About NMCC

Our Origins — Founded 1906

In 1900, a young French immigrant named Georges Chapot landed in Natal. After a spell in Madagascar, Chapot would go on to become one of the original founders of what was initially known as the Natal Motor Cycle Club, established in 1906 — making the N.M.C.C. one of the oldest motoring clubs in South Africa.

The first motor cycle in Natal, and possibly in all of South Africa, was a Peugeot. Other early machines included the Belgian F.N. (Fabrique Nationale). Georges Chapot was the original importer and agent for De Dion motorcars and motorcycles, operating from Nassau Street in Durban. In those pioneering days, brands like Renault, De Dion, Richard Brasier, and Gladiator were all represented among the club's early members.

Chapot was an intrepid competitor, racing Peugeots and later taking a chain-drive Charmont car to events at Albert Park. He drove thousands of miles across the country — as far afield as the Cape and Free State, and even into Basutoland (modern-day Lesotho) — demonstrating and selling motorcycles and motorcars in the early days of South African motoring.

Early Racing & the Pioneer Years

The club's first Chairman was appointed in 1906, and the young organisation quickly grew. The Automobile Club of South Africa conferred recognition on the N.M.C.C. early in its history. Among those who served the club in leadership were J.W. Deane (Motor Editor of the old Natal Mercury), Norman Walling, Jack Ford, Frank Hall, Dr. Reg Ford, Bert North, Ali Killerby, and C.R. Young.

In 1918, a connection was forged with the Durban and District M.C.C., and for eleven years the two clubs worked in parallel. By 1929, the N.M.C.C. had established its famous racing activities at the Thornville Junction circuit near Pietermaritzburg.

Early competitive events included the gruelling Durban to Johannesburg race, navigated by riders like F.D.R. Kinsey. Racing on public roads was eventually abandoned due to the growing danger, and the club turned to dedicated circuits and hill climbs.

The Great Racing Circuits

In the early 1930s, the club established racing at Stellawood, using a mile-and-a-half circuit on the estate. Grass track racing was also held at a Durban venue that became known as Clairwood Speedway — a purpose-built dirt circuit where the N.M.C.C. hosted thrilling competition.

The jewel in Natal's racing crown was the legendary Roy Hesketh Circuit in Pietermaritzburg, where N.M.C.C. members competed from the circuit's founding right through to its final years. Paul Gillespie organised the first South African Grand Prix at East London, establishing road racing as a major attraction in the country. N.M.C.C. members were at the heart of it all.

Gerry Young's Mitchmobile #10 — 1950s

Single Seaters Grid Start — 1960s

Stock Car Racing — Clairwood Speedway

Alfa Romeo Leading at Roy Hesketh — 1960s

Through the 1970s and 80s, N.M.C.C. drivers like Malcolm Kinsey made their mark at Roy Hesketh and the Volksblad 3 Hour endurance race, behind the wheel of Ford Escorts, Cortinas, and Alfa Romeos. The club's racing legacy includes the famous #13 EasiWeld/Pratley Ford Cortina V6 Interceptor — nicknamed the "Three-Litre Thunderbolt" — which was featured in motoring publications of the era.

Ford Cortina V6 "Three-Litre Thunderbolt"

Malcolm's racing car, 1977

International Glory — The Isle of Man TT

N.M.C.C. members were among those chosen to represent South Africa at the prestigious Isle of Man TT. From 1926 onwards, riders including Charlie Young and Len Cohen made repeated excursions to the famous mountain circuit. Cohen achieved notable placings, and the club celebrated when a South African rider finished second in the 250cc class in 1961, repeating the achievement in the Senior class in 1962.

C.H. Young was a dominant force in the South African T.T., with the club's record including multiple Junior wins and Charlie Young claiming both Senior and Junior victories. The Young family's contribution to South African motorsport through the N.M.C.C. is legendary.

Rider #24 — 1950s

Racing Past the BOSCH Sign — 1960s

Bob Bergstrom #6 — Sidecar Racing

World Champions & Sporting Heroes

The N.M.C.C. can look back with immense pride on the international successes of its members. The club produced World 250cc champions in 1979 and 1982, a World 500cc title holder, and Jim Lincoln who captured the World 1500cc Championship.

Among the many heroes who brought glory to the club were Gordon Henderson, Les Miller, Sterling Road, Dennis Cockerill, Peter Worrells, and Tony Cook. These names, and many more, are forever etched in the club's proud racing history.

Behind every racing success stood the unsung heroes — the officials, marshals, and organisers who made it all possible. The club's Marshal's Association, led by dedicated members like Bob York, ensured the safe running of countless events over the decades.

The Club Evolves

In 1938, the club's name was officially changed to reflect its broadening membership — embracing car enthusiasts alongside the original motorcycle fraternity to become the Natal Motorcycle and Car Club as it is known today.

Over the years, the club found homes in various locations. Early meetings were held at premises in West Street, Durban. By 1970/71, the headquarters moved to B Grout Road, and from 1982 the club settled into the premises that would serve as the heart of N.M.C.C. activities for years to come. Billy Mills was a driving force in the club's growth, organising major events and inspiring a generation of members.

Ali Killerby holds the remarkable record of serving the club for 43 years in leadership — a testament to the deep loyalty and passion the N.M.C.C. inspires in its members.

The People Who Built the Club

From its very first days, the N.M.C.C. has been shaped by extraordinary individuals. The chairladies who served the club with distinction include Pearl Harris, Teresa King, Norma Nawe, Lesley Roberts, Bernice Young, Pat Tingold, Molly Smale, Marion Lister, Jan Murphy, Gwen Chapot, and Wonnie Baker — women whose dedication helped build the club into what it is today.

As historian Jock Leyden wrote in his 1986 account of the club's history: from Georges Chapot down through the generations, every member has in some way contributed to making the N.M.C.C. a truly special institution in South African motorsport.

This history is drawn from "The History of the N.M.C.C. 1906–1986" by Jock Leyden.

NMCC Today

Today, NMCC welcomes riders and drivers of all makes and models — from classic bikes and vintage cars to modern sportbikes and performance vehicles. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, our members enjoy some of the best roads in South Africa, from the sweeping curves of the Midlands Meander to the dramatic passes of the Drakensberg and the coastal routes of our beautiful province. That racing spirit, first kindled by Georges Chapot in 1906, lives on in a new generation of members who carry the passion forward.

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