Circuit Italia
 Provisional circuit layout c.2017 | |
| Location | 49 Italia Road, Balickera, New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Time zone | GMT+10:00 |
| Coordinates | 32°40′53.60″S 151°48′20.39″E / 32.6815556°S 151.8056639°E |
| Opened | Under construction |
| Length | 3.0 km (1.9 miles) |
| Turns | 15 |
Circuit Italia is a permanent race track under construction in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.[1]
History
[edit]Planning for a permanent circuit alongside the existing Ringwood Motor Racing Complex in Port Stephens began in 2013, with local businessman Matthew Higgins confirming AU$12 million of investment in the project in July 2016.[2][3] Construction began on the circuit – named after its address on Italia Road – in 2017, with 30% of the project completed prior to a hiatus related to Higgins' other projects.[4][5]
Following a lengthy silence on the progression of construction, asphalt laying began in July 2023.[6] The circuit was slated for completion in September 2023, however it took until March 2024 for barriers to be fully installed.[7][8] The venue was mooted as a potential host for the Newcastle 500 after the original circuit fell out of favour with the local council, but was allegedly snubbed in favour of a proposed event in Cessnock according to circuit manager Damien White.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "CIRCUIT ITALIA AUTODROME IN AUSTRALIA". Art Hunter Design. 29 October 2018.
- ^ "Matthew Higgins's Circuit Italia track near Raymond Terrace could lure big motorsport events". Newcastle Herald. 26 July 2016.
- ^ "Circuit Italia To Provide New Opportunities For Medowie". News of the Area. 3 August 2016.
- ^ "New motor racing complex set for construction". Speedcafe. 19 March 2017.
- ^ "Circuit Italia quashes construction rumours". Speedcafe. 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Asphalt trucks move in on Newcastle-Port Stephens Circuit Italia". Speedcafe. 13 July 2023.
- ^ "September target for first Circuit Italia laps". V8 Sleuth. 13 July 2023.
- ^ "Damien White on X". Damien White on X. 4 March 2024.
- ^ "State, Supercars have 'no interest' in Hunter track alternative". Newcastle Herald. 3 October 2023.