Zwartkops Raceway
Location
Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Current Local Time
Track Info
Zwartkops Raceway - Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa
Compact permanent circuit near Pretoria - clockwise - technical, undulating and designed so spectators can see much of the action
When was the track built?
The original Zwartkops Raceway opened in 1961 as a 3.228 km permanent circuit near Pretoria. It was a fast, flowing track with noticeable elevation changes and quickly became an important part of South African motorsport.
The circuit changed considerably during the 1980s. Part of the original course was lost and a shorter 2 km version was created. After another period of uncertainty, Peter du Toit led plans to completely redevelop the venue. The modern Zwartkops opened in 2001 as a 2.4 km technical circuit focused on close racing and excellent spectator viewing.
When was its first race?
Zwartkops held its inaugural meeting on 18 November 1961. The circuit soon attracted some of South Africa's leading drivers and single-seater machinery.
One of its most important early events came in November 1962, when motorcycle world champion turned racing driver Gary Hocking won a Formula 1 race at Zwartkops in a Lotus. Although it was not a World Championship Grand Prix, it connected the circuit directly with South Africa's strong Formula 1 scene of the 1960s.
What's the circuit like?
- Short and technical: At only 2.4 km, corners arrive quickly. Drivers need to find a good rhythm because one poor exit can affect the next section of the lap.
- Good for overtaking: Several corners involve significant braking, including the tight hairpin. This gives drivers genuine opportunities to race side-by-side rather than simply follow.
- More elevation than it appears: Zwartkops rises and falls noticeably, with blind crests adding another challenge. The combination of elevation and compound-radius corners makes accurate positioning important.
The racing surface is approximately 10 metres wide, increasing to 12 metres along the start-finish straight. That relatively generous width helps produce the close racing for which Zwartkops is known.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula 1 / Outright: 0:58.839 - André Bezuidenhout, Dallara F189, 2008.
- Formula Volkswagen: 0:59.278 - Robert Wolk, Reynard Formula Volkswagen, 2012.
- Endurance Racing: 0:59.079 - Gavin Cronje, Ginetta V8, 2018.
- 250 Superkart: 0:59.79 - Bevan Williams, Anderson 250, 2017.
- Global Touring Cars: 1:03.120 - Saood Variawa, Toyota Corolla, 2023.
Different categories use very different cars, tyres and regulations, so their lap times are best treated as individual benchmarks rather than direct comparisons.
Why go?
Zwartkops was rebuilt around an amphitheatre-style idea, with roughly 70% of the circuit visible from suitable spectator areas. That makes it particularly friendly for newcomers because you can follow more of a race without constantly moving around the venue.
The calendar mixes modern touring cars and motorcycles with club racing and historic machinery. Its Passion for Speed meeting is especially popular, bringing classic touring cars, sports cars and historic single-seaters together for one of South Africa's major historic racing weekends.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and pit area: Ideal for first-time visitors, with race starts, finishes and pit-lane activity all close together.
- Turn 2 hairpin: One of the slowest points on the circuit and a strong place to watch late braking and overtaking attempts.
- Higher spectator banks: Zwartkops was deliberately designed to give fans wide views across the circuit, so elevated areas can let you follow several corners from one position.
Spectator areas can vary between events, so follow circuit signage and event instructions when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Zwartkops Raceway (Centurion, South Africa)
Zwartkops Raceway is on the R55 west of Centurion and Pretoria in Gauteng. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, although the Gautrain can get you to Centurion before a taxi or ride-hailing trip for the final section.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Centurion: head west towards the R55 and follow navigation directly to Zwartkops Raceway.
- From Johannesburg: travel north towards Centurion, then approach the circuit using the R55.
- From Pretoria: head towards Pretoria West / Centurion and join the R55 for the final approach.
- Navigation: search for Zwartkops Raceway, R55, Centurion. The official main-gate coordinates are approximately -25.81161, 28.11483.
- Parking: on-site event parking is available; follow officials because entrances and parking areas can vary for large meetings.
Tip: Use the circuit itself as your navigation destination rather than searching only for Zwartkops, which can refer to other places in the Pretoria area.
Gautrain
- Centurion Station: the most useful Gautrain stop for reaching the circuit.
- From Johannesburg: Gautrain's north-south service connects Johannesburg, Sandton, Midrand and Centurion.
- From O.R. Tambo Airport: use the airport Gautrain service and change within the network for Centurion.
- Station → circuit: there is no train to the raceway itself, so use a taxi, ride-hailing service or pre-arranged pickup.
Check the Gautrain timetable before travelling, especially if your race finishes in the evening.
Airports & transfers
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA): a convenient airport for the western side of Gauteng if its flight schedule suits you.
- Rental car: Lanseria has several car-hire companies inside its multi-storey parking facility.
- O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): the better choice for international visitors and the widest range of flights.
- From O.R. Tambo: either hire a car or use Gautrain to Centurion and complete the journey by road.
Race-day tips
- Check your event: Zwartkops hosts national racing, regional championships, track days, historic meetings and motoring shows, so gates and ticket arrangements vary.
- Spectator banks: many major meetings make use of the grass embankments around the circuit, so a camping chair can be useful.
- Food: larger race meetings normally include food vendors and licensed refreshment areas.
- Paddock access: some events operate an open-pit or open-paddock policy, but this should be confirmed for your particular meeting.
Where to stay
- Centurion: the easiest base, with a large selection of hotels, restaurants and shops.
- Pretoria: another convenient option, especially if you want to combine the race weekend with time in the city.
- Camping: do not assume overnight spectator camping is available for every meeting. Confirm directly with the organiser if an event advertises camping.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: travelling by car or taxi is normally the simplest option.
- Gautrain: Centurion Station has drop-off and parking facilities and forms part of the accessible Gautrain network.
- Before travelling: contact Zwartkops Raceway for the best parking, entrance and viewing arrangements for your particular event.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate directly to Zwartkops Raceway on the R55 in Centurion.
- Coming by Gautrain? Travel to Centurion Station, then use a taxi or pre-arranged ride.
- Flying? Lanseria is convenient; O.R. Tambo offers the widest range of flights.
Check Zwartkops Raceway and Gautrain shortly before travelling, as event entrances, gate times and transport schedules can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Zwartkops Raceway (Pretoria, South Africa)
Zwartkops Raceway sits near Centurion on the western side of Pretoria, making it easy to combine a motorsport weekend with wildlife, South African history and family attractions. Whether you’re here for modern racing, historic cars, motorcycles or a track day, there is plenty to do away from the circuit.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- KartZone at Zwartkops: Stay in racing mode on a separate 700 m outdoor rental kart circuit inside the Zwartkops complex. Arrive-and-drive sessions make it a simple option even if you have never raced before.
- Irene Farm: A historic working dairy farm with family restaurants, lawns and farm surroundings. It is an easy choice for breakfast or lunch away from the noise of the circuit.
- Voortrekker Monument: Explore exhibitions, impressive architecture and wide views across Pretoria. The surrounding grounds provide extra space for walking and exploring.
- Centurion: Shopping centres, restaurants and everyday supplies are a short drive away, useful if you need an easy meal or a break between race days.
History & rainy-day stops
- Freedom Park: A major heritage site overlooking Pretoria that explores South Africa’s history, conflicts and journey towards democracy through memorials and exhibitions.
- Ditsong National Museum of Natural History: A good family option for fossils, animals, geology and displays explaining South Africa’s natural history.
- Voortrekker Monument: The museum focuses on the Great Trek and Afrikaner history. Pairing it with Freedom Park gives visitors a broader look at different parts of the country’s past.
Eat & drink after the racing
- At Zwartkops: Food and drinks are normally available during major race meetings, while the circuit complex also includes the Pitstop Sports Café.
- Centurion: Head towards central Centurion for a large choice of casual restaurants, coffee shops and takeaway options.
- Irene: The leafy Irene area is ideal for a slower breakfast or dinner, with Irene Farm particularly popular for relaxed family meals.
Get outdoors around Pretoria
- Groenkloof Nature Reserve: Swap racing cars for walking and mountain-bike trails through bushveld close to central Pretoria. Wildlife can include giraffe, zebra and several antelope species.
- Rietvlei Nature Reserve: A large urban nature reserve where you can spend a few hours looking for wildlife and birds without travelling far from the city.
- Pretoria’s jacarandas: If you visit during spring, parts of the city become famous for streets lined with purple-flowering jacaranda trees.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Hartbeespoort Dam: Head north-west for mountain scenery, waterside restaurants and attractions around the Magaliesberg. It works well as a relaxed half-day or full-day trip.
- Cradle of Humankind: Explore caves and exhibitions about early human history at this UNESCO World Heritage area west of Johannesburg and Pretoria.
- Johannesburg: South Africa’s largest city is within day-trip range, with major attractions including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the calendar: Zwartkops is used frequently, but a club meeting, public track session and major national race weekend can offer very different spectator experiences.
- Arrive early: Bigger events can become busy, so arriving before the main racing starts makes parking and finding a viewing position easier.
- Prepare for the sun: Pretoria can be hot and sunny around the circuit. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, while winter mornings can be surprisingly cold.
- Check spectator rules: Pit access, food vendors, braais and what you may bring into the venue can vary by event.
Race schedules, public track sessions, spectator rules and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.