Peregrine Corporation is continuing its strategy to rebuild the motorsport sector in South Australia by announcing it has purchased the Mallala Motor Sport Park, 55 kilometres north of Adelaide.
The Mallala race circuit was established in 1961 on the site of the former RAAF's 24 Squadron operational air base to host the 1961 Australian Grand Prix (AGP). Since that time Mallala has played a pivotal role for South Australian motorsport hosting the Australian Drivers Championship from 1961 to 1971, and then the Australian Touring Car Championship from 1989 to 1998.
Peregrine Corporation is the developer of The Bend Motorsport Park, a $100 million development south east of Adelaide.
“It is a privilege to become the custodian of the State’s rich heritage in motorsport that comes with the Mallala Motor Sport Park and to continue the legacy of the great Clem Smith whose ashes now rest at the track itself. I observed a moment of silence for him at Mallala today and pledged to keep alive his legacy” said Dr Sam Shahin, Executive Director for Peregrine Corporation.
“We are determined for South Australia to be the destination for motorsport in Australia and Mallala will play an essential role in that."
“Mallala is a very complimentary fit with the new world-class facility we are building at The Bend Motorsport Park. To have multiple motorsport facilities in South Australia will allow us to develop a strong local State Championship series across the two venues for both cars and motorbikes that will also create many new job opportunities."
“We are now on the hunt for key people to help us grow the motorsport business across the two venues with the first priorities being a senior Sales & Marketing Manager and a senior Commercial Manager” said Dr Shahin.
The Mallala race circuit was purchased in the mid ‘70’s and subsequently developed by Clem Smith who recently passed away. Smith is remembered as being a fiercely loyal and passionate man committed to motorsport. “Mallala Motorsport Park is embedded in the history of motorsport in South Australia. It is certainly a memorable place for me” said 5 time V8 Supercar champion, Mark Skaife. Skaife won 3 times at Mallala as part of the Touring Car Championship between 1991 & 1994, and is a two-time winner at Mallala during the Australian Drivers Championship in 1990 and 1991. He also held the fastest lap record at the 1992 Group A Touring Car Championship in the famous Godzilla, the Nissan Skyline GTR. Anyone interested in job opportunities with either Mallala Motor Sport Park or The Bend Motorsport Park should submit an enquiry through careers@thebend.com.au. For media enquiries: The Bend Media Office, 08 8331 6810 media@thebend.com.au