Plans for a new Melbourne motorsport facility put on hold

Progress for a world-class race track and motorsport facility in Pakenham has hit a major roadblock, with circuit developers Podium 1 withdrawing from the project.

According to the Pakenham Gazette, Cardinia Mayor Brett Owen says the council will now begin the process of searching for a new tender to redevelop the The Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Park.

4

Images: Apex Circuit Design

“The council remains committed to facilitating the development of the Cardinia Motor Education and Recreation Park,” said Mayor Owen.

“We know how excited the Cardinia Shire and broader motorsport community is for this project to get up and running,” he said.

4

The news is a real blow for motorsport in Melbourne, after permits had already been approved in August last year for stage one of the project.

The initial plans included a 3.6km track which has FIA Grade 2 approval and could be split into two separate circuits of roughly 1.8km, with hopes of hosting motorsport activities from karting all the way through to the Supercars Championship.

4

Cardinia Motor Recreation and Education Complex

Pit buildings with 33 garages, viewing deck and hospitality facilities were also approved as part of the plans.

There was also rumours of a drag strip being built alongside the circuit, but when Motor first reported on the approval of the stage one plans in August last year, the firm Apex which designed the facility told us there was no room to build a strip and meet the necessary safety measures on the same land.

Podium 1 has yet to comment on its withdrawal.