News24 | PHOTOS | New kings of speed crowned at Saldanha 800m Top End Drags 2026

Saud Bassa breaking the Class 4A record in his VW Golf with a speed of 240.85km/h before his crash.

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Saldanha 800m Top End Drags is one of the most anticipated events on the motorsport calendar for petrolheads in the Western Cape. Some speed records were broken at the event earlier in September, writes Jason Williams.

 
Following a full year of meticulous planning, the landmark Saldanha 800m Top End Drags 2026 concluded as a resounding success. The event delivered pulse-pounding action, record-breaking runs, and an incredible display of South Africa’s motorsport culture across an action-packed two-day spectacle.

Anticipation reached a fever pitch early on Friday afternoon as eager spectators formed long queues along the airfield entry road.

Demonstrating seamless event coordination, organisers opened the gates an hour ahead of schedule to usher fans inside. This allowed everyone to set up campsites and secure prime viewing spots along the runway fences for the weekend.

Friday Night Lights: The legendary Saldanha Night Drags

Friday evening kicked off at 20:00 with the return of the iconic Saldanha Night Drags, offering quarter-mile (400m) sprint racing under the stars. The session gave drivers who didn’t secure an entry spot for Saturday’s main 800m event a rare opportunity to tackle the famous runway strip. Simultaneously, it served as a crucial shakedown for competitors tuning and fine-tuning their machines for the main top-end battles the following day.

Click on the arrows on the images below to scroll through the gallery:

Muneeb Ahmed in the Supreme Technik BMW G82 M4 blasted across the line at 322.09km/h.

Jason Williams/Boost SA

Garion Slamet retained his title as overall King of Saldanha in the motorcycle division, piloting the legendary Team SRD Turbo Suzuki Hayabusa to a weekend-best 325km/h trap speed.

Jason Williams/Boost SA

Royston Prestage clocked 272.47km/h in Class 4B.

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Car and bike racing drivers come up the 800m racing strip at Saldanha airfield.

FRANKYSFUNKYFOTOS/News24 Motoring

A VW Golf GTI crosses the line at Saldanha Top End Drags.

FRANKYSFUNKYFOTOS/News24 Motoring

A biker racing at Saldanha drags.

FRANKYSFUNKYFOTOS/News24

Saldanha 800m Top End Drags 2026.

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Saldanha 800m Top End Drags 2026.

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Spectators at Saldanha 800m Top End Drags 2026.

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A Nissan GT-R on the racing strip.

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A packed crowd at Saldanha 800m Top End Drags.

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Even some classics lined up at the Saldanha Drags.

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Saud Bassa at the start line.

Saldanha Racing/Boost SA

Saud Bassa's VW Golf rolled multiple times after his record-breaking run. Thankfully, he was not seriously injured.

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Grant Petersen driving a vw golf with a SR20DE Nissan engine.

Hanco van der Post/News24

Despite heavy, infamous Saldanha winds threatening early runs, dedicated fans and drivers braved the elements. Right on cue, conditions softened shortly after midnight, calming to near-silent conditions by 02:00, setting the stage for a spectacular main race day.

Saturday Showdown: Records broken and champions crowned

Saturday morning opened with clear skies, a vibrant sunrise, and a light, manageable breeze. Following a brief drivers’ briefing, competitors immediately took to the tarmac to lay down jaw-dropping speeds. Facing fluctuating winds throughout the day, drivers and riders adapted quickly, pushing their setups to break personal bests and set new benchmark records across multiple divisions.

Among the standout moments of the day was a record-breaking performance in Class 4A by Saud Bassa, who shattered a longstanding class record by reaching an incredible 240.85 km/h. In a dramatic and bittersweet turn, Bassa’s vehicle rolled shortly after crossing the trap line. Fortunately, he walked away unharmed under his own power to unanimous relief across the pit lane.

Additionally, Royston Prestage delivered a monumental drive in Class 4B, setting a new personal best and breaking the class record with a fierce top speed of 272.47 km/h.

The event culminated in crowning the prestigious Kings of Saldanha:

King of Saldanha (Car Division): Muneeb Ahmed claimed ultimate glory in the car category behind the wheel of the formidable Supreme Technik BMW G82 M4, blasting across the line at an astonishing 322.09 km/h.

King of Saldanha (Bike Division): Garion Slamet retained his title as overall King of Saldanha in the motorcycle division, piloting the legendary Team SRD Turbo Suzuki Hayabusa to a weekend-best 325km/h trap speed.

Saldanha 800m Top End Drags results 2026

Graphic: Janine van der Post/News24 Motoring

“After twelve months of hard work behind the scenes, seeing the massive turnout, the calm weather, and the unprecedented speeds laid down on the runway made it all worth it,” said event organisers. “From the energy during Friday night’s quarter-mile shakedowns to the record-breaking 300+ km/h runs on Saturday, this was truly a milestone edition for Saldanha Drags.”

Organisers extend their gratitude to all drivers, pit crews, marshals, emergency services, and the passionate spectators whose unwavering support continues to make the Saldanha 800m Top End Drags a premier speed festival in the Western Cape.

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