Sandown

Sandown Raceway stands as a historic dual-purpose racing venue in Springvale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Located 25 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's city center, this iconic circuit has earned its reputation as the "Home of Horsepower" since its completion in 1962. The venue uniquely combines motorsport and horse racing facilities, making it a versatile sporting landmark in Australian racing history. Its rich heritage and technical challenges have cemented its place as one of Australia's most important racing destinations for both drivers and spectators.

Circuit Layout and Specifications

The current National Circuit configuration measures 3.104 kilometers (1.928 miles) in length and features 13 turns. Drivers race in an anti-clockwise direction around this FIA Grade 3 circuit. Sandown's layout showcases two substantial straights - the front straight extends 899 meters while the back straight reaches 910 meters. These long straights, connected by technical corners, classify Sandown as a true "power circuit" that rewards both engine performance and driving skill. The track width varies from 10 meters at its narrowest point (Turn 4) to 21 meters on the main straight. The current lap record stands at 1:04.5533, set by John Martin in a Ligier JS F3-S5000 in 2019.

Historical Development

The site's racing history dates back to 1888 with horse racing, and it hosted Australia's first motor race in March 1904. After a period of abandonment, the motor racing circuit reopened in February 1962 as the country's most expensive circuit at that time. The original circuit measured 3.100 kilometers with 8 turns. In 1984, designers extended the track to meet FIA regulations, creating a 3.878-kilometer International Circuit with 17 turns and a technical infield section. This configuration allowed Sandown to host rounds of the World Sportscar Championship in the 1980s. The circuit later returned to a more streamlined layout to preserve its faster character.

Major Racing Events

Sandown has hosted numerous prestigious events throughout its history. The circuit held the Australian Grand Prix six times and became a significant venue for the Tasman Cup series. The first Sandown 500 endurance race occurred in 1964, evolving into one of Australia's most important touring car events. The venue hosted its first Australian Touring Car Championship race in 1965, where Norm Beechey achieved the first global victory for the Ford Mustang in motor racing. Today, the circuit hosts rounds of the Supercars Championship, GT World Challenge Australia, and other national motorsport series.

Horse Racing Facilities

The complex contains two horse racing tracks: Hillside and Lakeside. The Hillside track measures 2,097 meters in circumference with a 491-meter straight, while the Lakeside track spans 1,891 meters with a 407-meter straight. Both tracks run anti-clockwise and have earned recognition for their excellent performance in wet weather conditions. The racecourse design features a challenging uphill run to the finish line that tests horses' endurance and strength.

Unique Features

Sandown's location in a residential area limits it to five major motorsport weekends annually with strict noise restrictions. The venue's 10,000-seat grandstand serves both the motor racing circuit and horse racing track, offering spectators views of both sporting disciplines. The famous "esses" section ranks among the most challenging and rewarding corner sequences in Australian motorsport, demanding precision and commitment from drivers. This combination of history, technical challenge, and dual sporting purpose makes Sandown a truly unique racing venue in Australia.