Eastern Creek turns into new Sydney Motorsport Park

A new name—Sydney Motorsport Park—and a #12 million dollar works program has turned Eastern Creek Raceway into “a professional, modern, international entertainment destination” according to Glenn Matthews, CEO of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club.

Most of the upgrades centre around an 830m track extension starting from turn 6 at the south-eastern corner of the track. This has been complemented by improvements to the pitlane facilities and a new branding rollout to announce the new name, including a new website.

The 830m addition has created the 4.5km “Long Circuit” while the original 3.9km “Grand Prix Circuit” can still be used. In addition the track can now be separated into the 2.8km “GP North” and 1.8km “GP South” configurations which will allow two different events to be run at the same time.

Speaking at today’s official opening Glenn Matthews said: “What we have in Sydney Motorsport Park is unique in Sydney, and indeed NSW. It is the only permanent race track in the Sydney basin, and as a result the decision was taken that its name should reflect this.

“There are now four different track configurations, with the ability for the North GP and South GP layouts to operate at the same time, which significantly increases our capacity.”

Already the new layout has secured the return of the V8 Supercars to the track, with an event to be held there in August. Meanwhile, Matthews promised today, “There are some other exciting announcements regarding major events coming very soon too.”

Work is still ongoing for the control tower and pitlane complex that will be used to operate GP South circuit. They’ll be positioned adjacent to turns four and five.

We’ve included a couple of before and (almost) after satellite images below, along with an interview with V8SC driver Jonathon Webb, who was interviewed at today’s opening.

[Source: Sydney Motorsport Park]

UPDATE 24 May: A short video from Sydney Motorsport Park about the launch has been added below.

Pic: nearmap

Pic: nearmap

Pic: ARDC

Eastern Creek Raceway reborn as Sydney Motorsport Park

21st May 2012 – Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway has been rebranded following a $12 million transformation, including the first new race circuits in Australia in a decade, upgraded pit facilities and the near doubling of capacity.

From today, Eastern Creek Raceway will be known officially as Sydney Motorsport Park, reflecting the facility’s significant physical and operational transformation.

Funded in a joint partnership between the NSW state government and official venue manager the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), the facility has undergone a complete change in operations and aesthetics.

As part of the ARDC’s long-term strategic plan for the facility, the rebranding coincides with the official opening of an 830-metre extension of the existing Grand Prix circuit. The resultant 4.5km Long Circuit will provide a new challenge for competitors while offering new and fantastic spectator vantage points.

ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews said that the name change was the next important phase of the transformation plan and positioned the facility as a truly international operation.

“Firstly, I must thank the NSW state government for embracing our vision, their passion for the venue and for their decision to continue their contribution to the future of motorsport in NSW,” said Mr Matthews.

“What we have in Sydney Motorsport Park is unique in Sydney, and indeed NSW. It is the only permanent race track in the Sydney basin, and as a result the decision was taken that its name should reflect this.

“There are now four different track configurations, with the ability for the North GP and South GP layouts to operate at the same time, which significantly increases our capacity.”

Work on the new pit lane structure and control tower to service the separate south configuration is underway on land adjacent to turns four and five.

This new complex will allow Sydney Motorsport Park to hold two race meetings, and multiple experiences simultaneously.

The existing pit lane and paddock areas are also undergoing refurbishment, which will be completed soon.

“We have experienced a spike in demand over the past two years, and all of these changes and upgrades have been made in order for us to be able to properly service Sydney’s motorsport public,” Mr Matthews said.

“Much has been done, and we are committed to completing a whole lot more. The ARDC has also worked hard to change the way we operate as a part of this transformation.

“We no longer see ourselves as just a track-for-hire operation, but rather a strong, flexible and willing partner to all those involved in Australian motorsport. Together we want to create the best environment for all of our stakeholders, be they racers, or race-goers.

“Apart from yearlong racing, Sydney Motorsport Park offers a dynamic range of motorsport experiences for the enthusiast, with track days, motorcycle ride days, V8 racing experiences, Radical race cars, classic and supercar experiences and much more,” Mr Matthews added.

The ARDC will also offer a comprehensive range of driver and rider training and safety initiatives.

2012 is a significant year for the ARDC as it celebrates its 60th anniversary.

The club will mark the milestone by hosting major events such as round nine of the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship in August and the eighth annual Muscle Car Masters on Father’s Day.

ARDC president Andrew Leithhead said the major facility changes were to help both the ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park prosper well into the future.

“We are extremely proud of our long and distinguished history, but looking towards the future we have made these changes to ensure that the ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park brands remain strong and relevant for a very long time,” he said.

“We encourage all motorsport fans that haven’t been out here for a while to come and experience the new Sydney Motorsport Park, and be a part of history at Sydney’s home of motorsport.”

Sydney Motorsport Park: The future of Australian motorsport

Sydney Motorsport Park is set to become Australia’s new home of motorsport following a $12 million refurbishment co-funded by the NSW state government and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC).

The facility has undergone much more than just a facelift.

New race circuits, upgraded pit and spectator facilities and an effective doubling of race and motorsport experience capacity will make Sydney Motorsport Park a world-class destination.

As a part of the ARDC’s long term strategic plan, Sydney Motorsport Park is looking to enhance its already strong calendar and to attract even more new and exciting motorsport racing, events, festivals and experiences.

This will reposition the venue as a best-in-class facility for competitors, promoters, motorsport spectators, tourists and the sports-loving community of greater western Sydney.

ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews said the recent announcement of the return of the V8 Supercars to the venue was part of this vision becoming reality.

“We are now a professional, modern, international entertainment destination,” said Mr Matthews.

“There are some other exciting announcements regarding major events coming very soon too.”

The facility becomes the most flexible motorsport destination in the country, offering four separate track configurations, including the extended 4.5km Long Circuit, original 3.9km GP Circuit, a 2.8km North GP layout and 1.9km South GP configuration.

The venue also becomes much more than a track for hire, with a comprehensive range of driver safety, training and motorsport experiences that offer the public the opportunity to be educated, inspired and entertained.

A prominent internet presence is a major part of the venue’s rebranding, with a new website launched today at www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au.

The website allows visitors to view and book events and experiences, as well as interact with other fans via an exciting new section called ‘fan zone’.

This allows competitors and spectators to upload their images and videos of their Sydney Motorsport Park experiences.

“Creating a multi-platform presence is an important part of Sydney Motorsport Park’s future,” Mr Matthews added.

“Having a professional online presence has never been more important, and is something that we have been working on for 12 months now.

“All of these changes have been designed to make Sydney Motorsport Park – both the physical venue and our online presence – accessible, easy to use and friendly for both motorsport competitors and spectators.”