Wakefield Park

Overview

Located in the heart of New South Wales, about 13 kilometers south of Goulburn, Wakefield Park Raceway stands as one of Australia's premier motor racing circuits. Nestled in picturesque countryside at coordinates -34.8402209481549, 149.6854280000682, this compact yet challenging track offers an exciting venue for motorsport enthusiasts. Known for its technical layout and undulating terrain, Wakefield Park has earned the nickname "The Nation's Playpen" due to its accessibility and popularity among both amateur and professional racers. The circuit hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from car and motorcycle races to driver training programs and private track days.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

Wakefield Park features a 2.2-kilometer (1.36-mile) circuit with 12 distinct turns that challenge drivers with a mix of technical corners and flowing sections. The track width varies between 8 and 10 meters, providing ample space for competitive racing while maintaining safety standards. The layout includes several elevation changes that add to the complexity and excitement of racing here, with the most notable being the descent into the final corner before the main straight.

The circuit's design incorporates a combination of tight hairpins, sweeping bends, and a main straight approximately 330 meters long where vehicles can reach significant speeds before heavy braking into Turn 1. Notable sections include the challenging Turn 2 hairpin, the technical sequence through Turns 7 and 8, and the thrilling high-speed Fish Hook corner (Turn 10). The track's surface provides excellent grip in various conditions, making it suitable for racing throughout the year regardless of weather.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Wakefield Park boasts comprehensive facilities to serve competitors and spectators alike. The venue features multiple pit garages and paddock areas that provide teams with space for vehicle preparation and maintenance. For spectators, there are several elevated viewing areas that offer excellent sightlines across multiple sections of the track, with the most popular being the hill overlooking the Fish Hook corner.

The circuit maintains a race control tower equipped with modern timing systems and safety monitoring equipment. Additional amenities include a café serving food and refreshments, clean restroom facilities, and a professional briefing room for driver meetings and instruction. The venue also offers garage hire, fuel services, and tire-changing facilities. For those looking to improve their skills, Wakefield Park provides a specialized driver training area and offers professional instruction through various racing schools based at the circuit.

History

Wakefield Park was developed in the mid-1990s and officially opened in 1994 as a response to the growing need for motorsport venues in southeastern Australia. Named after the nearby historic Wakefield area, the circuit was designed to provide a challenging yet safe environment for motorsport competition at all levels.

Throughout its history, the track has hosted numerous significant events including rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship, Formula Ford, Sports Sedans, and Historic Racing categories. The circuit has undergone several modifications and improvements over the years, including track resurfacing projects and facility upgrades to meet evolving safety standards and competitor needs.

In recent years, Wakefield Park has faced challenges related to noise restrictions and local regulations, leading to community discussions about the balance between motorsport activity and local residential interests. Despite these challenges, the raceway remains an important fixture in Australian motorsport, continuing to provide a treasured venue where drivers and riders can test their skills on one of the country's most technically rewarding circuits.