Zwartkops Raceway
Zwartkops Raceway at a glance
- Location
- Centurion, Gauteng
- Type
- road course
- Length
- 2.4 km (1.491 mi)
- Turns
- 8
- Direction
- clockwise
- Surface
- asphalt
- Opened
- 1961
- Owner
- Peter du Toit / Zwartkops Owners Club
- Address
- R55, Pretoria West
- Phone
- +27 12 384 2299
- Website
- zwartkops.co.za
Track map and layout
Zwartkops is a short, technical 2.400 km, 8-turn circuit near Pretoria that has been reshaped several times since it first opened in 1961. The current layout is tighter than its original 3.228 km configuration, favouring nimble, well-balanced cars over outright horsepower, and its compact size makes it a popular test and club-racing venue for teams based in Gauteng. The circuit sits alongside a skidpan, kart track and 4x4 course, all used for the manufacturer driving-experience programmes that run alongside its racing calendar.
Configurations
| Layout | Length | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Current layout (1998/2001-present) | 2.40 km | 2.400 km, 8 turns |
| 1986-1998 layout | 2.00 km | 2.000 km |
| Original circuit (1961-1985) | 3.23 km | 3.228 km |
Events and race weekends
Zwartkops runs a busy year-round calendar mixing its own signature meetings, the Passion for Speed historic and classic racing weekends and the Extreme Festival (featuring SuperHatch, Sports & Saloons and Extreme Supercars categories), with the Legends of the 9 Hour endurance event and weekly Wednesday Open Practice sessions open to racers and trackday drivers. The circuit also hosts national single-seater, touring car and Global Touring Car Championship rounds.
| Event | Series | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passion for Speed | Historic and classic motor racing | Varies (multiple weekends per year) | flagship historic racing event |
| Extreme Festival | SuperHatch / Sports & Saloons / Extreme Supercars | Varies | |
| Legends of the 9 Hour | Endurance racing | Varies |
Getting there and parking
Zwartkops sits on the R55 in Pretoria West/Centurion, roughly 20-30 minutes from central Pretoria and 40-50 minutes from central Johannesburg by road, depending on traffic. OR Tambo International is the nearest major airport. Public transport to the circuit is very limited, so a car, hire vehicle or rideshare is the practical way to get there.
- OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) · about 45 min drive
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA) · about 40 min drive
Parking
On-site parking is available for event days; arrive early for major meetings like Passion for Speed and the Extreme Festival.
Public transport is limited around Pretoria West — plan on driving, a rideshare, or a hire car to reach the circuit.
Hotels and camping near Zwartkops Raceway
Most visitors stay in Pretoria (Centurion, Hatfield or the CBD), a short drive from the circuit, or in Sandton/Midrand if combining a visit with Johannesburg. There is no trackside camping culture at Zwartkops; overnight stays are almost always off-site in nearby hotels.
Where to look
Centurion and Pretoria (closest, widest local choice), or Sandton/Midrand (35-50 minutes away, useful if combining with Johannesburg or Kyalami).
Track days, driving experiences and lap records
Zwartkops runs weekly Wednesday Open Practice sessions (around R600 per driver at last check) open to cars and bikes, alongside manufacturer driving-experience programmes including Mercedes-Benz AMG, Volkswagen Driving Academy, Toyota Advanced Driving and motorcycle training through Citi Trax, using the main circuit, skidpan, kart track and 4x4 course.
Who runs days here
Typical cost: Wednesday Open Practice from around R600 per driver (subject to change)
Lap records
| Category | Time | Driver | Car | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 1 (exhibition/testing) | 0:58.839 | André Bezuidenhout | — | 2008 |
| GT3 | 0:59.625 | Michael Stephen | — | 2023 |
| Global Touring Car (GTC) | 1:03.120 | Saood Variawa | — | 2023 |
Spectator guide
Zwartkops' compact layout means most vantage points around the circuit give a view of several corners at once, and event weekends such as Passion for Speed and the Extreme Festival draw strong local crowds for close-quarters club and historic racing.
Seating
General viewing areas and banking around the circuit; no large permanent grandstands.
Best places to watch
Higher ground around the middle of the circuit gives views across multiple corners.
Weather
- Oct-Mar: warm Highveld summer, highs around 27-30°C with afternoon thunderstorm risk
- Jun-Aug: cool, dry winter, days around 18-20°C, cold mornings
History of Zwartkops Raceway
An early Pretoria circuit
Zwartkops Raceway opened on 18 November 1961 west of Pretoria, giving Gauteng's motorsport community a dedicated circuit close to the capital. Its original 3.228 km layout hosted decades of South African national racing before the track was shortened to around 2.000 km in 1986 as safety standards and land-use pressures around the site evolved.
Closure and revival
Zwartkops closed in 1998, leaving a gap in the region's club and national racing calendar. Owner Peter du Toit, working with the Zwartkops Owners Club, reopened the circuit on 24 March 2001 on today's tighter 2.400 km, 8-turn configuration, restoring it as one of Gauteng's core racing venues alongside Kyalami.
A modern club-racing hub
Since reopening, Zwartkops has built a reputation as a practical, accessible venue for both racing and everyday track time. Passion for Speed grew into its flagship historic and classic motor-racing event, drawing enthusiasts and collector cars from around the country, while the Extreme Festival's SuperHatch, Sports & Saloons and Extreme Supercars categories give it a modern, grassroots racing identity. Weekly Wednesday Open Practice sessions and manufacturer driving-experience partnerships with brands including Mercedes-Benz AMG and Volkswagen have made the circuit a regular fixture for everyday drivers as well as competitive racers, alongside its skidpan, kart track and 4x4 course.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Zwartkops circuit?+
The current layout is 2.400 km (1.491 miles) with 8 turns.
What is Passion for Speed?+
Passion for Speed is Zwartkops Raceway's flagship historic and classic motor-racing event, held on the circuit across the year.
Can the public drive Zwartkops?+
Yes, via weekly Wednesday Open Practice sessions open to cars and bikes, and through manufacturer driving-experience programmes such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG Experience and Volkswagen Driving Academy.
Did Zwartkops ever close?+
Yes. The circuit closed in 1998 and reopened on 24 March 2001 under owner Peter du Toit and the Zwartkops Owners Club, on a shortened 2.400 km layout.
How far is Zwartkops from Johannesburg?+
It is roughly a 40-50 minute drive from central Johannesburg, and about 20-30 minutes from central Pretoria, depending on traffic.
Other tracks nearby
- Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit · 21 km · road course
- Red Star Raceway · 71 km · road course
- Phakisa Freeway · 271 km · road course & oval
- Durban Street Circuit · 532 km · historic circuit (defunct)
- Breedon Everard Raceway · 636 km · road course
- East London Grand Prix Circuit (Prince George Circuit) · 805 km · street circuit
Facts checked against 3 sources including the official circuit website. Last reviewed 2026-09-11.