Difference between revisions of "Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit"

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There is to be a multi-million dollar re-development is planned to be started in late [[2006]]. This will be completed by the [[Linfox]] Group, who now own the track
 
There is to be a multi-million dollar re-development is planned to be started in late [[2006]]. This will be completed by the [[Linfox]] Group, who now own the track
  
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{{MotoGP circuits}}
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{{SBK circuits}}
  
 
[[Category:Grand Prix motorcycle racing circuits]]
 
[[Category:Grand Prix motorcycle racing circuits]]

Latest revision as of 16:34, 14 March 2009

Phillip Island.jpg
Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Location Phillip Island, Victoria (Australia)
Image
Events MotoGP, Superbike, V8 Supercar
Length km 4.445
Length mi
Turns 12
Record time 1.24.2215
Record driver Simon Wills
Record team Reynard 94D Formula 4000
Record year 2000

The first races on Phillip Island took place in 1926 with the first Australian Grand Prix, known as the 100mile race. It used, as was traditional at the time, a high speed rectangle of local closed-off public roads. The course length varied, with the car course approximately 6 miles per lap, to motorcycle racing of appx. 10 miles. The very first Grand Prix was known as the 100 Mile Race

As speeds grew, there was a need for a safe circuit. The original Phillip Island road circuit, based around the airfield, was a dusty trek up and down hills and through tough tight corners. It survived from the late 1920's to 1935.

In 1951, local businessmen decided to build a new track. This is around 2Km from the original circuit, but still bears the corner name signs of the original circuit. As the piece of available land was on the edge of the coast, the track is known for its step grades - the highest 57metres, which caused cost overs runs and delays in track opening. The track hosted its first race in 1956, but due to extensive damage from the 1962 Armstrong 500, the circuit could not afford repairs, and the race moves to Bathurst.

The circuit reopened in 1966, but again due to its testing terrain, the circuit required much maintenance, and slowly declined through the 1970's. It was farmed by its owners while closed, and was then sold in 1985 in preparation for reopening, but did not do so until 1989 after agreement on a long term lease and rebuild agreement. It hosted its first World Superbike race in 1990. Mathew Close won the first race in 1990 by 11.31 sec

In 2006, Phillip Island hosts the grand finale of the V8 Supercars Championship Series, as well as a regular MotoGP and Superbike round.

There is to be a multi-million dollar re-development is planned to be started in late 2006. This will be completed by the Linfox Group, who now own the track



MotoGP circuits

Current circuits (2008)
LosailJerezEstorilShangaiLe MansMugelloCatalunyaDoningtonAssenSachsenringLaguna SecaBrnoMisanoIndianapolisMotegiPhillip IslandSepangValencia

Past circuits
IstanbulWelkomSuzukaRio de JaneiroPaul RicardImolaBuenos AiresJohorJaramaShah AlamZeltwegNürburgringSentulEastern CreekSalzburgringHockenheimHungaroringMagny-CoursInterlagosKyalamiRijekaSpa-FrancorchampsAnderstorp GoianiaMonzaSilverstoneOpatijaNogaroImatraSan CarlosKarlskogaIsle of ManMontjuïcCharadeDundrodMosportFujiDaytonaRouenSolitudeTampereKristianstadtHedemoraReimsBremgartenSchottenringAlbiGeneva


SBK circuits

LosailPhillip IslandValenciaAssenMonzaSalt Lake CityNürburgringMisanoBrnoBrands HatchDonington ParkVallelungaMagny-CoursPortimao

Past Circuits
AlbaceteAnderstorp BrainerdEstorilEuroSpeedway LausitzHockenheimHungaroringImolaJohorJaramaJerezKyalamiLaguna SecaLe MansManfeildMosportMugelloOran ParkOscherslebenÖsterreichringPaul RicardPergusaSalzburgring SentulShah AlamSilverstoneSpa-FrancorchampsSugoZeltweg