Backdraft Racing Series Launches Inaugural Championship at Dezzi Raceway
Durban, South Africa — 27 February 2026
Durban-based Tr-Tec (Pty) Ltd will launch the inaugural Backdraft Racing Series on Saturday, 7 March, at Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone. The new championship establishes a dedicated competitive platform for Backdraft Cobra race cars, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s 20-year motorsport journey.
A grid of 15 Backdraft Cobras will headline the season opener, joined by a mixed field of supporting race categories, for a three-hour endurance race that opens the seven-round championship season.
A Long-Term Vision Realised
Since founding Backdraft, Tony Martin has worked toward creating a sustainable and structured racing environment built around the Backdraft Cobra platform.
“In the early years, we had only a handful of competitors and competed wherever we were permitted to race,” Martin explains. “As participation grew, we established a Backdraft class within existing endurance championships. The continued growth of our competitor base and the success of our arrive-and-drive concept ultimately made a standalone championship both viable and necessary.”
The independent series has been designed to protect the core principles of participation, community, and cost-managed competition.
Developed in Collaboration with Motorsport South Africa
The championship calendar was created in collaboration with Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and regional circuit promoters. The seven-event season will visit six circuits, including an international round in Maputo, making it the only South African-based racing series currently featuring cross-border competition.
Tony and Brian Martin led extensive consultation with competitors during the planning phase to ensure the championship structure reflects the practical needs of drivers and teams.
Designed for Sustainable Participation
A defining feature of the series is its structured cost model. Most competitors participate through Backdraft’s arrive-and-drive programme, reducing the technical and logistical barriers traditionally associated with motorsport.
Drivers committing to the full season benefit from a progressive discount structure, an uncommon initiative within the local racing landscape.
Motorsport Built Around Community
Beyond competition, the series places strong emphasis on shared experience. Competitors receive breakfast and lunch on race days within a dedicated hospitality environment, reinforcing the community-driven culture of the Backdraft paddock.
“We believe that sharing a meal is fundamental to building a racing family,” says Martin. “That sense of belonging is central to what we’re creating.”
A Complete Race-Day Experience
The Backdraft Racing Series aims to deliver a full entertainment offering for spectators and families. Attractions include:
• Passenger hot laps in a Backdraft Cobra race car
• Live music and entertainment
• SIM racing activations
• Supporting racing categories throughout the day
• Dedicated hospitality experiences
Grid Girls will also form part of the event presentation, maintaining traditional motorsport pageantry within a modern race-day environment.
Event Schedule
Friday, 6 March
Free practice for all classes, with spectator hot laps from 11:00.
Saturday, 7 March
Gates open at 07:00 for a full day of racing, including:
• KZN Super Sprint Series
• 150cc & Super Production Motorcycles
• Historic Cars
• PSA Modified Cars
• Motard Motorcycles
• Super GT & Sports Cars
• Sub-500cc & Formula Xtreme Motorcycles
• Super Vee South Africa
• Three-hour Backdraft Racing Series endurance race
Tickets
General admission tickets are available at the gate for R100.
Hospitality access and hot lap experiences must be booked online at:
www.backdraftracingseries.co.za
About Tr-Tec (Pty) Ltd
Tr-Tec (Pty) Ltd is a Durban-based motorsport organisation specialising in the preparation, operation and development of Backdraft Cobra race cars. Through its arrive-and-drive programme, the company provides structured competitive opportunities for drivers of varying experience levels.
Media Contact:
Tr-Tec (Pty) Ltd – Motorsport Communications
media@backdraftracingseries.co.za
+27 82 662 4610
