Reviewed by Richard Tutin
Motor racing tracks around the world vary in their layout and scenery. Some are interesting in the way they test the cars and bikes to their mechanical limits while others have scenery that enhance the experience of watching a race as drivers and riders battle it out for track supremacy.
Australia is fortunate to have major racing circuits in some interesting places. One is the famous Mt Panorama circuit at Bathurst in Central New South Wales while another is the subject of this book by John Smailes at Phillip Island about ninety minutes from Melbourne. While Mt Panorama is associated with car racing, Phillip Island these days is famous for its annual superbike race that has drawn many famous names over the years such as Wayne Gardiner, Mick Doohan, Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi and Jack Miller.
Yet, as Smailes explains, this was not always the case. Phillip Island began its chequered history as a privately run car racing circuit back in the 1920s when Australian motorsport was in its infancy.
As Smailes tells the story of this great circuit, he describes the joys as well as the trials and tribulations as it began and developed into the great racing circuit it is today. In many ways it has a very chequered history and been close to extinction on a few occasions.
It has though survived and is continuing to provide motor sports lovers a facility that can be used in a variety of ways. Along the way Smailes provides some overall history that places Phillip Island in the greater context of Australian motor sport. We often think of sporting facilities being established and maintained by state governments or even local councils. Phillip Island, like most Australian racing circuits, is privately owned. The current owners are the well-known Fox family of LinFox fame.
However, the circuit, in fact any racing circuit in Australia, would not function without the dedicated work of the volunteers who do everything from preparing the track surface to controlling the races as well as the needs of spectators who come to watch the racing spectacle. Their contribution is well covered by Smailes and make very interesting reading. His long association with motor sport and the automotive industry allows him to seek stories and opinions from everyone who has had something to do with Phillip Island whether they are office holders of the racing clubs and organisations, volunteers or competitors. Each one has provided him with their unique insight into the life and history of the circuit during the good as well as the lean periods when its future was in doubt.
As well as text Smailes also includes photos from the various era of Phillip Island’s history. Another useful aid is the provision of maps that show how the layout of the racing circuit has changed and developed over the years.
Such detail and well written commentary makes Phillip Island a worthy addition to the body of work about Australia motor sport and racing history.
John Smailes is a journalist, motorsport commentator, and publicist. His specialty is the automotive industry and motor racing. He has covered and broadcast rounds of the World F1 championship (Australia, Singapore, India, Monaco), the World Rally Championship (Australia, NZ, Greece), MotorGP, the Le Mans 24-hour race and Goodwood Festival of Speed. His best-selling books include Climbing the Mountain (with Allan Moffatt), Mount Panorama, Race Across the World, and Formula One.
Phillip Island
by John Smailes
(2024)
Allen & Unwin
ISBN 978 1 76147 121 6
$36.99; 370pp