Wanneroo Raceway

Nestled in the northern suburbs of Perth, Wanneroo Raceway stands as Western Australia's premier motorsport facility. The circuit sits approximately 50 kilometers north of Perth's central business district in the suburb of Neerabup. Racing enthusiasts know this track for its challenging layout, unique surface conditions, and significant place in Australian motorsport history. The 2.411-kilometer circuit combines fast straights with technical corners across undulating terrain, creating a venue that tests both driver skill and mechanical setup.

Historical Development

Wanneroo Raceway opened on March 2, 1969, as Wanneroo Park. The Western Australian Sporting Car Club developed and continues to operate the facility. The circuit received a name change in 1992 to Barbagallo Raceway after businessman Alf Barbagallo provided funding for a short circuit addition. In 2020, the track returned to its roots with the Wanneroo Raceway name. The circuit now operates under the name CARCO.com.au Raceway due to naming rights agreements that extend until November 2025. The track has hosted continuous racing action since its 1969 opening, serving as the state's primary motorsport venue.

Technical Specifications

The main circuit measures 2.411 kilometers (1.498 miles) with 7 distinct turns. The FIA classifies it as a Grade 3 permanent racing facility. The circuit underwent a complete resurfacing before the 2019 season, which included adding a new "bus stop" chicane at Turn 3 for motorcycle racing events. This modification created a separate bike circuit measuring 2.413 kilometers with 9 turns. Additionally, a short circuit configuration exists, measuring 1.760 kilometers with a direct link from Turn 5 to the back straight. The current lap record stands at 50.5769 seconds, set by Gary West in a Lola T87/50 F3000 car in 2007.

Track Layout Features

Drivers face several distinct challenges at Wanneroo. The circuit starts with a high-speed main straight leading into a technical section that includes the tight "Bus Stop" chicane and the demanding "Karussell" hairpin. The track's surface creates unique racing conditions as desert sand frequently blows across the racing line, affecting grip levels throughout events. This characteristic makes the surface particularly harsh on tires and requires strategic planning from teams. The natural elevation changes add another layer of complexity, with several corners featuring camber variations that reward precise car placement.

Racing Heritage

Wanneroo boasts a rich racing history, having hosted the Australian Grand Prix in 1979, won by Johnnie Walker. The Australian Touring Car Championship (now Supercars Championship) has held events at the circuit since 1973, with brief hiatuses from 1974-1977 and in 2010. The track's first major event was a Six Hour Le Mans-style race for sedans and sports cars. Currently, the circuit hosts national-level competitions including Supercars Championship rounds, TCR Australia races, and the SuperUtes Series. In 2010, Wanneroo welcomed the inaugural Australian Festival of Speed, featuring Formula 1 driver Mark Webber and Red Bull Racing in a special demonstration.

Perth Super 440

The Perth Super 440 represents the circuit's signature Supercars Championship event. This race weekend brings Australia's premier motorsport category to Western Australia annually. The 2025 edition will run from June 6-8 as part of that year's championship calendar. Organizers provide free public transportation options for spectators, including trains and buses from Perth's CBD, plus dedicated shuttle services between Clarkson Station and the circuit.

Future Plans

In 2020, circuit management unveiled an ambitious master plan for facility upgrades. The centerpiece of this development includes a new FIA Grade II circuit adjacent to the current track. Designers from Apex have planned a 4.6-kilometer layout drawing inspiration from modern facilities like The Bend Motorsport Park and Highlands Motorsport Park. These improvements aim to secure Wanneroo's position as Western Australia's motorsport hub for decades to come.