AUSTRALIA is set to have a new permanent circuit up and running in a matter of months, with Circuit Italia showcasing significant progress.
Mystery has long surrounded the privately funded venue, located in Port Stephens and less than 40km out of the Newcastle CBD, given a seemingly low-profile approach taken by owner Matthew Higgins.
A rogue drone last month triggered a rare photographic update, and now more has come to light.
Asphalt has begun being laid on the 3km track, and completion is tipped for as soon as September 2023.
“We learnt long ago not to put absolute timelines because you just don’t know what might get in your way,” Circuit Italia general manager Damien White told V8 Sleuth.
“Our plan is to see a car being driven in anger by mid-September, however we won’t be rushed into opening the gates.”
That leads to obvious questions on how Circuit Italia could soon fit into the industry landscape.
Intriguingly, it comes shortly after Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca listed Newcastle as his preference for a new permanent facility to be created, and at a time when there is an element of doubt around the Newcastle Street Circuit’s future.
With roughly eight months until the 2024 season is likely to open, Supercars and the relevant governments are yet to confirm a renewal for the Newcastle 500.
One of the leading figures opposed to the street race, Christine Everingham, has in fact voiced her support for the event to be moved to Circuit Italia.
White, a two-time V8 Utes champion and two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner, said the focus for now is simple.
“The focus remains completing the circuit,” he said.
“That includes elements such as the installation of Armco and safety barriers, finalising the installation of the material in the run-off areas, and installing CCTV and circuit control systems.
“In terms of our operational model, we have the flexibility to choose how we operate so we’ll finalise those plans as the circuit is completed.”
Asked specifically about the prospect of one day hosting Supercars, White left the door ajar: “Matthew doesn’t care one way or the other; however, I see the potential upside in promoting a Supercars event.”
On top of his on-track experience, White worked for Supercars from 2009 to 2015 in capacities including as director of sport, operations and sanctioned events.
Australia has already had one permanent circuit added to its ranks this year, namely DriveIt NQ south of Townsville.
Motorsport Australia has also announced plans for a Victorian Home of Motorsport at Avalon.
