet break after a loud day at the circuit.
- Oppenheimer Park Golf Club: Golfers can fit in a round while non-racing members of the group take a break from the circuit.
History & rainy-day stops
- Welkom Museum: Learn how the discovery of gold transformed the area into one of South Africa’s major mining centres. The museum also covers the development and natural history of Welkom. Check opening arrangements before visiting.
- Ernest Oppenheimer Theatre: Welkom’s main performing-arts venue hosts theatre, music and community productions. Check the programme to see what is running during your stay.
- Goldfields history: Headgear, mine infrastructure and enormous mine dumps around the region are reminders of the industry that created modern Welkom. Avoid entering mine property unless you are part of an authorised visit.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Welkom Central: The city centre and surrounding suburbs offer the widest choice of restaurants, cafés, takeaway food and supermarkets close to Phakisa.
- Goldfields Mall: A straightforward option for groups who want several food choices in one place without planning ahead.
- Stock up before the track: Phakisa sits outside the main commercial areas, so taking water and snacks is sensible, particularly for smaller events where trackside catering may be limited.
Get outdoors around Welkom
- Flamingo Pan: Bring binoculars and spend some time looking for flamingos, gulls and other waterbirds around the pans south-west of the city.
- Explore the Circle City: Welkom is famous for its many roundabouts and unusual planned road layout. A drive through the leafy central areas gives you a quick look at this distinctive part of the city.
- Golf: The generally open Free State landscape makes golf a popular outdoor option, with Oppenheimer Park among the courses around Welkom.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve: Roughly 60 km from Welkom, this reserve surrounds Allemanskraal Dam and offers wildlife and birdwatching. Animals can include giraffe, zebra and several antelope species.
- Bloemfontein: Around two hours away by road, the Free State’s largest city adds museums, gardens, restaurants and larger cultural attractions to your trip.
- Parys & the Vredefort Dome: Extend your stay north-east for small-town cafés, outdoor activities and the enormous Vredefort impact structure, created by an ancient meteorite strike.
Good to know on event weekends
- Confirm the event: Phakisa’s race programme is less predictable than some of South Africa’s busier circuits, so confirm dates and spectator access before booking a trip around a particular meeting.
- Prepare for temperature changes: Free State summers can be hot with afternoon storms, while winter mornings and evenings can become very cold.
- Bring sun protection: The circuit has large open areas with limited natural shade, so sunscreen, a hat and drinking water are useful.
- A car is recommended: Driving is the simplest way to travel between Phakisa, Welkom and attractions farther across the Free State.
Race calendars, spectator access, attraction opening hours, wetland conditions and road conditions can change - check current information before you travel.