Symmons Plains Raceway

Symmons Plains Raceway stands as Tasmania's premier motor racing circuit, located about 30 kilometers south of Launceston near the town of Perth. This historic track has served as the island state's primary motorsport venue since the 1960s, following the closure of the Longford Circuit. The 2.411-kilometer circuit combines fast straights with technical corners, creating a challenging layout that tests drivers' skills in braking, acceleration, and cornering precision.

Historical Development

The raceway opened in 1960 on land owned by the Youl family, making it one of Australia's oldest continuously operating racing circuits. The track initially featured a unique design with the start/finish line positioned on a curve rather than a straight section. For decades, the circuit maintained this distinctive configuration until 2004, when a $3 million upgrade project moved the start/finish line to a conventional location opposite the pit lane. This renovation also included improvements to facilities and track surfaces to meet modern racing standards.

Technical Specifications

Symmons Plains features a compact 2.411-kilometer (1.498-mile) layout with seven turns running in an anti-clockwise direction. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 3 certification, allowing it to host national championship events. Drivers reach average speeds of approximately 167 km/h around the track, though top speeds on the straights can exceed 270 km/h. The circuit's layout places significant demands on braking systems, with two major braking zones in quick succession requiring excellent heat management and consistent pedal feel.

Circuit Layout and Features

The track layout resembles what some have described as a "pork chop with an extended bone." Its most notable feature is the Brambles Hairpin at the end of the front straight—an extremely tight, banked corner that creates a prime overtaking opportunity. Drivers approach this hairpin at high speed before braking heavily, testing both car control and brake performance. The long back straight includes a subtle kink before leading to another key overtaking spot at the left-hander. This combination of fast straights and technical corners rewards cars with strong horsepower, effective braking systems, and good traction out of the tight corners.

Racing Events

Symmons Plains has a rich history in Australian motorsport, hosting the Australian Touring Car Championship/Supercars Championship almost continuously since 1969. The Tasmania SuperSprint event represents the largest annual sporting event in Tasmania, bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region. The 2025 edition is scheduled for May 11. Beyond Supercars, the circuit hosts the Australian Superbike Championship, historic motorsport events, drifting competitions, and the Shannons' Nationals series. The Australian Drivers' Championship first visited the track in 1966, establishing its credentials as a national-level circuit.

Future Development

Motorsports Tasmania has purchased additional land beyond the Turn 4 hairpin with plans for potential track extensions. These expansions would require significant state investment but could enhance the circuit's profile and ability to attract larger events. Despite its compact size, Symmons Plains continues to play a vital role in Australian motorsport, offering drivers and teams a unique challenge that emphasizes technical precision and mechanical reliability in equal measure.