Red Star Raceway
Location
Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Red Star Raceway - Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Modern permanent circuit east of Johannesburg - runs in both directions - technical, flowing and originally designed with motorcycle riders in mind
When was the track built?
Red Star Raceway is much younger than most of South Africa's best-known circuits. Businessman and motorcycle enthusiast Jacques van Wyngaardt and his family bought land near Delmas in 2009 with the aim of creating a safe permanent circuit for riders and track-day enthusiasts.
Van Wyngaardt worked with engineers Andy Farmer and Kevin Owen on the layout. Heavy summer rain slowed construction, but the approximately 4 km circuit was ready during 2010. Large grass run-off areas were deliberately included because safety for amateur and developing riders was one of the main priorities.
When was its first race?
Red Star opened in 2010, initially building its reputation through motorcycle riding, training, track days and club competition rather than one major international opening race.
An important step came in November 2013 when the circuit hosted the final round of the South African national Superbike and Supersport championships. It was the first national championship meeting at Red Star and introduced many of the country's leading riders to the then-new 13-turn circuit.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical and flowing: Many corners connect directly into one another. Getting one turn wrong can leave a driver or rider badly positioned for the next.
- Plenty of variety: Long straights provide opportunities to build speed, while several hairpins create heavy braking zones and possible overtaking opportunities.
- Two tracks in one: The circuit can operate clockwise or anti-clockwise. Traditionally the direction changes during the year, although individual events can choose a different configuration.
Red Star has generous run-off compared with many older circuits. That makes it popular for rider training and track days, while still being challenging enough for national-level racing.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Mobil 1 V8 Supercars: 1:54.163 - Julian Fameliaris, Chevrolet Corvette, 2024.
- BMW Race Series: 1:55.951 - Adrian Dalton, BMW, 2022.
- Investchem MSA4: 1:57.940 - Shrien Naidoo, MSA4, 2025.
- BMW Class B benchmark: 2:03.448 - Andreas Meier, BMW, 2022.
Red Star is raced in both directions, so lap times only make sense when the circuit direction, category and event conditions are taken into account.
Why go?
Red Star combines serious motorsport with a relaxed club atmosphere. National and regional car championships race here, while motorcycles remain an important part of the venue's identity. Track days, rider training, karting and other motoring activities mean the circuit is active far beyond major race weekends.
The venue was also designed with families in mind. Facilities have grown to include entertainment and recreation areas, making it easier for newcomers to spend a full day at the circuit even if they are not dedicated racing fans.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: The circuit itself recommends this area, with views towards the start-finish straight and nearby hairpin.
- Hairpin: Slow corners usually produce some of the easiest racing to understand, with heavy braking, different lines and overtaking attempts all visible.
- Start-finish straight: Best for race starts, finishes and watching the fastest cars and motorcycles accelerate through the gears.
Because Red Star changes direction for different parts of the season and some individual events, the best viewing areas can change. Check the event layout when you arrive.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Red Star Raceway (Delmas, South Africa)
Red Star Raceway is a permanent motorsport circuit near Delmas in Mpumalanga, east of Johannesburg. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, with the circuit conveniently located beside the N12 and around 40 minutes by road from O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Johannesburg: follow the N12 east towards Delmas and Mpumalanga. Leave at Exit 485 for the Groenfontein / Dryden turn-off and follow signs to Red Star Raceway.
- From O.R. Tambo Airport: join the N12 east and continue towards Delmas. The circuit is roughly 40 minutes from the airport in normal conditions.
- From Delmas: follow the N12 west towards the circuit and use Exit 485.
- Navigation: search for Red Star Raceway, Delmas or use the circuit's published GPS coordinates: approximately S26°04'30.9", E28°45'20.0".
- Parking: parking is available during circuit events, but follow the instructions for your meeting as spectator, competitor and camping areas can differ.
Tip: The raceway is beside the N12 rather than in central Delmas, so navigating directly to the circuit is simpler than driving into town first.
Public transport
Red Star Raceway is not well suited to a public-transport-only journey. The venue does not advertise a regular bus or rail service to its entrance.
- From Johannesburg: hiring a car is normally the simplest option for a race weekend.
- From Delmas: if you reach the town without a vehicle, arrange a taxi or private pickup to the circuit before travelling.
- Event shuttles: only rely on a shuttle when the organiser of your specific event confirms one.
- Return journey: pre-arrange transport if you are not driving, particularly for events that finish late.
O.R. Tambo Airport transfers
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): the nearest major airport and the best option for most domestic and international visitors.
- Rental car: the easiest onward choice. Avis, Europcar, First Car Rental, Hertz and several other companies operate at the airport.
- Taxi or transfer: accredited airport taxis and shuttle services are available, but arrange your return from the circuit as well.
- Why a rental car helps: Red Star is rural, so having your own vehicle also makes accommodation, food and race-day journeys much easier.
Race-day tips
- Active in 2026: Red Star continues to host car and motorcycle track days, club racing and larger motorsport meetings.
- Main grandstand: the circuit highlights its main stand as a good viewing location for both the start-finish straight and the hairpin.
- Family facilities: the venue has developed additional leisure areas including a swimming pool and children's facilities.
- Different events: spectator admission, gate times and paddock access vary considerably, so check your exact meeting rather than relying on general circuit information.
Camping & staying at the circuit
- RSR Lodge: the circuit has ten self-catering en-suite units with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and indoor braai facilities.
- Executive huts: six two-person wooden huts have private bathrooms and braai facilities.
- Standard huts: nine two-person huts use shared ablution facilities.
- Camping: Red Star advertises 40 campsites, making on-site accommodation a practical option for multi-day events.
- Book ahead: availability can be limited during major race weekends, so reserve accommodation before travelling.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: arriving by car or private transfer is normally the easiest choice because public transport does not serve the circuit directly.
- Before travelling: contact Red Star Raceway to confirm the most suitable parking, drop-off point and spectator viewing area for your particular needs.
- Flying in: arrange airline assistance where required and book a suitable rental vehicle or airport transfer before arrival.
Quick guide
- Driving? Follow the N12 towards Delmas and leave at Exit 485 for the Groenfontein / Dryden turn-off.
- Flying? O.R. Tambo International Airport is around 40 minutes away; hiring a car is easiest.
- Staying overnight? Red Star has its own lodge, cabins and 40 campsites, with Delmas providing additional options nearby.
Check Red Star Raceway shortly before travelling, as event gates, parking, camping availability and spectator arrangements can vary between meetings.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Red Star Raceway (Delmas, South Africa)
Red Star Raceway sits in the open farmland outside Delmas, close enough to Gauteng for an easy motorsport weekend from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Whether you’re visiting for touring cars, motorcycles, historic racing or a track day, the circuit has plenty to do on site while nature reserves and city attractions are within day-trip range.
Family-friendly highlights
- Pool & kiddies area: Red Star was developed with families in mind and includes a swimming pool and dedicated children’s area - useful when younger visitors need a break from watching cars.
- The Aviary: Another quieter attraction inside the Raceway complex for visitors who want something different between sessions.
- Red Star parkrun & trails: The property includes running and cycling routes, making the venue more than just a racetrack on quieter weekends.
- Marievale Bird Sanctuary: Explore wetlands, bird hides and open water near Nigel. Hundreds of bird species have been recorded in this internationally important wetland area.
History & slower-paced stops
- Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum: Learn how farming developed in South Africa through historic machinery, buildings and agricultural displays. It fits particularly well with a trip through the farmland surrounding Delmas.
- Delmas: The small town grew around agriculture, with maize, wheat, potatoes and poultry among the important products of the surrounding area. Stop here for supplies or a relaxed meal before returning to the circuit.
- Red Star Raceway: The venue has developed steadily since 2009, growing from a motorcycle-focused facility into a major South African circuit used by cars and bikes.
Eat & drink at the track
- The Square: Red Star’s social area includes a restaurant, making it convenient to eat without leaving the circuit complex.
- Turn 14 Bar: A trackside option for adults wanting to relax after the day’s driving or racing has finished.
- Delmas town centre: Head into town for supermarkets, takeaway food and additional restaurant choices. Carrying water and snacks is sensible for long race days.
Get outdoors away from the circuit
- Marievale Bird Sanctuary: Drive slowly between bird hides or explore parts of the wetland on foot. Early mornings are especially rewarding for birdwatching.
- Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: A larger escape near Heidelberg with hills, grassland, hiking routes, wildlife and more than 200 recorded bird species.
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve: Head towards Pretoria for self-drive wildlife viewing in a large urban reserve where animals can include rhino, buffalo, zebra and antelope.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Pretoria: Combine the Voortrekker Monument, museums, gardens and restaurants with a visit to Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
- Johannesburg: Major attractions such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Gold Reef City make the city an easy addition to a longer motorsport trip.
- Cullinan & Rayton: Pair the historic mining town of Cullinan with the Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum for a quieter day north of the circuit.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the track direction: Events can use clockwise or anti-clockwise layouts, so the viewing experience may change from one meeting to another.
- There is more than circuit racing: Red Star also has facilities for track days, rider training, a skidpan and a drag strip.
- Prepare for Highveld weather: Summer can bring hot days and afternoon storms, while winter mornings can be very cold. Sunscreen, water and an extra layer are useful.
- Consider staying on site: Accommodation is available at Red Star, which can make early starts much easier on multi-day race weekends.
Race calendars, track direction, spectator access, venue facilities and nature-reserve conditions can change - check current information before you travel.