The Bend Motorsport Park - The Bend West Circuit

Overview

The Bend Motorsport Park is Australia's newest and most comprehensive world-class motorsport facility, located near Tailem Bend, South Australia, approximately 100km southeast of Adelaide. Spanning an impressive 7.77 square kilometers, this state-of-the-art complex features multiple circuit configurations, including the GT Circuit (7.77km), the International Circuit (4.95km), and the West Circuit (3.41km). Designed to meet FIA Grade 2 and FIM Category A standards, The Bend has quickly established itself as one of the most technically challenging and diverse motorsport venues in the Southern Hemisphere since its opening in 2018.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

The flagship GT Circuit at The Bend boasts 35 corners and is the second-longest permanent racing circuit in the world, behind only the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The track surface is constructed with high-quality asphalt that provides excellent grip in various weather conditions. With elevation changes of up to 85 meters, blind crests, and a combination of high-speed flowing sections and technical corners, the circuit demands precision and skill from drivers. The 1.1km main straight allows vehicles to reach impressive speeds before a challenging braking zone into Turn 1. Multiple circuit configurations enable versatility for different racing categories, from supercars and GT racing to motorcycles and club-level competition. The facility also includes a specialized drift circuit, rallycross track, and karting circuit to accommodate diverse motorsport disciplines.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Beyond the racing circuits, The Bend Motorsport Park offers comprehensive facilities that make it a complete motorsport destination. The impressive pit building houses 32 pit garages, race control facilities, media centers, and corporate suites with panoramic views of the circuit. The Rydges Pit Lane Hotel provides 100 rooms of trackside accommodation, with many rooms offering balconies overlooking the main straight. Additional amenities include the Welcome Centre with restaurants and retail spaces, a 4WD adventure park, a purpose-built rally/off-road facility, and an operational helipad. For motorsport enthusiasts and professional teams, the complex offers driver training facilities, engineering workshops, and secure vehicle storage. The venue can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators with multiple viewing areas providing excellent sightlines of the racing action.

History

The Bend Motorsport Park was developed by the Peregrine Corporation, owned by the Shahin family, who invested over $100 million into transforming former farming land into Australia's premier motorsport facility. Construction began in 2016, with the circuit officially opening in April 2018. The facility was designed by renowned circuit architects Apex Circuit Design. Since its inception, The Bend has hosted major national and international events, including rounds of the Supercars Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, and various motorcycle racing championships. The venue has garnered international acclaim, winning the 2019 Motorsport Facility of the Year at the Professional Motorsport World Expo Awards. The Bend continues to expand its calendar and facilities, positioning itself as a cornerstone of Australian motorsport and a destination that attracts competitors and spectators from around the world.