Adelaide International Raceway was originally the dream child of Keith Williams (of Hamilton Island fame).
Keith opened the raceway in January 1972 and it remained in an almost ‘raw’ state until 1982 when the complex was purchased by Bob Jane Corporation. 
Minor improvements were undertaken at this time such as tree planting and the establishment of lawns in the pit areas but when council permission was sought for a major revamp. It was discovered that the change of council zoning did not allow for any upgrade of the track.
It was an extremely long process but in 1994, work commenced on a long awaited upgrade of facilities.
In the following four years the changes were the removal of the old spectator stands and replaced with mounds which were terraced and lawned. This continued along the drag strip.
 The old timing tower and VIP facilities were pulled down and replaced with several new buildings and a paved VIP area for corporate sponsors. The pits doubled in size stretching from the spectator mounds to Bob Jane Drive.
Another area that was upgraded was the timing lights. This might not have been so obvious to the spectators but it was better for the racers and the commentators who were now able to give the public a much better description of what was happening on track including reaction times and 60ft times of the racers.
The upgrade of the track was a mammoth task and was being undertaken over a 5-7 year plan.
The result of all this work was that Adelaide International Raceway would be one of the premier racetracks in Australia and to be admired all over the world. |
