Circuit Italia
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. 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.
Following a lengthy silence on the progression of construction, asphalt laying began in July 2023. The circuit was slated for completion in September 2023, however it took until March 2024 for barriers to be fully installed. 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.
References
- ^ "CIRCUIT ITALIA AUTODROME IN AUSTRALIA". Art Hunter Design. 29 October 2018.
- ^ "Matthew Higgins's Circuit Italia track near Raymond Terrace could lure big motorsport events". Newcastle Herald. 26 July 2016.
- ^ "Circuit Italia To Provide New Opportunities For Medowie". News of the Area. 3 August 2016.
- ^ "New motor racing complex set for construction". Speedcafe. 19 March 2017.
- ^ "Circuit Italia quashes construction rumours". Speedcafe. 27 August 2020.
- ^ "Asphalt trucks move in on Newcastle-Port Stephens Circuit Italia". Speedcafe. 13 July 2023.
- ^ "September target for first Circuit Italia laps". V8 Sleuth. 13 July 2023.
- ^ "Damien White on X". Damien White on X. 4 March 2024.
- ^ "State, Supercars have 'no interest' in Hunter track alternative". Newcastle Herald. 3 October 2023.