One of South Africa’s most unique heritage spectacles, The Great Train Race, returns on Saturday 27 September 2025 to the Heidelberg Railway Station in Gauteng. Now in its 10th year, the event coincides with Heritage Month and features the dramatic re-enactment of the legendary 1930 race between Woolf Barnato’s Bentley Speed Six and Le Train Bleu.
As headline sponsor, Paysure Brokers has helped revive the tradition, ensuring the event continues to bring together collectors, families, and enthusiasts for a full day of heritage, engineering, and entertainment.
More than 100 vintage cars, motorcycles, aircraft, and a majestic steam locomotive will take centre stage. The highlight is a live-streamed re-enactment of the iconic 1930 race, giving audiences the rare thrill of seeing the battle between steam and combustion engine once again.
Event founder and historian Christopher Van explains: “The Great Train Race is about more than machines, it’s about keeping history alive for the next generation. Every collector plays a part in preserving a piece of our motoring heritage.”
This year’s programme includes the ‘convergence’ moment a choreographed spectacle where vintage cars, motorcycles, and aircraft race to meet the Rovos steam train on the platform, complete with traditional drummers, flag drops, and live commentary.
For families, there’s a dedicated kids’ zone with crafts and mini steam rides, artisanal markets, food trucks, live performances, and a Best-Dressed competition celebrating vintage flair.
The entertainment line-up features Afrikaans pop star Bernice West, legendary favourites The Staccatos, and a full day of traditional performances.
With new custodians at the helm, the event is now described as “by collectors, for collectors,” ensuring the values of classic motoring are not only preserved but shared.
Event patron and co-owner of Paysure Brokers, Yuvi Jasti, says: “For us, the Great Train Race is about stories that connect people, the journeys our grandparents spoke about, the machines that defined an era, and the chance to relive that history today.”
Motul South Africa proudly supports this initiative with Mercia Jansen, General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa, noting: “Events like this remind us that innovation only makes sense when you understand the past. From our long-standing partnerships with legendary events like 24 hr of Le Mans and Goodwood Revival, to supporting local initiatives such as The Great Train Race, we aim to celebrate historical excellence and ensure these stories and these engines keep running.”
For those seeking exclusivity, VIP packages include gourmet canapés, an open bar, private lounges, helicopter flips, vintage aircraft rides, chauffeur pick-ups, and premium viewing areas.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 27 September 2025
Time: 08h30 – 16h00
Location: Heidelberg Railway Station, Gauteng Tickets: From R150 per person (kids under 12 free) via Tixsa/GreatTrainRace
Extras: Helicopter flips, kids’ train trips, and luxury VIP experiences available online
For more details visit www.thegreattrainrace.co.za.
Join the #PrepWithMotul competition on MotulZA’s Facebook and Instagram for a chance to win tickets.
