Hidden South African Supercar Test Track Unveiled After Two Decades: Exclusive MyBroadband Insights

Secret South African Raceway Hosted Bugatti, Rolls-Royce – and a 250km/h Highway

For nearly two decades, a high-security car testing facility lay hidden in the South African landscape, shielded by protected airspace and obscured from satellite view.Now, the Daimler Proving Ground, located off the N14 highway between Pofadder and Kakamas, has been revealed as a crucial development ground for automotive giants.

The facility, operated by international engineering firm IngenAix, boasts a sprawling 17.5km track featuring a high-speed oval with two 4.5km straights, a challenging 5.5km in-track handling course, and even smaller tracks with corrugated surfaces designed to simulate harsh road conditions. Iconic vehicles like the Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Spectre, Volkswagen ID.3, and Toyota GR racing Hilux have all undergone rigorous testing within its confines.

What makes this location notably unique isn’t just its secrecy, but the environment itself. The area presents extreme conditions – high temperatures and abundant dust – ideal for stress-testing vehicles to their limits.

Adding to the area’s automotive allure is a 120km stretch of the N14 highway where, with government authorization, motorists can legally drive at speeds up to 250km/h. The testing facility sits roughly 30km south of this high-speed zone. The discovery of the track on Google Earth a few years ago finally offered the public a detailed glimpse into this previously clandestine raceway.

What impact will the re-opening of The Oval have on job creation within the South African automotive industry?

The Rediscovery of ‘The Oval’ – A South African automotive Secret

For two decades, whispers circulated amongst South African automotive enthusiasts about a high-speed test track, shrouded in secrecy and largely forgotten. Now, thanks to exclusive insights shared with MyBroadband and further examination by Archyde.com, “The Oval” – a dedicated facility for supercar advancement and testing – has been officially re-opened. Located in the remote Northern Cape province, this track represents a significant, albeit previously hidden, piece of South Africa’s automotive engineering history. The resurgence of this facility is poised to attract international attention and perhaps boost local automotive innovation.

A History Rooted in Automotive Excellence

Originally constructed in the late 1990s,The Oval was conceived as a private testing ground for a consortium of international and South African automotive manufacturers and engineering firms. it’s primary purpose? To provide a controlled environment for pushing supercars and high-performance vehicles to their absolute limits.

* Initial Investment: Estimated at over R50 million (approximately $2.7 million USD at the time), the track boasted advanced data acquisition systems and a highly skilled team of engineers.

* Key Players: While confidentiality agreements prevented widespread disclosure, sources confirm involvement from companies like Porsche, BMW, and local firms specializing in motorsport engineering.

* Decline & Abandonment: The track fell into disuse in the early 2000s due to shifting economic conditions, changing manufacturer priorities, and the rising costs of maintaining such a specialized facility. It remained largely untouched for over 20 years, becoming a local legend.

track Specifications & Capabilities – Designed for Speed

The Oval isn’t your typical racetrack. Its unique design focuses on high-speed stability and aerodynamic testing, making it ideal for supercar development.

* Track Layout: A 1.7km oval configuration with banked corners, allowing for sustained high-speed cornering.

* Banking Angle: Corners are banked at 22 degrees, minimizing g-forces and maximizing cornering speeds. This is crucial for aerodynamic evaluation.

* Surface: High-grip asphalt designed to withstand the stresses of extreme performance vehicles. recent renovations included a full resurfacing.

* Data Acquisition: State-of-the-art data logging systems capable of capturing detailed performance metrics, including speed, acceleration, braking distances, and aerodynamic forces.

* Safety Features: Comprehensive safety infrastructure, including run-off areas, safety barriers, and on-site medical facilities.

The Revival – What Led to the Re-Opening?

The re-opening of The Oval is largely attributed to a renewed interest in South Africa as a potential hub for automotive testing and development. Several factors contributed to this:

1. Favorable Exchange Rate: The Rand’s exchange rate makes testing in South Africa significantly more cost-effective for international manufacturers.
2. Climate & Terrain: South Africa offers a diverse range of climates and terrains, allowing for comprehensive vehicle testing in various conditions.
3. Skilled Workforce: A pool of highly skilled automotive engineers and technicians.
4. Investment by ‘velocity Dynamics’: A local engineering firm, Velocity Dynamics, spearheaded the restoration and modernization of the facility, securing long-term lease agreements. They specialize in automotive testing and validation services.

benefits for the South African automotive Industry

The re-opening of The Oval presents a significant prospect for the South African automotive sector.

* Job Creation: The facility’s operation will create numerous jobs in engineering,maintainance,and support services.

* Technology Transfer: Collaboration with international manufacturers will facilitate the transfer of advanced automotive technologies to South Africa.

* Economic Growth: Increased investment in the automotive sector will contribute to overall economic growth.

* Boosting Local Suppliers: Demand for specialized components and services will benefit local automotive suppliers.

* Attracting Foreign Investment: The presence of a world-class test track will attract further foreign investment in the South African automotive industry.

Supercar Testing: What to Expect

Initial reports indicate that several manufacturers are already in discussions with Velocity Dynamics to utilize The Oval for testing purposes. Expect to see:

* Aerodynamic Testing: supercars and hypercars undergoing rigorous aerodynamic testing to optimize performance and stability.

* High-Speed Validation: Validation of vehicle performance at extreme speeds.

* Component Durability Testing: