The Backdraft Racing Series is a one-make endurance racing championship built around the Backdraft Cobra — a seven-event calendar supporting many of South Africa’s best-loved circuits, and backed by Motorsport South Africa (MSA).

Team History

Backdraft Racing Team (BDRT) was established in 2020 by owner and team principal Tony Martin — one of South Africa’s foremost endurance racers, and a winner of the Daytona 24 Hour in 1984. Tony has since brought together a team of skilled, race-experienced executives and engineers, committed to proving Backdraft Cobras the hard way: on track, in endurance racing. It’s a punishing test for both car and driver, and exactly the kind of proving ground that keeps feeding improvements back into every road-going Backdraft Cobra.

Making Motorsport More Accessible

Backdraft has been part of South African motorsport for over 20 years, competing in national endurance and racing events. As the cost of participation has climbed, it’s become harder for smaller teams and budget-conscious racers to get on track. The Backdraft Racing Series exists to fix that — a more affordable, accessible entry point for a wider community of drivers, from newcomers moving up from karting to seasoned racers returning to competition.

The series runs a mix of Sprint races and longer 4, 6 and 9-hour endurance formats, so drivers can build seat time and confidence at their own pace. A key part of the concept is the “shared drive” option — two drivers can share a single Cobra race car, splitting costs while maximising track time.

Arrive and Drive

The series is built as a turnkey arrive-and-drive experience. With a valid MSA racing licence, a driver can show up at the track and race — no need to own or maintain a car. Backdraft Racing supplies a fully prepared Cobra, backed by a dedicated mechanic for the weekend, with crash damage insurance included in an all-inclusive package. Costs are clearly defined up front, whether entering a single round or a full season. Between events, every car goes back to the Durban factory for preparation ahead of the next race.

The Race Car

Every BDRT Cobra race car is built to the same high specification:

Backed by Motorsport South Africa

“MSA is supportive of all new initiatives that encourage participation across all areas of motorsport. We commend the efforts of Backdraft Racing and wish their Series every success.”

Alison Vogelsang, Sporting Co-ordinator for Circuits and Karting, Motorsport South Africa

Want to get on track?

For race entries and series information, contact Brian Martin at brian@backdraftracing.co.za. Full calendar and championship standings are on the official series site.