New target for 12-turn Perth street circuit

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 12 January 2025

Having initially targeted 2026, the first sight of Supercars racing on the streets of Perth is now aimed to be in 2027, but how that looks is much clearer, being part of a multi-million dollar project.

The change in target comes as Supercars releases more details of what appears to be a 12-turn street circuit that will be located in the shadow of Perth Stadium in Burswood Park.

The historic Wanneroo circuit has been the home of Supercars in WA since 1973, but the category is pushing for a landmark change.

If a Labor Government is elected at the WA State Election on March 8, a $217.5 million precinct that will incorporate many things outside of Supercars.

The precinct also includes a multi-use event infrastructure, a function centre and an outdoor music amphitheatre, similar to Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.

These visions have been brought to life through a digital render that suggests an outline of what the new track could look like.

A pair of long straights appear to lead into a tight hairpin as the track winds around the music bowl along the river to the south of Perth Stadium.

The renders suggest a 12-turn circuit has been designed, with three straights connected by a series of medium to slow speed sweepers.

The track will hold a capacity of around 50,000 with the Queensland based Townsville and Gold Coast street circuit rounds used as inspiration.

Permanent grandstands are also promised with the media release suggesting both the Formula E or MotoGP world championships could be seen at the circuit.

Perth will host a street race in Burswood Park in 2026. Photo Harry Cunningham

The Perth circuit will be located to the right of Perth Stadium. Photo Harry Cunningham

The government has not only promised money to host Supercars, but an additional $17.6 million has been committed to grassroots motorsport with upgrades and works for a range of racetracks, kart clubs, motorcross and speedways across the State.

This includes $10.75 million for Perth Motorplex in Kwinana towards a new Winged Outlaw Kart track, LED lighting and clubroom upgrades, as well as a new off-road vehicle area at the Motorplex to replace the current site in Medina.

The major package also includes a $1.3 million fund to deliver standalone medical facilities at Karting WA’s 13 tracks around the State.

The Supercars heavyweights are fully behind the proposal.

“We at Supercars are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of racing on the streets of Perth, and applaud the work from the Western Australia Government thus far as this project has progressed,” said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

“A street race at the Burswood Park precinct would instantly become a marquee event on the Supercars calendar and offer amazing on and off-track entertainment that truly has something for everyone.

“To hold an event in such a stunning and central location would brilliantly showcase the beautiful city of Perth both to racegoers and broadcast audiences around the world.

“This project has energised stakeholders and supporters from every corner of our Championship, and we look forward to working closely with the Western Australia Government to bring this event to reality.”

“We are very excited to announce the next step in bringing the Perth street circuit at Burswood Park to life,” said Supercars COO Tim Watsford.

“The Burswood Park precinct is set to be a world-class entertainment and sporting venue and would be an incredible addition to both Australian motorsport and Perth’s outstanding events offering.

Allan Moffat storms into the lead as poleman Peter Brock slips back as Australian Touring Car Championship racing history begins at Wanneroo in 1973. Image: Auto Action

“The Perth street race will have pride of place as one of the premier events on the Supercars calendar, right up with the likes of the Gold Coast 500, Bathurst 1000, and others, and will thrill fans with heart pumping action on and off the track.

“We have a very ambitious vision for racing at Burswood Park. We extend our thanks Premier Cook, Deputy Premier Saffioti, and the Western Australian Government for their ongoing support of that vision, and look forward to continue working together to see the project through.”

WA Premier Roger Cook said grass roots motorsport, not just Supercars is a big part of his vision.

“Living in Kwinana, I know how big our motorsports community is in WA,” he said.

“This investment will completely transform the Burswood Park precinct, making it capable of not only hosting our own uniquely motorsport event, but other major and community events all year round.

Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert side by side in 2024 at Wanneroo. Image: Mark Horsburgh

“Hosting major events is a huge part of WA Labor’s plan to create local jobs, set up WA’s economy for the future and continue to be a global destination of choice for visitors.

“Importantly, we are spending an additional $17.6 million to upgrade local racetracks, kart clubs, motorcross and speedways.

“This will see local motorsports addressed in its own right as a sporting code, receiving a significant coordinated funding package for the first time under a re-elected WA Labor Government.”

Further details of package outside of Supercars

• Perth Motorplex, Kwinana – $10.75 million towards a new Winged Outlaw Kart track, LED
lighting and clubroom upgrades, and a new off-road vehicle area at the Motorplex to replace
the current site in Medina

• Hurricane Go Kart Club, Wundowie – $1.1 million for upgrades including track extension and
resurfacing, new ablution facilities, canteen and other infrastructure improvements

• Tiger Kart Club, Wanneroo – $1 million for clubroom upgrades

• Ellenbrook Speedway, Ellenbrook – $400,000 for lighting upgrades

• Gidgegannup Motorcross Facility, Gidgegannup – $400,000 for new toilets

• $1.3 million to deliver medical facilities upgrades at 13 Karting WA tracks around the State

• Plus further upgrades for facilities across regional WA to be announced.

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