History

A historically significant meeting of six local businessmen decided to re-establish motor racing at Phillip Island.

A steering committee formed and the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) developed with a dream “to build Australia’s first international grand prix circuit”.

The current site was purchased in that year. PIARC called for 7000 subscriptions at 10 pounds each to assist in the development of the circuit and building work begins. An Alfa was used to measure the three-mile distance required for international certification as an International Circuit.

Between 1952 and 1956 the building of the circuit had met with major engineering hurdles and PIARC had to call for more money from its shareholders. The grand open meeting was held with much acclaim in December 1956.

Phillip Island stages numerous trophy races including the Australian Motorsport Magazine Trophy Race in 1957, the Formula Libre race of 1958 and the Phillip Island Trophy race of 1958.

The Light Car Club of Australia developed and staged the inaugural Armstrong 500. The race was won by Frank Coad and John Roxburgh driving a Vauxhall Cresta. They completed the race in eight hours 15 minutes. It was a monumental achievement, as the unknown Vauxhall pilots beat the highly fancied pairing of Bob Jane and Harry Firth in a Mercedes. Jack Brabham wins the Moomba Trophy driving a Cooper Climax T51.

Due to extensive track damage resulting from the 1962 Armstrong 500, PIARC is unable to repair the damages and the track is closed. Subsequently Phillip Island loses the long-distance event, which is transferred to Bathurst.

Melbourne businessman, muffler manufacturer and racing driver Len Lukey purchased the circuit with a view to redevelopment.

The circuit reopens for racing in April 1966 in the heyday of sportscar racing.

Phillip Island hosts numerous rounds of the touring car championship. In the ’60’s, names like Pete Geoghegan, Bob Jane and Norm Beechey starred; while in the ’70s drivers like Peter Brock, Allan Moffat, Dick Johnson, John Harvey and Colin Bond were established and over the decade became household names.

Peter Brock wins at Phillip Island in his Holden Dealer Team LJ GTR XUI Torana to claim the 1973 Manufacturers Championship.

Due to extensive track damage, racing declined at Phillip Island, with the property farmed by its owners.

Phillip Island Circuit purchased by Placetac Pty Ltd, a local syndicate with the view to re-introducing racing to the famous facility.

Barfield Pty Ltd, led by engineer and promoter, Bob Barnard, was awarded a round of the world motorcycle championship. Barfield granted lease on land and begins restoration of the track and facilities.

Phillip Island stages Australia’s first round of the 500cc World Motorcycle Championship on April 6-9. In an emotional victory in front of a crowd of over 90,000, the race was won by the Wollongong wizz and world champion, Wayne Gardner.

Phillip Island stages Swan Six Hour Motorcycle Endurance Race. Domestic racing resumes for both cars and motorcycles.

The inaugural Phillip Island Car Classic took place and has become the biggest annual historic car event in the southern hemisphere, attracting entrants from all over the world

The Victorian Government was unable to financially assist the 500cc World Motorcycle Championship resulting in the NSW Government securing the funds to host the event at Sydney’s Eastern Creek. Poor weather delayed the works required and the event was unable to be held there, the event ultimately returned to Phillip Island for the second consecutive year.

Phillip Island hosts its first round of the Superbike World Championship. Phillip Island continues to host an annual round, bar 1993.

Phillip Island loses its round of the 500cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix to Sydney’s Eastern Creek, outbid by the NSW government to attract the event to Sydney.

Phillip Island stages its first round of the Shell Australia Touring Car Championship. It was voted as the best round in Australia for that year and again in 1994. Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit continued as one of the leading circuits for racing and testing to Australia’s top touring car teams.

Following Wayne Gardner famously winning the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island in 1989 and 1990, the main straight was renamed Gardner Straight in his honour.

The inaugural Island Classic was held in February with riders competing for the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.

Australian superbike rider, Troy Corser, wins the Superbike World Championship on board a Ducati at the October race at Phillip Island.

Australian Touring Car Championship changes its name to V8 Supercars and Phillip Island continues to host an annual round.

After a six-year absence, Phillip Island wins back the right to stage the 500cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix. Mick Doohan had already secured his fourth straight Motorcycle Grand Prix crown when the race returned to Phillip Island in October 1997. Unfortunately, Doohan crashed out whilst leading and Spain’s Alex Criville took out the round.

Mick Doohan secures his fifth title, winning the Phillip Island round to clinch the 500cc World Motorcycle Grand Prix in front of a crowd of 75,000.

Following a career ending accident at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier in the year, Mick Doohan was recognised at the Australian Grand Prix with Phillip Island’s Turn 1 renamed Doohan Corner in his honour.

The World Superbike Championship in March saw Australian domination with reigning world champion, Troy Bayliss winning both superbike races, and current World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt finishing on top of the supersport podium.

Linfox Property Group purchased the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit from Placetac Pty Ltd and has invested heavily into the venue securing it as a world-class destination.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit opened the 750m replica Go Kart track situated alongside the circuit.

Australia’s Casey Stoner secured his fifth consecutive MotoGP win at Phillip Island. The two-time world champion retired at the end of the season, with Turn 3 at Phillip Island renamed Stoner Corner in his honour.

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit is awarded 10 year contacts for MotoGP and World Superbikes, locking these two major events in until 2026 and 2027 respectively. No other venue in the world has achieved contracts of this length.

Phillip Island hosted the 500^th round of Australian Touring Car-V8 Supercars Championship in April.

The International Island Classic celebrates its 25^th anniversary event with Jeremey McWilliams, Colin Edwards and Troy Corser leading the charge in the four-nation International Challenge battle. The most successful grand prix motorcycle racer of all time, Italy’s Giacomo Agostini joined the celebrations.

World Superbikes hosts its 30^th anniversary of the event at Phillip Island, with no other circuit on the global tour hosting as many rounds.