About — PIARC

Our History

Seven Decades
on The Island

From a paddock purchase in 1952 to hosting the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix — the story of PIARC mirrors the story of Australian motorsport itself.

1952

The Club is Founded

Inaugural meeting of PIARC held on 26 March, 1952. The circuit site was purchased from Mr P. Whitlock, owner of Brighton Beach Motors in Melbourne and a committed motor racing enthusiast, with track planning beginning immediately.

1956

First Race Meeting

Following rotary hoeing from January 1953, the completed circuit hosted its first race meeting on 15 December 1956. Lex Davison took victory in the feature race, writing his name into the club's history on day one.

1962

Armstrong 500 Era Ends

Racing continued through the early '60s, hosting the prestigious Armstrong 500 before it moved to Bathurst to become the Bathurst 1000. Severe track damage at the 1962 event forced the circuit to close, with PIARC having invested over £50,000 in the facility.

1967

The Circuit Rebuilt

In 1964, Len Lukey purchased the property with an agreement allowing PIARC to rebuild and race. By September 1967 the circuit was ready again. Lukey developed the facilities extensively, while the club completed the control tower and improved drainage.

1978

Lukey Era Closes

The passing of Len Lukey in 1978 ended a pivotal chapter. PIARC's final event of this era was the Golden Jubilee Australian Grand Prix Meeting, commemorating the first Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island in 1928.

1989

The GP Era Arrives

On 9 April 1989, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix returned to Phillip Island — the first major event of the Fourth Era. This highly successful FIM World Championship round put Phillip Island on the global stage, followed by touring car championships and the inaugural Castrol Classics in March 1990.

1997

MotoGP Returns

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix returned to Phillip Island in 1997, cementing the circuit's place in the global motorsport calendar. Testing by international motorcycle teams and leading V8 Supercar squads made the island a year-round motorsport destination.

2006

Linfox Takes the Wheel

Lindsay Fox, through Linfox, acquired the circuit, ushering in a new era of investment — 19 new garages, a VIP area, Muster Shed, Expo Building, and a world-class grounds program. The circuit is now widely recognised as one of the finest motorsport venues on the planet.

Get Involved

Join the
Action

🏎

Race Officials

No experience required — PIARC runs on-the-spot training and specialist courses year-round. With 400+ officials already on the books, there's always a role for passionate people who want to be part of the action.

Become an Official

📋

Membership

Join PIARC and gain access to club events, sprint days, race meetings, and the camaraderie of a community united by motorsport. Members of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

Apply for Membership

⚡

Club Sprints

PIARC runs four to five sprint events each year at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, regularly attracting up to two hundred competitors over two days. The perfect entry point for any motorsport enthusiast.

See Events

Contact PIARC

Phillip Island Auto Racing Club Ltd

ACN 004 351 446 · ABN 90 004 351 446

All correspondence:

PO Box 6091, Vermont South VIC 3133

General Enquiries Form →Facebook →

Offices & Circuit

Registered & Admin Office

44 Aspen Circuit, Springvale VIC 3171

The Circuit

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit