East London Grand Prix Circuit, Racing Circuit

The East London Grand Prix Circuit, also known historically as the Prince George Circuit, is perched on the coast just south of the city of East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The coastal region has a strong claim to being the birthplace of South African motorsport: the first race on the Marine Drive course in December 1934 drew an astonishing crowd and effectively became the inaugural South African Grand Prix. Pre-war Grands Prix followed from 1936 to 1939 on the shortened Prince George layout, attracting leading European drivers of the day. The present 3.920 km circuit opened in 1959, reusing a portion of the old Prince George course and adding modern pit facilities for the era. It hosted the first World Championship Formula One South African Grand Prix in 1962, where Graham Hill took both the race and the title for BRM, and returned for further Grands Prix in 1963, 1965 and 1966 before the event moved to Kyalami. One of the fastest tracks in the country, its layout has remained essentially unchanged since its debut, with the flat-out first corner Potter's Pass demanding particular commitment. Unusually, the circuit cannot be fully closed off, as it incorporates public road between Beacon Bend and Cocobana Corner. Long associated with Mercedes-Benz, whose South African base lies in the city, the venue settled into life as a national circuit after the international crowd departed.

Operated by: Border Motor Sport Club