Zwartkops
Circuit info:
- Address:
Zwartkops Raceway
Pretoria
South Africa- PH:
- (27) 12 374 5802
- Fax:
- (27) 12 374 5801
- Circuit length:
- 1.491 miles/2.400 km
- Circuit type:
- Permanent road course
Circuit history
This classic circuit in Pretoria opened in 1961 and has had a somewhat turbulant history. In its original form, it was famous for its great historic racing and grand nine-hour sportscar events.
Zwartkops was shortened in 1988 after a highway was scheduled to be built through the middle of the complex. Part of the track was dug up, leaving the southern half as a kart track, and the northern section as the main course. The circuit closed altogether in 1995, although the track itself still remained.
Zwartkops re-opened in 2001 after redevelopment. The planned highway through the middle of the circuit never materialised, so the upper and lower sections of the track were joined together once again. A new section was built at the end of the southern loop, while the northern section was shortened. The pit and paddock area was also moved to one of the new 'link' straights.
