Home of Motorsport at Avalon Airport could host key events

Major international motorsport events could come to the Geelong region if plans to build a hub go ahead.

Avalon could host the V* Supercars. Picture: David Caird

Major international motorsports – including Formula E, IndyCar, V8 Supercars and the Ferrari Challenge – could be hosted at Avalon if a major motorsport hub is built.

Motorsport Australia chief executive Eugene Arocca said the region could attract the major events if a 250ha plot of land next to Avalon Airport became the home of Victorian motorsport.

With the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, it’s hoped the events could fill the gap in Geelong’s sporting calendar.

In April, Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the airport, which is controlled by billionaire Lindsay Fox, as the preferred site for the $250m project.

The proposal is going through a design and planning phase to determine if it is economically viable.

Mr Arocca told the 40-strong crowd of stakeholders at briefing on Wednesday that the development would act as a “chain link” for motorsport in Australia, and bolster the country’s highly regarded reputation internationally.

He said there was a growing demand for race tracks that was not being met by supply, with about one track built every three years.

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the V8 Supercars championship after the VALO Adelaide 500.: Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Arocca said the project could easily cost half a billion dollars, but that the goal would be to keep the price as low as possible, while at the same time delivering a “world-class” venue.

“With the Commonwealth Games (cancellation) … you get a lot more value out of (motorsport),” he said.

“I would counter that this venue, if it comes to life, will provide 363 days of opportunity (tracks only close for Christmas and Boxing Day), jobs, economic activity and will have a life well beyond 50 years.”

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston, who hosted the forum, said the facility would boost the local economy.

“This would be a facility capable of hosting rounds of the V8 Supercars series and the MotoGP,” he said.

“Major events that would bring event tourism dollars to the region.”

Avalon Airport chief executive Tony Brun said the hub was a “natural partnership” between Motorsport Australia and the airport.

“There are big strategic advantages there,” he said.

“(It would allow us) to sustain and drive traffic in a different way.

“The potential is enormous.”

Mr Arocca said key elements for the venue would include a car a bike track, a karting track, an industry venue similar to a UK site that generates billions annually, as well as a Centre For Excellence, which would allow for development of talent and have a STEM focus.

Mr Arocca said he expected to submit a business case to the government by the end of the year, with the hope of the centre opening in late 2026 or early 2027.

Originally published as Home of Motorsport at Avalon Airport could host key events