The Place
for Pace
Since 1976, Avalon Raceway has been Victoria's premier motorsport destination — a family-owned venue built on racing passion, community spirit, and decades of unforgettable moments on the clay.
Nearly Five Decades of Motorsport
Avalon Raceway opened in November 1976, built by local racing brothers Doug and Norm Drew following the closure of Torquay Speedway. Located in Lara — roughly 50 km southwest of Melbourne — the venue quickly became a key regional speedway and a proud family-driven operation.
From its motorcycle speedway roots in the late 1970s and 80s to its transformation into one of Australia's premier sprintcar venues from the 1990s onward, Avalon has evolved while staying true to its grassroots character. It regularly hosts World Series Sprintcars rounds and national-level championships, drawing international competitors and thousands of fans.
Today, the venue remains proudly tied to the Drew family legacy and community-driven at heart. From the volunteers in the pit lane to the families in the grandstand, Avalon Raceway is built on people who love motorsport.
A Legacy Built on Racing
The Beginning
Avalon Raceway opened in November 1976, built by local racing brothers Doug and Norm Drew. After the closure of Torquay Speedway, the brothers set out to create a new home for motorsport, establishing what would become one of Victoria's most beloved regional venues.
Motorcycle Era
The original major attraction was motorcycle speedway — solo bikes and sidecars. The venue hosted world-class riders including Ole Olsen, Ivan Mauger and Barry Briggs, and staged major events including the 1980 Australian Sidecar Championship. Avalon was considered one of Victoria's top bike speedway venues.
The Transition
The track surface was changed to a clay-based composition. This shift saw motorcycle racing decline and eventually exit the program, but it opened the door for car-based speedway — particularly sprintcars. This was the turning point that shaped Avalon into the venue it is today.
Sprintcar Era
Avalon became a major sprintcar venue in Australia, regularly hosting World Series Sprintcars rounds and national-level championships. The venue also hosted the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix from 2003 to 2010. International drivers — particularly from the US — began competing during the Australian summer season. Steven Lines set the lap record of 10.93 seconds in 2011.
Victoria's Premier Venue
Avalon Raceway hosts a full programme of classes including Sprintcars, Speedcars, Formula 500 and Junior Sedans. The post-Christmas sprintcar events are especially well-known and attract strong fields. Still strongly tied to the Drew family legacy, the venue remains a family-owned, community-driven destination.
World-Class Facilities
Clay Oval
Our approximately 390-metre banked clay oval is maintained to championship standard, providing the ideal racing surface for 14 classes of dirt speedway competition.
Grandstands & Seating
Covered grandstand seating with excellent sightlines over the full oval. General admission lawn areas and reserved seating options available for every race night.
Pit Facilities
Expansive pit areas with dedicated lanes for each racing class. Fully serviced with power, water, and amenities — accommodating hundreds of team rigs across a full event program.
Announcer & Event Production
Professional PA, commentary, and in-house event production capabilities ensure every race night delivers a premium entertainment experience for competitors and fans alike.
Food & Beverage
Multiple food and beverage outlets operating on race nights, serving everything from classic track-side fare to specialty options. Licensed bar facilities available in select areas.
Location & Parking
Conveniently located at 210 Old Melbourne Road, Lara — just 15 minutes from Geelong and 45 minutes from Melbourne. Ample free on-site parking for thousands of vehicles.
Community First
Avalon Raceway was built by the community and runs because of it. Hundreds of volunteers, local sponsors, and dedicated families give the venue its heartbeat.
Safety Always
We operate to the highest safety standards across all disciplines. Our track officials, marshals, and safety crews are trained and committed to protecting every competitor and spectator.
Motorsport for Everyone
From Junior Sedans for kids as young as 8 to Premier Sprintcar events — Avalon Raceway is a place where every level of the sport has a home.
Find Avalon Raceway
We're located at 210 Old Melbourne Road in Lara, Victoria — easily accessible from both Geelong and Melbourne via the Princes Freeway.