LIQUI MOLY GT Festival Sandown

The LIQUI MOLY GT Festival brings a premium selection of GT machinery to the historic Sandown International Raceway in Victoria. As the sixth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries 2026 calendar, this event focuses on the precision and variety of grand touring cars competing on one of Australia's most established permanent circuits. Fans at Sandown can expect to see a diverse range of high-performance vehicles from global manufacturers. The circuit's layout, known for its long straights and technical corners, provides a distinct challenge for drivers and allows spectators to get a close look at the action from multiple vantage points around the venue. Located just outside Melbourne, Sandown has a deep connection to Australian motorsport history. This round of the SpeedSeries offers a professional racing environment where the focus is on competitive track sessions and accessible viewing areas, making it a straightforward choice for local fans wanting to see top-tier circuit racing.

Sandown International Motor Raceway, situated in the Melbourne suburb of Springvale, Victoria, stands as one of Australia’s most storied permanent motorsport facilities. Known affectionately as the "Home of Horsepower," the venue opened its gates in 1962 and holds a unique place in racing culture due to its dual-purpose design, where the bitumen circuit completely encircles the Sandown horse racing turf. This proximity to a major metropolitan area makes it a sentimental favorite for local fans who have flocked to the site for over six decades. The circuit is legendary for its "power circuit" layout, defined by two massive 900-meter straights—the front and back "drag" straights—that punish engines and reward high-speed bravery. Over the years, Sandown has hosted the Australian Grand Prix six times and remains the permanent home of the Sandown 500, a crown jewel of the Supercars Championship and the traditional endurance warm-up for the Bathurst 1000. Icons like Peter Brock, who notched a record nine wins here, and international stars like Sir Jack Brabham have all left their mark on the track's fast and unforgiving asphalt. Beyond the premier Supercars events, Sandown remains a bustling hub for the Victorian motorsport community, hosting the Historic Sandown meeting, state championships, and various motorcycle track days. While urban development and noise restrictions have occasionally placed its future in question, the circuit continues to offer some of the closest and most accessible racing in the country. The iconic grandstand provides an unparalleled view of the start-finish line and the heavy braking zone into Turn 1, ensuring every spectator feels part of the high-octane action.

Sandown is located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Melbourne's central business district. For those traveling by car, the venue is easily accessed via the Princes Highway or by taking the Monash Freeway (M1) and exiting at Ferntree Gully Road or Wellington Road to join the Princes Highway heading south. Public transport is arguably the best way to attend major events, as the Sandown Park railway station on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines is located directly adjacent to the circuit. On major race days, special event services often stop at the station, providing a short walk straight into the venue gates. On-site parking is available for most events, though it is recommended to arrive early for Supercars meetings as trackside spots fill quickly.