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These tyres proved to have a short life due to the speed and power of the Auto-Unions, and
frequent pit-stops for changes were needed. Had it not been for these tyres, the Germans

would have left the entire field behind. Their highly rehearsed and efficient pit stops were a
feature of the afternoon’s proceedings and drew gasps of amazement from the crowd who

could not believe what they were seeing: a rear tyre change took 24 seconds, and a full tyre

change and refueling took 48 seconds.

Cape Town’s first Grand Prix achieved mixed success. “As a classic race it was a
spectacular success”. However, it “was fought out by the world’s crack drivers on a rough

track which tore their tyres and endangered their lives. They skidded into corners that they
could scarcely see for the dust of a south-east gale that whipped up all the loose ground

from the recent excavations and filled the air with a solid brown cloud.” As a financial

venture it was a comparative failure. Mr. O. A. Edwards had invested £70 000 but his
returns were around £12 000. The Council’s Traffic Superintendent had anticipated 100

000 people and 25 000 cars, but only 32 000 people turned up – still the largest crowd Cape

Town had ever seen. The caterers had expected a crowd of 50 000 – 60 000, but sold only
50% of their stock, and so lost heavily. The Traffic Superintendent was blamed for the low

turnout as he had spread alarmist stories on radio and in the press of the anticipated traffic
jams, and that control from aeroplanes would be necessary. (Cape Times 18/1/1937).

Hopes were high for the 1938 race on 15 January, with a promising overseas field of seven,

including four Italians driving Maseratis. And for this race there would be a massed start.

(Fig. 3.56) But the days before the event were marred by wet weather, which led to the
cancellation of many practice sessions and threatened to spoil the big race. Fortunately, the

weather on race day was perfect except for a very light south-easter. Arrangements had
been made for an expected crowd of 30 000 – 50 000, but on the day just over 20 000

turned up. The absence of the German cars, and local favourite, Doug van Riet, removed
many of the attractions. Eight cars completed the race which was won by Earl Howe, then

54 years old, in his E.R.A. followed by the Italians Taruffi and Villoresi.