Grand Prix Racing History returns to East London

History returns to East London, the home of South African Grand Prix Motor Racing, this November.

Multi-million rand vehicles (some individually valued upwards of R22 million) from all over the world are being prepared to ship or fly to our shores in time for The South African Historic Grand Prix Festival, that will take place in November.  But first…

The HISTORY

In 1934, local newspaper editor, Brud Bishop wrote an article on his idea of having a 6 lap motor race around the scenic coastal road outside of the town of East London, South Africa… and this was the beginning of the long and proud history of Grand Prix Racing in South Africa.

Two wealthy young American brothers, Whitney and Michael Straight and their friend Dick Seaman (who would go on to become a Grand Prix Driver for the Mercedes Silver Arrows Team), shipped three cars to South Africa to compete, including Whitney’s race winning Maserati.  The men flew themselves in Straight’s Dragon Rapide aeroplane from Britain all the way down to South Africa just in time for the race.  40 000 spectators gathered in the little town of East London, to witness Grand Prix Racing history!

The Car

Here are just some of the 22 original stunning vehicles that will be making their return journey to East London, +- 80 years later to ‘race’ at this historic event.

Even in the 30’s, Grand Prix Racing was not purely a men’s sport.  Intriguing women such as Kay Petre and Eileen Ellison also raced here on our shores.  Eileen Ellison competed in the 1936 South African Grand Prix in East London in her 4 cylinder supercharged Bugatti Type 37.  Kay Petre competed in the 1937 Grand Prix in her Riley.

Over the following years, the East London Prince George Circuit hosted The South African Grand Prix’s which were attended by a great many more international competitors, both men and women, until it was brought to a temporary halt due to WW2.  All in all, 12 Grand Prix’s attracting crowds of up to as many as 90 000 spectators at a single event, were held in East London – with the last being held in 1966.

The EVENT

UK Motorsport Event Company, Speedstream, were extremely excited to find out that an ‘almost’ complete racetrack from the 30’s was still in it’s original form right here in East London, with the exception of a small piece that now falls inside the grounds of the East London Airport.  The Prince George Circuit as it was known, encompasses part of Settlers Way, Potters pass, Fullers Bay, Leaches Bay, Potters Bend, Devils Dip and Dalpin’s Corner.

They flew to East London to view the historic circuit and were sold.  Speedstream then put together this historic event, and currently 22 ‘multi-million rand historic racing vehicles’ that raced this track in the 30’s and 40’s are currently being prepared to fly and ship their way to East London for the South African Historic Grand Prix Festival.

A 1934 Riley Ulster Imp that would have won the 1937 SA GP in East London due to the Handicap race system, will be participating.  The Riley suffered a broken crankshaft just meters before it crossed the finish line, allowing the ERA R4A to sweep past and win just ahead of the Riley claiming second place.  The current UK owner cannot wait to bring his vehicle back to South Africa for this historic occasion.  This is only one of many that will retrace history on the Prince George Circuit in November.

The event will comprise of two simultaneous events:

Border Motorsport will holding National & Regional Historic Races that will include:

–  Historic Single Seaters

–  Historic Saloons (pre ’84)

–  Wings & Slicks (70’s & 80’s)

Speedstream will be holding a closed track day where they take all their competitors around the Prince George Circuit, showing them the old track.

Saturday, 24 November

Border Motorsport will holding National & Regional Historic Races that will include:

–  Historic Single Seaters

–  Historic Saloons (pre ’84)

–  Wings & Slicks (70’s & 80’s)

 Speedstream will be holding the qualifying laps for the SA Grand Prix Historic Formula 1 Race (30’s & 40’s)

Sunday, 25 November

Speedstream will be holding the South African Historic Formula 1 Grand Prix Festival.  This event will be open to ticket holders only and will be a nostalgic journey back to the 30’s & 40’s.  Guests are encouraged to dress in 1930’s & 1940’s attire and the event is a step back in time to the roots of our rich Grand Prix history, that started right here in our city.

1930s Fashion

1940s Fashion

They will be supported by Border Motorsports who are a group of enthusiasts who are committed to providing this event with a clean, safe and attractive venue.  Thereafter, the contestants, their vehicles and their entourage will drive from East London to Cape Town (via the Garden Route) where they will be hosted and their motor vehicles put on display.

How you can HELP

The East London Grand Prix Circuit is currently run and operated by a group of motor racing enthusiasts, Border Motorsport.  It receives no formal funding and everything at the track is provided through donations, advertising opportunities and the blood and sweat of this group of enthusiasts.

This historic Grand Prix Circuit is unique… there is none left like it in the world!  That means we have the opportunity to be able to offer something no other city in the world can do.  If done well, this event stands the chance of becoming an annual event.  There is even talk of the Historic Motorcycles coming here early next year.  This brings tourists and tourism revenue to our city, which is something our city really needs.  So East London… we need your help!

BCM is supporting this event by Fixing the Roads, cleaning up Potters Pass and by providing escourts for the vehicles and entourage.  The track itself however is up to Border Motorsport.

This Grand Prix Circuit is large and everything from painting lines on the track to fencing to general maintenance is costly.  Border Motorsport are happy to put in the labour if they can receive donations of some of the products they need.

–  Paint (Buildings / track markings etc)
–  PA System upgrade
–  Compacted rubble & concrete (to raise the height of their pits & increase their capacity by 60%)
–  Public bathroom fixtures & fittings & plumbing pipes
–  Geysers

They also have 3 towers on the premises that need to be made structurally sound, and require a builder or corporate sponsor who is prepared to donate some time or money to this end, with the benefit of being able to advertise their services on these towers.

If you are in a position to assist with any of the above or would like to volunteer your time, please contact Dave Kirkman (Border Motorsports) on 083 795 2010.

I am very proud to be a resident in our city.  We have a beautiful coastline, a lovely city and a rich cultural history.  Today I think we can add to our already impressive credentials…

‘East London, South Africa – the home of Historical Grand Prix Racing!’

Article:  Sandy Loppnow