27 Jul Tribute to Denis Joubert by Dr Greg Mills – 26 July 2024

There are two types of people in life. Those who take more than they give; and those that give more
than they take. The wider world depends on the latter for its survival and prosperity beyond a few.
Denis Joubert is one of those givers. It is a pleasure to know the man, and an honour to give this
tribute to his contribution.
Denis was born on 18 June 1934. He shares a birthdate with several, other famous people, one being
General Sir Brian Kenny, a British Army officer who became Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for
Europe, who was born in Aldershot in England, and perhaps more interestingly Gladstone ‘Gladdy’
Anderson, Jamaican ska and reggae session keyboard player, and bandleader (aka ‘The Liquidator’)
who was born in Jamaica.
While I am unsure about Denis’ musical skills, and would venture that Ganja was not his thing, he
sure became the Commanding Officer of Killarney.
To put the era in context, in the same year, 1934, Adolf Hitler became the head of state and
government of Germany following the death of Paul von Hindenburg on 2 August 1934. Hitler
created the new title of Führer und Reichskanzler (or Leader and Chancellor of the Reich), and the
rest is history. In December that same year, the First Secretary of Leningrad, Sergei Kirov, was
assassinated, an event which gave Joseph Stalin an excuse to begin his Great Purge, the
reverberations which still affect us today, especially if you are Ukrainian. In an intersection with
history and fate, 1934 was the year of the start of The Long March, the military retreat by the Chinese
Red Army led by Mao Tse Tung, which lasted over a year, traversing a total of 9000km and giving us,
ultimately, modern China. And to emphasise that the more things change, the more they remain
the same, King Alexander of Yugoslavia was assassinated in 1934 in Marseille by a member of a
revolutionary band, the same year that Yugoslavia’s future president Josef Tito was freed from prison.
It was also the year that Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous Great Depression era gangsters Bonnie
Parker and Clyde Barrow, were shot dead in Louisiana, and the year that God, fortunately, created
Brigitte Bardot. It was not a good year for American criminals, with the violent deaths too of John
Dillinger, Charles ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd, and ‘Baby Face’ Nelson in various shoot-outs with the FBI.
But it was also the birthyear of Dame Judy Dench, the one-time ‘M’ in James Bond, and Dame Maggie
Smith, both better actresses than Ms Bardot, but without, let’s say, the panache. Denis was also born
in the same year as Richard John Bingham. Bingham was an Anglo-Irish aristocrat who disappeared after
being suspected of murder. We know him better as Lord Lucan, who was at one time subsequently
rumoured to be living in the Cape. It was the year of Babe Ruth’s retirement from baseball, the
death of Marie Curie, the Polish-French scientist who discovered radium and was the first woman to
win a Nobel prize, and the birthyear of five-time Tour de France winner, Jacques
Anquetil in France. It was the same year that Yuri Gagarin was born in Klushino in the then Soviet
Union, the cosmonaut who became the first person in space.
Now back to earth.
Denis has been involved in motorsport ever since he graduated from the University of Cape Town
aged 24 as an architect. He is of course synonymous today with our Western Province Motor Club,
which he chaired for 36 years until 2006. He confesses to always being a petrolhead, but it was only
once he graduated that he started to participate, initially in hill-climbs with a Morgan and various
MGs, and then track racing. His father, Deon, a doctor, was interested in cars, but had insisted that
Denis had, first, to finish his university studies before racing.
In 1960 Denis bought his first Dart, the revolutionary South African-designed and built sports-car,
complete with a Willment conversion and four Amal carbs. Soon he was at the front of the field,
achieving notable results, especially in endurance racing. With a fourth place in the 1962 Cape Two-
Hour at Killarney, sharing the car with its designer Willie Meissner, he won the same race driving
single-handedly the following year finishing just ahead of Jaap Luyendijk’s Lotus 7-Climax, the
father of future two-time Indy 500 winner Arie.
Denis finished third with Peter Gough in a Flamingo V8 in the 1964 Hesketh Six-Hour, third again
with Dave Coleman in a Dart in the Cape Three-Hour the same year, and tenth overall in the 1965
Kyalami Nine-Hour again sharing the Dart with Gough in an event won by the Ferrari P2 of David Piper
and Dickie Attwood from Peter Sutcliffe/Innes Ireland in the Ford GT and Jackie Epstein/Paul Hawkins
in a Ferrari 250LM, impressive fields with which Denis would, within a few years, become a key
organisational cog.
Denis won the 1965 Cape Three-Hour in the Dart with Clarry Taylor, another Killarney stalwart, and also
shared a Lotus 23 in that year’s Nine-Hour.
The results came consistently: a fifth (again with Taylor) in the Dart in the 1966 Cape Three-Hour
won by the Piper/Attwood combination in the Ferrari P2/P3; and eighth in the Cape Three-Hour the
following year, this time won by Hawkins’ Lola T70 from Piper’s Ferrari.
By this time Denis had become heavily engaged in the administration of Killarney. This role started
in 1959 before the current circuit was constructed in 1960. At the time he was the Secretary of the
Metropolitan Motorcycle and Car Club. The Mets were to amalgamate with the Amateur
Automobile Racing Club to form the WPMC in 1965, at a time when things were run with just three
employees.
But it was not without its existential challenges.
Killarney had been built because there was essentially nowhere else to race. Sacks, Bofors and
Gunners Circles, Eerste Rivier, and Fisantekraal were all no longer available or unsuitable. To build the
new Killarney track the Mets had to take out a loan from the Divisional Council of £20,000, a lot of
money in those days when you consider an artisan took home £10 a month. Regardless, the loan
was agreed, and the Council held the lease as surety. £10,000 was received from Caltex to build the
pits, control tower and to fence the site. The whole job took just five months, in order for it to be ready
for the Cape Grand Prix at the end of 1960. The Mets approached the other clubs to run the event
jointly, and a committee and, eventually, a limited company – Tex Kingon
Proprietary Limited – was formed. Tex, who had been the chairman of the Mets, and a driving force in
motorsport, lost his life in 1955 in the ex-Nuvolari Maserati 6C at the notorious East London Esplanade
circuit.
The formation of a limited company proved a prescient decision, since instead of the 1960 and 1961
Cape GPs being the money-spinners hoped for, they lost money, much of it owed to the Railways
for the transport of the international entries. Instead of meeting the £1,000 annual repayment to
the Council, without the money, the Mets had to defer payment. None of the other local clubs had
any sympathy, even though without Killarney, they had nowhere to run events.
The more things change, again, the more things stay the same.
It was at this point that the late and lamented Adrian Pheiffer came up with the idea of a motor show,
an eight-day event that was staged at the Goodwood Showgrounds. It made enough money to repay
the outstanding amounts and loans. Denis and Adrian informed other local clubs about their
intention to form the WPMC – which incorporated the ‘KKK’ or Kape Kart Klub, Cape Marshals, and
Cape Rally Club in addition to the Mets and AARC. A lease was then signed on behalf of the WPMC
with the Council but, as Denis recalls in his as usual understated way, ‘it was a bit of a struggle, as
many on the Council thought motorsport should not be supported as it only encouraged racing on
the streets.’
The opposite has, of course, turned out to be true.
The Divisional Council was later taken over by the Regional Services Council, which was far more
helpful, and the lease was extended several times, including the most recent 30-year extension.
As Alan Winde, the Premier of the Western Cape, notes about the facility and Denis’ role: ‘For
nearly 80 years, Killarney Raceway has been an integral part of Cape Town’s storied and busy events
calendar, where racing enthusiasts and “petrol heads” can showcase their talents, and, of course,
their machines, or simply marvel at the sophistication of the vehicles and the skills of those behind
the wheel. It is where so many residents’ “need for speed” is revved up and given expression, in a
safe, controlled environment. Originally constructed through private money from members, it has
become a popular and beloved part of the Mother City. But it is so much more than just asphalt and
concrete. It is a model of economic opportunity. We have all seen what economic opportunities flow
from major sporting events, such as Formula E, which Cape Town successfully hosted in 2023. Much
of Killarney’s success can be attributed to Denis Joubert, who for over 40 years oversaw the
raceway’s development and secured its reputation as a world-class racing venue. Thank you, Denis,’
adds the Premier, ‘for your dedication to this sport and this incredible landmark.’
Let’s go back to the late-1960s however. On the track, Denis’ racing was about to receive a big
boost, one that gave great personal pleasure. He had invited Derek Bennett, the founder of
Chevron racing cars, to come out to South Africa, and went along to the factory in the UK to see
them. Through Chevron he was to meet Brian Redman who came to stay with the Jouberts in
Gordon’s Bay, the families becoming friends. This resulted in an association with the Bolton
marques, Denis purchasing a
Chevron B8 from Bennett at the end of the Springbok Series in 1968 and a B16 at the end of the 1969
Series.
Brian Redman’s race driving career has spanned 65 years, starting in 1959 in a Morris Minor and
progressing through sportscars through Formula One to Formula 5000 and fearsome CanAm cars.
He won three Formula 5000 championships when it was the premier American series, netting 15
wins from 29 races, and beating time and again four future F1 champions: Mario Andretti, Jody
Scheckter, Alan Jones and James Hunt, along with other established American headliners such as Al
and Bobby Unser. In addition to four victories at the Spa 1000-kms, Brian won the Targa Florio, the
Watkins Glen Six-Hour, the Nurburgring 1000-kms twice, Brands Hatch Six-Hour twice,
Osterrechring 1000-kms twice, Monza 1000-kms twice, was a two-time winner at the Daytona 24-
Hour, and won the 1981 IMSA championship. Although he never won overall at Le Mans in 15
attempts, despite coming very close, he took two class victories there in 1978 and 1980 in a Porsche
935.
He is acknowledged as one of the top all-rounders of his generation.
Brian writes: ‘In 1968 Marion, son James baby Charlotte and I travelled to South Africa for the
Springbok Series. We flew into Johannesburg and then to Cape Town where Denis and Alda met us.
They had kindly arranged a small hotel in Gordon’s Bay for Marion and the children whilst I raced at
the Kyalami Nine-Hour, Lourenço Marques and Bulawayo in a Chevron B8. In 1969, following the
Kyalami Nine-Hour, Denis bought the Chevron B16 chassis #1 from Chevron’s designer and owner
Derek Bennett. This great car is currently being restored in America and I look forward to driving it
again at our Targa 66 Club event in Homestead, Florida next February. Marion and I would like to
congratulate Denis on reaching the splendid milestone of 90 years of age. Denis, once again you’ve
beaten me, as I’m only 87! Congratulations also on your enthusiasm and unparalleled service to
motorsport and the WPMC. Many Happy Returns! Love and Best Wishes, Brian and Marion.’
Paul Owens was the right-hand man of Derek Bennett, and later a key figure at Reynard motorsport.
He recalls that ‘I met Denis in 1968 when we were invited to South Africa for the Springbok Series.
He was kind and helpful in ensuring we had everything we needed during our stay including offering
his family holiday home for Brian Redman and myself. Over later years he continued to show his
kindness and professional assistance in South African motorsport and particularly with regard to the
growth of Killarney in making it the fantastic circuit it is today. Not only was Denis a brilliant
promoter and organiser,’ says Paul, ‘but he was also a very quick race driver along with being
Chevron’s first customer in South Africa. I wish Denis a very Happy Birthday on his 90 years young,
and may he have many more.’
As both Brian and Paul reference, Denis not only drove Killarney forward, but played a wider role in
South African motorsport, off the track and beyond the Cape, notably in the Springbok Series, a
label used originally for the Formula One series culminating in the SAGP at East London. In the mid-
1960s the concept of the summertime Springbok Series was revived.
Denis served as the Secretary to the Springbok Series along with Ronnie Hare, the redoutbable Alex
Blignaut, Francis Tucker and other track representatives. It was decided to invite cars to contest sprint
and endurance races around the country, with
the regions agreeing to support the endurance races at R600,00 per overseas car up to R3,000 per
event; and with R450,00 each for the sprint races at Bulawayo and East London. Blignaut was given
the responsibility of concluding terms with a minimum of five overseas so-called ‘Star’ cars for the
regional events at a cost of R600,00 per event for each of the endurance races. This increased to
R700,00 for 1968 by which time, however, the increased work load of running the Series demanded
the election of a ‘Tour Secretary’ to work with Alex, meet him overseas and be empowered to act on
behalf of all the Three-Hour race promoters.
The secretarial role demanded making frank assessments on the quality of the potential of the
overseas participants, reflecting too both their performance and some of the off- circuit antics at
previous Series, where the original larrikin in Paul Hawkins proved particularly difficult to handle.
Like everything before and since, all of this had to be funded. By 1969 the cost of the overseas
drivers had increased from R3,500 to R4,500 per track for six cars. Prize money, acquired from Shell,
was set at a ‘minimum’ of R1,000 for first place, R500,00 for second and R250,00 for third. The local
participants were paid 75c per lap by the early 1970s, a lot of money for those days.
Denis went on several international trips with Alex to recruit foreign drivers for the Series, ‘a real
eye-opener for someone as naïve as me,’ he recalls of doing business the Blignaut way. ‘It was quite a
risky business for a track,’ he adds, ‘as we had to pay the starting money upfront to the drivers. If the
gate wasn’t any good, we could be in big trouble, just as we were at Killarney in the early 1960s.’
On the track, after disposing of the two Chevrons respectively in SA and Rhodesia, Joubert went on
to race other cars in the Springbok Series, including a Datsun 240Z, but with not quite the same
success as the B8 and B16. His swansong came in the 1972 Cape Three-Hour in November 1972,
when he shared the 240Z with Rob Grant. But he remained active in Formula Ford and in Group One
with a Mazda Rotary, BMW 3-litre and even a ‘Big Six’ Cortina up until the late 1970s, by which time
his son Deon was active in the sport.
‘If you want something done, ask a busy man to do it’ goes the saying. Or to put it slightly differently,
you get out what you put in.
For even though he found time to promote Group One racing nationally, Denis had his hands more
than full with maintaining and developing Killarney, He had realised that Killarney would not be able
to survive simply as a motor-racing circuit. The Club would have to become something else. This is
why he advocated the building of the garages and the workshops, despite being told that no-one
would rent them in the sticks, but, as he reminds, ‘soon the sticks became closer to the centre of Cape
Town!’
It reminds of the importance of trusting your instincts, the importance of doing things for the right
reasons, and ignoring the inevitable nattering nabobs of negativism.
Such a leadership role is widely respected, but usually only with the benefit of hindsight!
Emanuele Pirro is a five-time winner of the Le Mans 24-hour and much else, including stints as a F1
driver with Benetton and Dallara, and a test driver for McLaren during its all-conquering period with
the MP4/4 with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna as drivers. He writes of Killarney:
‘In 2020 I wrote a letter to officially support the Killarney circuit from the risk of being closed. It would
have been a real shame to lose such an historic racetrack. Fortunately, wisdom (and hard work)
prevailed and now its future seams brighter.
Then, in 2022, I took part of the Killarney Nine-Hour and I could touch and experience the track first-
hand. I really enjoyed racing there and experience a rather “old school” race track with a strong
personality and its great challenges. I believe that nowadays money can buy almost anything but
thank God, it cannot buy history. Hence, it is very important, for those who have it, to preserve it and
value it.
‘The Western Province Motor Club,’ reminds Emanuele, ‘has the privilege, but also the duty, to run
this historical place and I trust it will continue to do a great job. A well- established motor circuit like
Killarney, is an important asset for the local community, it can attract young people and inspire them
to get involved in motorsport with different roles. We know how much Jody Scheckter, Rory Byrne,
Gordon Murray and others have contributed to inspire others and to promote and enhance not only
South African motorsport but South Africa as a country around the world.
‘I look forward,’ says Emanuele, ‘to coming back and racing at Killarney.’
‘I always look forward to racing at Killarney,’ says Jan Lammers, the Dutch F1 driver, Le Mans winner
with Jaguar and world sportscar champion in 2002 and 2003. ‘They say you can never go back in time,
but Killarney represents that, not in terms of facilities or professionalism, but in terms of attitude.
That it is a place to be among friends is a testament to those who built it and run it, foremost among
them Denis Joubert.’
The spirit that made – and makes – Killarney is recognised from the very top of the motorsport
mountain and also by rank and file club members, among whom Nigel Payne is one of the longest
standing, having started racing in the 1950s, and a competitor in the 1960 Cape and SA GPs in Ted
Lanfear’s Lotus 18. He writes: ‘There were two people who made Killarney “happen” over many
years and if Adrian Pheiffer was the lungs then Denis was the heart keeping everything going in the
background. It has been my privilege to be their friend.’
Our most famous racer is of course, as Emanuele highlights, the 1979 world F1 champion, Jody
Scheckter. Jody writes: ‘Denis put his whole life into Western Province Motor Club and the Killarney
circuit in Cape Town. He was running the races from when we started till he retired only a few years
back’, says Jody of a man he describes as ‘a very good guy and a gentleman.’
And of course Denis not only spawned a generation or two (or three?) of racers at Killarney, but his
own son, Deon, went on to become a three-time South African motorsport champion: 100cc
National Class at Karting (1982), Formula Ford (1989), and the Wesbank modifies title (1994). He
raced as a professional driver for BMW from 1990-96, 1997 for Honda and had further stints in
Wesbank modifieds thereafter.
Tony Martin is one person who spanned the eras of Denis and Deon. Tony is a former South African
Driver’s Champion and co-drove the Kreepy Krauly March in the epic South African 1984 Daytona 24-
Hour victory, and is one of that generation who cut their teeth at the likes of Killarney and Hesketh in
the 1970s. ‘Denis the Gentleman,’ he writes, ‘that sums up Denis Joubert! Over the past 50 odd
years that I have known him he stands out as one of the few people who has never changed, both in
enthusiasm and
in his passion for motorsport, and his motor club in particular. I have only the fondest memories of
him preparing and racing his Chevrons, and of his role in steering WPMC and Killarney race track
to become a world renowned motorsport destination. Happy Birthday Denis – and may you enjoy
many more years with us in motorsport.’
But perhaps the final word should be left to someone who knows a little bit about managing people
and politics. He writes:
‘Killarney with its iconic backdrop of Table Mountain has become a premier asset for motor
racing. It is not just a site for motor enthusiasts to participate in and watch motorsport but has
become an asset that can attract catalytic motorsports events to contribute to the economy of
the Western Cape while simultaneously promoting responsible racing and road safety.
‘This has not happened,’ he concludes, ‘by accident. It is through the vision and determined efforts of
people like Denis Joubert. It is directly due to people like Denis in partnership with committed
government that offers great hope for the future and getting our country on the fast track to progress.’
The writer is the leader of the Democratic Alliance, the party which runs our province, and who is now
a Minister in the Government of National Unity, John Steenhuisen.
Denis, thank you very much, and Happy Birthday.