Mention “Grand Prix” and many people will think of the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix launched in 2008. Motor racing in Singapore actually dates back much further. The Singapore Motor Club (SMC), established in 1948 by a group of motor sports enthusiasts, organised races in various parts of Singapore, including South Buona Vista, Lim Chu Kang and Farrer Road.
In the early 1960s, SMC felt the need to identify a new circuit for local races and saw the section of Upper Thomson Road and Old Upper Thomson Road as a possibility. At around the same time, the government felt that organising a Grand Prix would boost the tourism sector and Singapore’s image.
As a result, in 1961, Singapore’s very first Grand Prix was held. Organised by SMC and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the event was held in conjunction with the region’s “Visit the Orient” year. Nine races, four of them motorcycle races, were held over two days on 16 and 17 September. Grandstand tickets were sold at $9, a considerable fee then.
The circuit, which was 4.865km long, stretched along Upper Thomson Road to the former Sembawang Hills Circus before routing up to Old Upper Thomson Road and exiting at Sembawang Road. It was a difficult circuit and had a reputation for being dangerous. Oil trails from local buses and lampposts, bus-stops and monsoon drains along the circuit made it dangerous for the drivers. One challenging section was Sembawang Hills Circus, called “Circus Hairpin”. Accidents and even deaths have occurred at this hairpin bend. Two other sections, called “Snakes” and “Devil’s Bend”, were also infamous for the number of accidents that took place there.
In 1962, the event’s name was changed to the Malaysia Grand Prix. This name was to remain till 1966, after Singapore’s independence, whereupon it was renamed Singapore Grand Prix. Organisation of the races was also transferred to the Ministry of Social Affairs in 1966.
The event garnered a lot of attention, especially after it was added to the World Motor Racing calendar in 1963. It was a key highlight of the year for many living in Singapore then. Locals and foreigners alike flocked to watch the races and top drivers from Asia and Australia flew here to take part.
However, after a number of deaths during the races, concerns arose that the event promoted reckless driving. In 1973, the last Grand Prix along the Thomson Road circuit was held and it was only 35 years later that professional motor racing was to take place here again.