The Red Star Raceway on the outskirts of Delmas is well known as a race circuit and track school, but there is a whole lot more to the Mpumalanga motorsport facility, which has evolved into a multi-purpose venue and a lifestyle resort for petrolheads and their families.

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To local motorsport enthusiasts, Red Star Raceway (RSR) is renowned for delivering enthralling racing, tremendous spectator value (by way of well-organised and supported events), quality track training, plus fun and entertainment for families. But that’s only half of the story… Since 2009, the owners of Red Star Raceway have continuously developed and upgraded its facilities to become one of the best and preferred racing tracks in Africa.

Conveniently located just 34 km from OR Tambo Airport to the east of Johannesburg (the complex is situated next to the N12), Red Star Raceway has a tight, winding layout consisting of 5 straights and 13 corners; this bi-directional track was designed to provide a challenge for competitors (drivers and riders of all skill levels), as well as maximum spectator value.

The main stand provides the best seat in the house –it overlooks not only the start-finish straight, but provides a great view of hairpin bend. The track’s surface was chosen to limit tyre degradation and is painstakingly maintained and cleaned after every race meeting to ensure that customers, the riders/racers and spectators have the best possible experience.

Track facilities include The Square restaurant, which provides all the tried and tested favourites, from burgers to dagwoods, to wraps and salads, Turn 14 – a fully-stocked bar – and Trend Bend, which stocks motorcycle gear, including racing tyres and accessories.

Red Star Raceway hosts numerous motorsport club and championship events (for two wheels and four), but activities are most certainly not limited to weekends. The expanded complex hosts various training programmes, track days and a host of other activities.

Featuring a 400 m run and a 400 m runoff, Red Star Raceway’s drag strip is part of the main circuit, so the particularly smooth surface has the same care and attention lavished on it.

The skid pan, in turn, allows drivers to safely practice their skills in low-grip conditions (it simulates wet weather, in which skidding and aquaplaning can happen) so that they can recognise loss of grip and learn to regain control of their vehicle to avoid traffic incidents.

Meanwhile, a gymkhana track is set up for amateurs and professionals alike; the skid pan is part of the course so that driving enthusiasts can “get sideways and drift the day away.”

Track days are scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays for cars and bikes, with Saturdays and Sundays reserved for bikes. A car track day is hosted on the final Sunday of every month.

Rider training is normally scheduled for Sundays. The courses offered cover all levels of competency: Beginner, Beginner Level 2, Intermediate and Advanced. The Red Star riding instructors are all highly experienced riders and will help you feel at ease in no time!

Other two-wheeled activities include pillion rides and fun on the BMX & Freestyle dirt track.

What really sets Red Star Raceway apart from most race circuits in South Africa, however, is that it’s not simply a basic motorsport facility; it has gradually evolved into a fully-fledged lifestyle resort, replete with luxury accommodation, camping facilities and many amenities.

The owners say that one of their primary objectives with Red Star Raceway was to create an environment in which families could enjoy the complex just as much as the riders/drivers do. Ideally, Red Star Raceway is not only a venue that you visit for a day, but a place where you, your friends and/or family can stay while you enjoy everything that the complex offers.

There are various forms of accommodation available at Red Star. The recently constructed RSR Lodge, for example, comprises 10 luxuriously appointed self-catering 3-person units that are equipped with a double bed, pull-out couch, TV with full DSTV bundle, wifi, aircon, cutlery and appliances, a boma, indoor braai area and an en-suite bathroom with shower.

There are also six RSR Cabins, which are smartly finished 2-person wooden huts with en-suite bathrooms (including a bathtub). Units 3 and 5 are equipped with 2 single beds and Unit 1, 2, 4 and 6 are furnished with double beds. Apart from those, patrons can book one of nine standard wooden huts with 2 single beds apiece. Braai facilities are provided.

What’s more, Red Star Raceway also offers a well-appointed 40-site camping ground, which is complemented by a pool, as well as entertainment and kiddies play areas.

The complex also offers other non-motorsport-oriented pursuits; you can bring the kids to The Aviary and join a guided tour every Saturday & Sunday at 3pm. Other programmes, such as Red Star Running, including park runs, as well as cycling routes, add to the lifestyle vibe.

Suffice to say, Red Star Raceway has many more plans for future development. With its friendly and helpful staff, Red Star Raceway is always keen to accommodate companies, groups and individuals that would like to make use of its venue and facilities (including executive pit and storage container hire), also for the purposes of hosting special events.

Visit their website to find out more, including about upcoming events, make bookings and/or enquiries. You can also find Red Star Raceway on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.