TRACK GUIDE

SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK

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SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK has cigarettes to thank for part of its rise to prominence on the world stage. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was held at Phillip Island in 1989, but law surrounding tobacco sponsorship in Victoria saw Sydney's new, purpose-built race track wafting in to take up the mantle from 1991. Eastern Creek, as it was referred to then, held the race until 1996.

Originally called Eastern Creek due to the suburb of Sydney it is located in the NSW goverment-owned facility is run by the Australian Racing Drivers' Club. In 2011 it was rebranded, gaining the SMSP acronym (although most call it SMP), before a $9m track extension was completed in 2012, affording numerous layouts. There are four track configurations, with two being able to run concurrently given there are two pits. The full Gardner GP circuit measures 3.93km long after Turn Six was altered.

However, it hasn't just been top-flight bikes taking to SMP. An FIA Grade 2 licence means any category below Formula 1 can race. From 2005 to 2007 AIGP held three events, culminating in six races, with drivers and teams competing for their nation. Ex-F1 ace Nico Hülkenberg holds the official lap record around the original layout.

Often too easily disregarded, our gun driver, Warren Luff, believes SMP is hard done by, saying “as a driver's circuit it's very challenging because it's got a lot of everything. Therefore it's a great circuit for honing your skills behind the wheel”. So soak in Luffy's tips and tricks before getting to Sydney's premier purpose-built facility.