BMW Car Club Gauteng, in partnership with XPEL South Africa, makes it easier for you to get onto the circuit in 2026 with four track days scheduled at two circuits.
BMW Car Club Gauteng’s track days have, for years, been among the club’s best-attended events and have also become the backbone of the BMW ///M Performance Parts Race Series, backed by BMW South Africa and operated by BMW Car Club Gauteng. Just over 90% of all drivers who competed in the series started their careers participating in BMW Car Club Gauteng track days, including the reigning champion Renier Smith and former champion Julian Fameliaris, who also went on to take two national V8 Supercars titles.
Although arranged and managed by BMW Car Club Gauteng, these days are not limited to BMW cars. Entries are open to all makes and models of road and closed-wheel race cars. Often, these days also attract various other clubs. Participants are also welcome to take passengers along, which introduces the “family fun day” element. BMW Car Club Gauteng also have various vehicles available specifically for passenger rides.
While marketed as fun, safety is one of the most essential factors the organiser prioritises. Track sessions are split into four groups, which create a safe environment for all while accounting for vehicle type, speed, and driver experience. Strict rules apply to passing, depending on the group participating, and circuit safety guidelines are also adhered to. Each day also starts with a drivers’ briefing, ensuring that all participants are familiar with all the rules and flags. No racing-specific licence is needed to participate.
Although not classed as motorsport events, these days do have a competitive element, with various capacity classes. Participating in two or more events per year also allows you to be eligible for season championship honours, awarded at the club’s annual stylish Chairman’s Gala Prize Giving.
The 2026 calendar will follow the same sequence as in 2025, although with different dates. All track days will be hosted on Sundays, brought on by popular demand, and are scheduled for:
22 February – Zwartkops Raceway
19 April – Red Star Raceway (Anti-Clockwise)
26 July – Zwartkops Raceway
4 October – Red Star Raceway (Clockwise)
With race cars from any series also welcome, the dates have been specifically selected to align with upcoming clusters of races at the circuits, and the Red Star Raceway orientation will be the same as that used for these races.
Apart from on-track activities, these days are also a good opportunity to learn more about XPEL South Africa’s range of products and services, which extends beyond road-vehicle paint protection. It also allows attendees to learn more about the benefits of becoming a BMW Car Club Gauteng Member, including track day insurance through Les Michaelis Insurance Consultants. All club regalia and merchandise are also available.
2026 has seen a nominal increase in participation fees, driven by operational cost increases beyond the event organisers’ control. To participate, BMW Car Club Gauteng members will pay R1,500 per event, while non-members will pay R1,750. Passenger ride tickets remain R100, and a BMW Car Club Gauteng Taxi Ride ticket is still priced at R250. Your armband entitles you to additional passenger rides that may become available. Spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.
2026 will also see the introduction of a draw for a complimentary entry voucher for a future event. All participants who entered online 10 days prior to the event will be eligible, with the draw taking place at the event prize-giving. Entries for this year’s first event will open soon and will be communicated via the BMW Car Club Gauteng social media channels.
BMW ///M Performance Parts Race Series Chairman and XPEL South Africa BMW Car Club Gauteng Track Day organiser Bernard de Gouveia looks forward to the year ahead. “We have really pulled out all the stops to make our XPEL South Africa BMW Car Club Gauteng Tracks as enticing and accessible to all interested parties. Whether you want to put your daily drive through its paces, push your supercar to the limit, practice for your upcoming race, or treat some fans and sponsors to a hotlap around the circuit in your race car, our track days provide you with a safe and enjoyable environment to do so. Last year, we had absolutely everything from plaasbakkies to the winning Simola Hillclimb car and driver at our events. We look forward to seeing you there.”