In 1968 the Cape Hell Drives was established at Goodwood Show grounds by thefollowing members:Jack Holloway (Chairman), Jean Holloway, Joe Marchinkowski, John Geldenhuys, Deon De Waal, Ina De Waal, Bill Lenz, Ray Butters Karel Groenewald, Abie Drotschie, Johan Tullekin, Eric Bryan, Doep Du Plessis en Popeye King.In those days, there was no governing body, except, of course the club rules. It was however required, that all drivers had to have a Cape Hell Drivers Membership / License and proof of third party insurance.In the beginning, only the V8 class existed which was later joined by the 6 cylinders, 4 cylinders (known as Factory Stocks) and lastly the Midgets. As Abie Drotschie says “There were 300 cars and 10 rules. Now, there are 10 cars and 300 rules. All drivers drivers ran under the “Tap and Spin” rule, pretty easy to follow, I tap you once and if you don’t get out of the way, I spin you out. Even crossing the infield to catch someone on the other side, to repay a favour, was allowed. Of course this kept the spectators coming back for more.Stock Cars in general, during the early years, was rated the second most watched sport in South Africa. Unfortunately, Rugby, even back then, had the top spot. The Cape Hell Drivers has always attracted the crowds, with their “home grown” stun team, which comprised of Jack Holloway, Deon de Waal, Johan Tulleken en later Andre Frylinck. Even the Canadian Hell Drivers were not prepared to attempt some of the stunts our boys attempted.The Stunt Team’s performance continually had the crowds on their feet with ramp to ramp stunts, The Roman Chariot Riders, four cars on two wheels all at the same time, and anything else that made their hearts pump faster. Summing it up, nothing was impossible in the eyes of the “Cape Hell Drivers Stunt Team”. Later, these guys formed the group “The Gunston Stunt Team” and their shows were always held in association with charitable events.Late 1994, early 1995, the Cape Hell Drives were informed that Sun West International had bought the property at Goodwood. The Committee immediately started negotiations with Sun West, but after many meetings, they were turned down.The committee considered the option of building a track in Blackheath or joining arms with the Western Province Motor Club at Killarney Raceway. The Black Heath community soon drew up a petition, and that idea was then discarded. Andrew Fontini (Chairman at the time), Abie Drotschie and Nic van Rensburg decided to meet with Dennis Joubert of the Western Province Motor Club. Very quickly the two parties came to an agreement, and the Cape Hell Drivers had found a new Home!Just before relocating to Goodwood, the Cape Hell Drivers, not prepared to go out without a bang, decided to bring an American team and their vehicles (V8 late models) to South Africa. This was something that no other club had done. Man, did they run serious power machines that we were not accustomed to! A real eye opener, to the way an Oval track should be run and a spectacular event to watch.
In 1968 the Cape Hell Drives was established at Goodwood Show grounds by thefollowing members:
Jack Holloway (Chairman), Jean Holloway, Joe Marchinkowski, John Geldenhuys, Deon De Waal, Ina De Waal, Bill
Lenz, Ray Butters Karel Groenewald, Abie Drotschie, Johan Tullekin, Eric Bryan, Doep Du Plessis en Popeye King.
In those days, there was no governing body, except, of course the club rules. It was however required, that all
drivers had to have a Cape Hell Drivers Membership / License and proof of third party insurance.
In the beginning, only the V8 class existed which was later joined by the 6 cylinders, 4 cylinders (known as Factory
Stocks) and lastly the Midgets. As Abie Drotschie says “There were 300 cars and 10 rules. Now, there are 10 cars
and 300 rules.
All drivers drivers ran under the “Tap and Spin” rule, pretty easy to follow, I tap you once and if you don’t get out of
the way, I spin you out. Even crossing the infield to catch someone on the other side, to repay a favour, was
allowed. Of course this kept the spectators coming back for more.
Stock Cars in general, during the early years, was rated the second most watched sport in South Africa.
Unfortunately, Rugby, even back then, had the top spot. The Cape Hell Drivers has always attracted the crowds,
with their “home grown” stun team, which comprised of Jack Holloway, Deon de Waal, Johan Tulleken en later
Andre Frylinck. Even the Canadian Hell Drivers were not prepared to attempt some of the stunts our boys
attempted.
The Stunt Team’s performance continually had the crowds on their feet with ramp to ramp stunts, The Roman
Chariot Riders, four cars on two wheels all at the same time, and anything else that made their hearts pump faster.
Summing it up, nothing was impossible in the eyes of the “Cape Hell Drivers Stunt Team”. Later, these guys formed
the group “The Gunston Stunt Team” and their shows were always held in association with charitable events.
Late 1994, early 1995, the Cape Hell Drives were informed that Sun West International had bought the property at
Goodwood. The Committee immediately started negotiations with Sun West, but after many meetings, they were
turned down.
The committee considered the option of building a track in Blackheath or joining arms with the Western Province
Motor Club at Killarney Raceway. The Black Heath community soon drew up a petition, and that idea was then
discarded. Andrew Fontini (Chairman at the time), Abie Drotschie and Nic van Rensburg decided to meet with
Dennis Joubert of the Western Province Motor Club. Very quickly the two parties came to an agreement, and the
Cape Hell Drivers had found a new Home!
Just before relocating to Goodwood, the Cape Hell Drivers, not prepared to go out without a bang, decided to bring
an American team and their vehicles (V8 late models) to South Africa. This was something that no other club had
done. Man, did they run serious power machines that we were not accustomed to! A real eye opener, to the way an
Oval track should be run and a spectacular event to watch.
