New Victorian circuit slated for 2026 completion

A new proposed ‘Home of Motorsport’ in Victoria could host racing in 2027 after being slated for completion in late 2026.

It was announced on the weekend that Avalon Airport in Melbourne’s west had been selected as the preferred site for Victoria’s proposed new Home of Motorsport.

The site is located 45 minutes west of Melbourne’s CBD, and serves a catchment of more than 3.3 million people.

The proposal ensures Victoria's ability to host major events and support industry development activities can be maintained.

“Motorsport is a great Victorian passion and pastime for many, and it also supports thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic benefits to our state,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

“A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters."

Member for Lara Ella George added: "We’re backing the Home of Motorsport to be established at Avalon because we know the major economic and sporting benefits it will deliver to our local community."

Supercars raced in Melbourne earlier this month

Experienced administrator Tim Bamford has been appointed as the venue’s designated project director.

Initial planning on multi-purpose facility now underway, and the venue is anticipated to feature both four and two-wheeled motorsport activities.

It is set to host grassroots, state, national and international level events, and be used year-round.

Victoria currently hosts Supercars events in Melbourne, both at Sandown and Albert Park. The championship has raced at Winton and Phillip Island in recent years.

“We see it as a national home of motorsport given what we’d be seeking in terms of funding,” Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca told The Rusty’s Garage podcast.

“There would be a lot of work to be done in terms of developing and designing the tracks, and the area surrounding it.

“The earliest you could expect to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony would be late 2026 or early 2027.

“That’s based on my experience of other tracks being built around the country, in particular Tailem Bend."

Supercars will return to Victoria for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500, the first enduro in the state since 2019, on September 15-17.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint on April 28-30.