Australia is famous for its race tracks, but one of them holds a special place in the history of motorsport – Sandown Raceway. Located in the suburbs of Melbourne, this legendary track is a symbol of speed, adrenaline and the endless pursuit of victory.
History and heritage
Sandown Raceway opened in 1962 and has since become an integral part of the Australian racing calendar. The track was originally designed as a venue for major road-racing events, and as early as the 1960s it hosted events that attracted some of the world’s best drivers.
One of the key milestones in Sandown’s history was the Australian Touring Car Championship, the forerunner of today’s Supercars. Legends such as Peter Brock, Dick Johnson and Mark Scaife made their mark on Australian motorsport history.
Track Configuration
Sandown Raceway has a classic 3.1 km long configuration with long straights and challenging corners that require maximum concentration from the drivers.
The main features of the track are:
- Two long straights allowing cars to reach high speeds.
- Chicanes that test braking and cornering skills.
- The famous Dandenong Road corner, which is a challenge for even the most experienced drivers.
- With its unique layout, Sandown is ideal for both professional and amateur track racing.
Key Events and Significance
Over the decades, Sandown Raceway has hosted numerous prestigious events including:
- Supercars Championship rounds – one of Australia’s premier racing championships.
- The Sandown 500 race, a legendary endurance race that predates the Bathurst 1000 by many years.
- Formula 5000, GT Racing and other significant tournaments.
In addition to racing, Sandown regularly hosts track days, test runs and even drag racing. This makes the track an important center of motorsport life in Australia.
The Future of Sandown Raceway
Although current trends in racetrack development require infrastructure upgrades, Sandown Raceway continues to be an iconic venue for motorsport enthusiasts. Its future is regularly debated, but one thing remains constant – its place in the history and culture of Australian motorsport.
More than just an asphalt loop, Sandown Raceway is the heart of racing in Australia, where legends come alive and champions are born.