Calder Park Raceway is one of Australia’s most storied motorsport facilities, located just outside of Melbourne in the suburb of Keilor North. Originally opened as a short sprint track in 1962, the venue expanded significantly under the ownership of legendary racer and businessman Bob Jane. It is perhaps most famous for the Thunderdome, a 1.8-kilometre high-banked tri-oval built in the late 1980s to bring American-style stock car racing, including NASCAR and AUSCAR, to Australian soil.
The venue’s layout is unique, featuring several configurations including a traditional road circuit, a world-class drag strip, and the aforementioned oval. Over the decades, it has hosted a wide range of major events, from the Australian Grand Prix—notably including the first-ever round of the Formula One World Championship held in Australia in 1980—to the popular Off Street Drags which provide a legal environment for local car enthusiasts to test their vehicles.
Today, Calder Park remains a vital hub for grassroots and professional motorsport in Victoria. While some parts of the facility have faced challenges over the years, it continues to serve as a primary location for drifting competitions, track days, and drag racing. Its proximity to the city and its long-standing history make it a sentimental favorite for generations of fans who grew up watching international stars compete on its diverse tracks.
