Circuit Italia is a permanent race track under construction in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.[1]
Planning for a permanent circuit alongside the existing Ringwood Motor Racing Complex in Port Stephens began in 2013, with local businessman Matthew Higgins confirming AU$12 million of investment in the project in July 2016.[2] [3] Construction began on the circuit – named after its address on Italia Road – in 2017, with 30% of the project completed prior to a hiatus related to Higgins' other projects.[4] [5]
Following a lengthy silence on the progression of construction, asphalt laying began in July 2023.[6] The circuit was slated for completion in September 2023, however it took until March 2024 for barriers to be fully installed.[7] [8] The venue was mooted as a potential host for the Newcastle 500 after the original circuit fell out of favour with the local council, but was allegedly snubbed in favour of a proposed event in Cessnock according to circuit manager Damien White.[9]