Welkom, once considered the Mecca of motorsport in South Africa, has a rich motorsport history.
The old Goldfields Raceway was established by the dream of motorsport enthusiasts, going to great lengths to get the Welkom and Odendaalsrus municipalities involved to build a racetrack.
The two municipalities agreed to the design of an international standard, Formula 1 Grand Prix level circuit. Work began immediately and in October 1970 the Goldfields Raceway hosted its maiden race.
The first clerk of the course was Ian Galloway who, together with the great Neville Lederley, was one of the founder members of the Goldfields SCC.
There was no other event that brought more publicity to the Goldfields than the raceway. It was voted as the most pleasant and safest circuit in South Africa by all competitors and lasted for 29 years until it was replaced by the Phakisa Freeway.
Several historical events were hosted at the raceway, such as the Springbok, Sunshine and Formula Atlantic series’ as well as motorcycle and endurance races.
It never ran at a loss and was always well attended by the public. The first secretary was Ms Elmarie Charlewood who was replaced by Joyce Steyn – the woman who became the face of the raceway and was synonymous with it for almost its entirety.
Construction of the new facility, Phakisa Raceway, commenced in September 1998 and by late April 1999 the track and paddock facilities had been completed in an impressively timely manner – the first national event was held a mere six months after work had started.
The infield Grand Prix course was soon awarded with a round of the Motorcycle World Championships, and the track hosted the South African MotoGP between 1999 and 2004.
As a mostly flat track, Phakisa has delivered rather peculiar race results and has gained a reputation of featuring a slippery surface due to the dusty environment.
Valentino Rossi scored a historic first victory for Yamaha, becoming the first rider to win consecutive events for different manufacturers in the process.
The success and hard work that accompanied the first MotoGP in 1999 by Phakisa gave enthusiasts much to discuss even years later.
What went on behind the scenes was less known.
- Here are just some of the titbits regarding the circuit: In total, 480 marshals were employed. Had they held hands with each other, they could have formed a human chain around the circuit.) The racing teams required the following equipment: 53 desks, 400 plastic chairs, 61 steel tables, five couches, as well as 30 hot and cold water appliances and a further 80 refills.) Among the various teams and media centre, no fewer than 69 television sets and 51 refrigerators were distributed.) A fully-equipped helicopter was on standby, and St Helena Hospital constructed a temporary hospital.) The drivers, most notably the Italians, had their own physicians flown in and insisted on mobile clinics and massage beds.
In 1996, the Welkom Motocross Club moved the track to Phakisa Raceway and has since hosted national and international races. They built everything through their own funding. This year the raceway was voted by riders as the second-best track in South Africa, again.– Chrystelle Erasmus
