Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is widely regarded as one of the best circuits in the World. Phillip Island is located about 130Km South of Melbourne. Racing on the island originally commenced in the 1920's until 1935, 2Km from the current circuit. In 1951 a group of local businessmen decided it was time to re-establish motor racing at Phillip Island and build Australia's first Grand Prix circuit. Building commenced in 1952 and the circuit finally opened in December 1956. The track held several events each year until it was closed in 1962 due to extensive track damage.

A Melbourne businessman purchased the venue in 1963 with a view to redevelop the track - it reopened in 1966. Racing continued at the venue, however during the 1970's, the number of events declined due to further track damage. The venue was purchased by Placetac in 1985 and was again redeveloped in 1988, at a cost of $5 million, after it was awarded a round of the World Motorcycle Championship.

The Phillip Island Circuit hosted Australia's first round of the 500cc World Motorcycle Championship in 1989, with Wayne Gardner winning the race in front of over 92,000 spectators. The race was lost to Sydney's Eastern Creek in 1991 after it was outbid by the NSW Government. The track staged its first round of the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1993 and the venue continues to host what's now known as the Supercars Series.

After a six year absence, Phillip Island won back the 500cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1997, and in 1998 Mick Doohan won his fifth World title in front of 75,000 fans. The circuit continues to host the Australian MotoGP, although the 2000 and 2001 events were cancelled due to Covid. Other major events held at the circuit annually include the Superbike World Championships and Supercars.

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was purchased by Linfox in 2005 and there have been plans to significantly upgrade its facilities in a $300 million redevelopment to bring it up to world standards. Features include a major upgrade and extension of the existing infrastructure including pit building, race control and media centre; the construction of a cliff top 18 hole golf course designed by Greg Norman; a five star resort hotel featuring 1175 rooms; a complete makeover of the circuit entrance; and a state of the art permanent office, club and corporate facility at the end of the main straight.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit Details

Location
Address
381 Back Beach Rd, Ventnor VIC 3922 GET DIRECTIONS
Record Crowd
92,000 - 1989 World Motorcycle Championship
Highest Crowd since 2003
53,100 - 28/10/12: Australian MotoGP (d3)  
Opened
1956
Sports Played
Motor Sport  
Annual Events
Australian MotoGP
Superbike World Championship
V8 Supercars
Last Event
Sun 25 Feb 2024: Superbike World Championship  
Next Event
 
Official Website
Accommodation
See hotels near Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit VIEW ACCOMMODATION
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Information about Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Phillip Island including venue layout, history, records, events, map, tickets, directions and accommodation.
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