James McNeillie Circuit
 Airfield Circuit (1961–1971) | |
| Location | Kumalo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 20°08′13″S 28°36′31″E / 20.13694°S 28.60861°E |
| Broke ground | 1959 |
| Opened | July 1961 |
| Closed | December 1971 |
| Major events | Former: South African Formula One Championship Rhodesian Grand Prix (1961–1970) South African Springbok Championship Series (1969–1971) |
| Airfield Circuit (1961–1971) | |
| Length | 3.444 km (2.140 mi) |
| Turns | 8 |
| Race lap record | 1:18.000 ( John Love, Brabham BT20, 1967, F1) |
The James McNeillie Circuit was a 3.444 km (2.140 mi) motor racing circuit in Kumalo, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
History
The circuit was built from 1959 to 1961 in Kumalo Airfield, 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of Bulawayo and was named after the politician, James McNeillie. The circuit held the Rhodesian Grand Prix in 1961–1970, and South African Springbok Championship Series in 1969–1971. As there was no dedicated covered seating, sunburns were commonly experienced among its spectators. During the mid-1960s, the Rhodesian Corps of Signals at Brady Barracks, which was located next to the racetrack, utilized it to practise Morse code with Land Rovers. Following Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence in November 1965, the country faced fuel shortages caused by international sanctions. This led to petrol rationing, and by 1966, the racetrack was in poor condition due to overgrowth. Subsequently, a number of events were likely cancelled.[1] After the opening of nearby Breedon Everard Raceway in 1970, racing events were transferred to the new circuit, and James McNeillie Circuit was closed in 1971.[2][3]
Lap records
The fastest official race lap records at the James McNeillie Circuit are listed as:
| Category | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airfield Circuit: 3.444 km (1961–1971) | ||||
| Formula One | 1:18.000[4] | John Love | Brabham BT20 | 1967 Rhodesian Grand Prix |
| Formula Two | 1:26.500[5] | Paul Hawkins | Brabham BT10 | 1964 Rhodesian Grand Prix |
| Group 6 | 1:28.500[6] | Dave Charlton | Chevron B19 | 1971 Embassy 3 Hours |
See also
References
- ^ "Motor Sport in Bulawayo" (PDF). LTKay. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ^ "Kumalo, McNeillie". Guido de Carli. Archived from the original on 14 April 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ Galpin, Darren. "Kumalo". GEL Motorsport Information Page. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "1967 Rhodesian Grand Prix". Motor Sport Magazine. 3 December 1967. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "1964 Rhodesian Grand Prix". Motor Sport Magazine. 29 November 1964. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "1971 South African Springbok Embassy 3 hours". 5 December 1971. Retrieved 6 August 2023.