The Rand Motoring Club
From hosting the iconic Durban–Johannesburg motorcycle races to weathering post‑war challenges, the Rand Motoring Club carries a rich legacy of passion and resilience.
THE RAND MOTORING CLUB & THE DJ RALLY
A Shared Motoring Heritage
The Rand Motoring Club (RMC), like many clubs with histories extending beyond a century, has experienced periods of both great activity and unavoidable decline.
The club’s records date back to 10 May 1906, when it was known as the Johannesburg Motor Cycle Club. During these early years, open-road events such as races, hill climbs, and economy runs were organised for members, and cash prizes were awarded to winners.
A gap in records exists between August 1909 and 9 February 1911, after which the club was re-constituted as the Rand Motor Cycling Club. From this point, activities increased significantly, and members enjoyed a period of well-organised and well-supported competitive events. The club did not restrict itself solely to motorcycle sport, but also took a strong interest in motoring and the development of motoring legislation in South Africa.
BIRTH OF THE DURBAN - JOHANNESBURG MOTORCYCLE RACE (1913)
In 1913, the club organised the first motorcycle race between Durban and Johannesburg — an event that would become legendary in South African motoring history.
At the time, simply touring between the two cities by road was an adventure. Riders prepared carefully for mud, punctures, and mechanical failures. The journey typically took two to three days, and upon arrival competitors were often asked:
“How many punctures did you have?”
To travel by car was an adventure.
To travel by motorcycle was unforgettable.
But to cover the distance by motorcycle at racing speeds was extraordinary.
To accommodate different machine sizes, the event was run as a handicap race, with smaller motorcycles starting up to five hours ahead of the scratch rider.
The earliest races ran from Johannesburg to Durban over three days, with stopovers in Standerton and Ladysmith. In 1919, the race was changed to a two-day event with an overnight stop in Newcastle — a format that remains in use today. In 1922, the direction was reversed, and the race has been ridden from Durban to Johannesburg ever since.
The race was held annually until 1936 (except during the war years of 1915–1918). Thereafter, the authorities refused permission for the event to continue because of rising speeds and increasing traffic congestion on public roads.
EVOLUTION INTO THE RAND MOTORING CLUB
During the 1930s, the club adopted its present name — the Rand Motoring Club — reflecting its growing involvement with both car and motorcycle events.
One of the earliest combined car and motorcycle events was the Barberton Trial, first held in 1927, which continues to this day.
Following World War II, club activities were temporarily suspended due to petrol rationing and the lack of machines and spare parts. In later years, however, the club re-established itself and devoted its efforts to organising motor car rallies, races, competitive events, and social functions.
The Rand Motoring Club caters for a wide spectrum of members — from casual rally participants to national-level competitors, as well as those whose main interests lie in touring, gymkhanas, and social motoring activities.
THE COMMEMORATIVE DJ RALLY REVIVAL
In 1969, the late Dick Osborne persuaded a group of enthusiasts to revive the spirit of the original Durban–Johannesburg race by creating a Commemorative DJ Rally.
The rally would follow the historic route and would only allow motorcycles that were old enough to have competed in the final 1936 event. This established the eligibility cut-off date as 31 December 1936.
The revived event was designed as a competitive rally run at varying set speeds, with riders monitored by hidden marshals. It would once again be a two-day event with an overnight stop in Newcastle, and the original Schlesinger Vase would be awarded to the winner.
The first commemorative run took place in 1970 and has been held every year since, except for 1974, when a national petrol shortage prevented the event from taking place and also 2021 due to covid.