Circuit Italia
{{Short description|Race track in New South Wales, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Motorsport venue
|Name = Circuit Italia
|Location = 49 Italia Road, Balickera, New South Wales, Australia
|Coordinates = {{Coord|32|40|53.60|S|151|48|20.39|E|display=it}}
|image = Circuit Italia 2017.png
|image_caption = Proposed circuit layout c.2017
|Time = GMT+10:00
|FIA_grade =
|Events =
|Length_km = 3.1
|Length_mi =
|Opened = 25 June 2025
|Layout1 =
|Turns = 15
|Record_time =
|Record_driver =
|Record_car =
|Record_year =
|Record_class =
}}
Circuit Italia is a permanent race track in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.
History
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.{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/4055124/raceway-project-gears-up/|title=Matthew Higgins's Circuit Italia track near Raymond Terrace could lure big motorsport events|publisher=Newcastle Herald|date=26 July 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newsofthearea.com.au/circuit-italia-to-provide-new-opportunities-for-medowie-13730|title=Circuit Italia To Provide New Opportunities For Medowie|publisher=News of the Area|date=3 August 2016}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/new-motor-racing-complex-set-construction/|title=New motor racing complex set for construction|publisher=Speedcafe|date=19 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/circuit-italia-quashes-construction-rumours/|title=Circuit Italia quashes construction rumours|publisher=Speedcafe|date=27 August 2020}}
Following a lengthy silence on the progression of construction, asphalt laying began in July 2023.{{cite news|url=https://speedcafe.com/asphalt-trucks-move-in-on-newcastle-port-stephens-circuit-italia/|title=Asphalt trucks move in on Newcastle-Port Stephens Circuit Italia|publisher=Speedcafe|date=13 July 2023}} The circuit was slated for completion in September 2023, however it took until March 2024 for barriers to be fully installed.{{cite news|url=https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/september-target-for-first-circuit-italia-laps/|title=September target for first Circuit Italia laps|publisher=V8 Sleuth|date=13 July 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://x.com/_damien_white_/status/1764472463042519313|title=Damien White on X|publisher=Damien White on X|date=4 March 2024}} The venue was eventually declared open on 25 June 2025, with a track day hosted by David Russell slated to be the first official running.{{cite news|url=https://www.v8sleuth.com.au/long-awaited-new-south-wales-circuit-officially-opens/|title=Long-awaited New South Wales circuit officially opens|publisher=V8 Sleuth|date=25 June 2025}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8372650/state-supercars-have-no-interest-in-hunter-track-alternative/|title=State, Supercars have 'no interest' in Hunter track alternative|publisher=Newcastle Herald|date=3 October 2023}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://circuititalia.com.au/ Circuit website]
{{Hunter Region places and items of interest}}
Category:Motorsport in the Hunter Region
Category:Motorsport venues in New South Wales
Category:Port Stephens Council
Category:Sport in Newcastle, New South Wales