 Proposed circuit layout c.2017 | |
| Location | 49 Italia Road, Balickera, New South Wales, Australia |
|---|---|
| Time zone | GMT+10:00 |
| Coordinates | 32°40′53.60″S151°48′20.39″E / 32.6815556°S 151.8056639°E |
| Opened | 25 June 2025 |
| Length | 3.1 km |
| Turns | 15 |
Circuit Italia is a permanent race track in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.
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. [1] [2] 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. [3] [4]
Following a lengthy silence on the progression of construction, asphalt laying began in July 2023. [5] The circuit was slated for completion in September 2023, however it took until March 2024 for barriers to be fully installed. [6] [7] The venue was eventually declared open on 25 June 2025, with a track day hosted by David Russell slated to be the first official running. [8]
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. [9]