Queensland Raceway
Circuit info:
- Address:
Queensland Raceway
Champions Way
Willowbank
Queensland
Australia- PH:
- (61) 7 5461 9100
- Fax:
- (61) 7 5461 9111
- Circuit length:
-
1.94 miles/3.126 km National Circuit
1.34 miles/2.15 km Sportsman Circuit
1.31 miles/2.11km Clubman Circuit
1.17 miles/1.89 km Sprint Circuit - Circuit type:
- Permanent road course
Circuit history:
Queensland Raceway is sometimes called Willowbank Raceway, although this more properly refers to the nearby drag strip. The circuit is also jokingly referred to as "The Paperclip" due to it's shape, but the design philosphy was to provide the maximum length of straights possible within 3.2km, thus giving many deep braking zones to encourage overtaking.
The circuit layout has suffered some criticism over it's simplistic design, but this was controlled by a number of factors that could not be changed. The shape and topography of the site, the FIA design requirements, and the most important - the construction budget. Detailed computer modelling was used to adjust the basic circuit layout and refine the "fit" of the circuit to the site, as well as determine the safe runoff required for each corner. All sections of the circuit are 12m in width (that's at least four cars wide when racing).
The National Circuit was designed primarily for the top level classes in Australian Motor Sport - Formula Holden and V8 Supercars. This circuit of 3.12km has four straights of varying lengths to provide a balanced opportunity for passing on each lap.
The first short circuit layout is the Sportsman Circuit. This follows the National Circuit to Turn 3, but on exiting Turn 3 there is a wide, slightly dipped connection on the left across to Turn 6.
The Clubman Circuit changes from the National Circuit just after exiting Turn 2, when you need a moderate brake to a downhill right-hand connection across to Turn 4.
The Sprint Circuit was designed for road cars as it is easier on the brakes than all other layouts. It follows the same corners as the Clubman Circuit but instead of turning right through the dipper you turn left, entering the intermediate back straight with adverse exit crossfall. The short blast down to the other connection gives you a little time to size up the opposition, before a right turn to the connection and a tightening left hander to join Turn 6.
Additional information from Tony Slattery, designer of Queensland Raceway
