Europe’s Finest Racetracks Inspire World-Class Aussie Circuit
Australia’s newest motorsport facility, and our first all-new racing circuit in 25 years, is already making a name for itself both here and abroad. Recognised as the 2019 International Motorsport Facility of the Year, The Bend Motorsport Park is world-class facility that has grown exponentially since its opening in April 2018.
The former Mitsubishi Australia Proving Ground prides itself on supporting a variety of motorsport disciplines, and currently offers circuit racing for cars and motorcycles; Australia’s only purpose-built drift circuit; a rally-cross circuit; driver-training facility; 4WD adventure park and rally/off-road course; and the internationally certified Kartdrome karting circuit.
Soon, The Bend – named after the nearby town of Tailem Bend – will also boast a world-class drag strip and an airstrip for light planes, growing the appeal of this motorsport Mecca even further.
Bigger than Bathurst
The Bend is the only racetrack in Australia to comply with the latest FIA Grade 2 and FIM Category A standards.
The main circuit design was inspired by some of the world’s most iconic circuits, and combines technical corners, fast and flowing sections, and even a kilometre-long main straight. There are up to eight circuit configurations available ranging from 3.4 to 7.7 kilometres in length – 1.5km longer than Bathurst’s Mount Panorama.
“We’ve taken inspiration from the world’s finest racetracks, including Spa, [the] Red Bull Ring, Paul Ricard, Nurburgring, Suzuka, and Silverstone,”
The Bend Managing Director, Dr Sam Shahin.
“It’s 15 metres wide on the main straight, and that width continues into turns two and three for fantastic side-by-side racing action and passing opportunities – at speeds up to 300km/h!
“The best part is that, while the circuit can host top-level racing, it is open to the public for a driving experience like no other, either in their own cars or our specially-prepared track cars. Drivers are already comparing it to circuits in Dubai, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain, and here we are just an hour from Adelaide,” he concluded.
The primary GT Circuit is the second-longest permanent circuit in the world after the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany. With 35 corners the 7.7km format is suitable for GT and Endurance racing and is almost twice the length of The Bend’s 4.9km/18-corner International Circuit favoured by V8 Supercars, Superbikes, national and state series, and even club and private events.
Investors have supercharged the once-deteriorating 750-hectare Tailem Bend site to resemble a small city. It has already hosted V8 Supercar rounds, the Australian Superbikes Championship, and a round of the Asian Le Mans series; and is even suitable for Formula 1 racing should the series ever return to the state.
Feed your Motorsport Lifestyle
Coupled with extensive accommodation options ranging from caravan and camping at BIG4 The Bend to five-star hotel rooms at the 100-room Rydges Pit Lane – and even luxury trackside villas with their own pit garage – The Bend is like no other motorsport facility in Australia and offers unprecedented opportunities for spectators and participants alike.
Developed and primarily funded by the Peregrine Corporation, South Australia’s largest private company, The Bend encourages its visitors to adopt a motorsport lifestyle from the moment they enter the gates.
The centrally located Welcome Centre features the impressive (and free) Auto Gallery comprising unique cars and motorcycles that include a rare scissor-door 2004 Enzo Ferrari, Peter Brock’s own VK-series Holden Commodore, and even a 1934 Hudson Terraplane.
It opens to the stylish Fuel restaurant and its unrivalled views over pit lane and the starting grid where Rydges Pit Lane Executive Chef, Paul Senter, delivers satisfying, seasonally focussed meals that combine ingredients from the Murray River Lakes and Coorong region.
The Apex Bar pours a captivating selection of locally produced wines and spirits, as well as beers from South Australia’s iconic Cooper’s Brewery, perfect for unwinding after a long day on the track.
Getting There
All major domestic airlines operate frequent flights between Melbourne and Sydney to Adelaide with connections available from most other centres. The Bend Motorsport Park is located 100km from Adelaide at 543 Duke’s Highway, Tailem Bend with car rental available from Adelaide Airport.
The Bend offers race-car storage and leasing options, short and long-term villa leasing, corporate event hire, and even wedding packages for motorsport-mad couples – and no matter what discipline you follow or compete in, guarantees an experience unlike any other motorsport circuit in Australia.
For more information, visit www.thebend.com.au
