
Penrite Oil Sandown 500
About this Event
The Penrite Oil Sandown 500 returns to the historic Sandown Raceway in Melbourne for a critical stage of the Repco Supercars Championship. As the semi-final round of the 2026 season, the stakes are at their highest. Fans will see the field narrowed down as drivers battle for their final chance to secure a spot in the championship's concluding event. Known as the home of horsepower, Sandown Raceway offers a classic circuit experience with great visibility for spectators. Attendees can choose between General Admission and Grandstand seating to watch the endurance racing unfold. This event is a staple of the Australian motorsport calendar, combining action-packed competition with a festive trackside atmosphere. Off the track, there is plenty for the whole family to explore, including car displays and a variety of food options. Those looking to get closer to the action can opt for a Paddock Pass, providing behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to meet the drivers. It is a community-focused weekend where kids 12 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Attractions
Good to Know
One child 12 and under enters free per paying adult on general admission tickets. Paddock Passes are available for those wanting to meet drivers and see behind the scenes.
Main Category
Supercars Championship
Support Categories
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About Sandown International Motor Raceway
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.
Getting There
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.