Jump to content

Circuit Italia

Coordinates: 32°40′53.60″S 151°48′20.39″E / 32.6815556°S 151.8056639°E / -32.6815556; 151.8056639
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Circuit Italia
Provisional circuit layout c.2017
Location49 Italia Road, Balickera, New South Wales
Time zoneGMT+10:00
Coordinates32°40′53.60″S 151°48′20.39″E / 32.6815556°S 151.8056639°E / -32.6815556; 151.8056639
OpenedUnder construction
Length3.0 km (1.9 miles)
Turns15

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]
  1. ^ "CIRCUIT ITALIA AUTODROME IN AUSTRALIA". Art Hunter Design. 29 October 2018.
  2. ^ "Matthew Higgins's Circuit Italia track near Raymond Terrace could lure big motorsport events". Newcastle Herald. 26 July 2016.
  3. ^ "Circuit Italia To Provide New Opportunities For Medowie". News of the Area. 3 August 2016.
  4. ^ "New motor racing complex set for construction". Speedcafe. 19 March 2017.
  5. ^ "Circuit Italia quashes construction rumours". Speedcafe. 27 August 2020.
  6. ^ "Asphalt trucks move in on Newcastle-Port Stephens Circuit Italia". Speedcafe. 13 July 2023.
  7. ^ "September target for first Circuit Italia laps". V8 Sleuth. 13 July 2023.
  8. ^ "Damien White on X". Damien White on X. 4 March 2024.
  9. ^ "State, Supercars have 'no interest' in Hunter track alternative". Newcastle Herald. 3 October 2023.
[edit]