This slice of bitumen is a piece of history. It comes from the actual race track. Enjoy it as a permanent souvenir of an icon of Australian motorsport.
​The Bend, also known as The Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, is located in Tailem Bend, South Australia, hosted its first event in 2018.
​
The Motorsport Park was built on the former location of the Mitsubishi Test Track, with the project and plans initiated by Peregrine Corporation in 2015, with construction beginning in 2016 and completion of the track in 2018. Dormant since 2008, the Park is now a world class motorsport and tourist destination visited by over 400,000 people per year.
The Bend is unique in having all motorsport disciplines ‘through the one gate’, including circuit racing for cars and motorcycles, an international Group One Dragway that recently set the fastest Top Fuel quarter-mile run in Australian History, Australia’s only purpose-built drift circuit; a karting circuit; a rally-cross circuit; driver training facilities; a 4WD adventure park and a rally/off-road facility. In 2019 the facility took out International Motorsport Facility of the year beating several renowned international venues for the esteemed title. The Bend continues to grow with major track activity, hospitality and corporate events. The commitment from Supercars to host an Endurance round at The Bend in 2025 has further enhanced the Bend’s circuit as a world class surface, and the venue as a world class precinct.
​
The Bend GT Circuit is Australia’s longest permanent racing circuit. At 7.77km, it is the second longest in the world after the Nürburgring in Germany. The track is renowned for its challenging layout, fast and flowing nature, and technical corners. The GT circuit is one of eight configurations available at The Bend. All circuit facilities are open to the public.
​
Our circuit features a state-of-the-art track surface designed for high-grip, durability, and safety in a challenging high-temperature environment. While the exact proprietary formula is confidential, construction data and industry analysis confirms the use of high-performance inputs and high-polish-resistant granite aggregate sourced locally from Stoneyfell in the Adelaide Hills. This combination was specifically chosen to withstand the extreme heat and abrasive forces of modern motorsport while providing consistent grip. The unique conditions in Tailem Bend resulted in the careful curation of the track’s bitumen ensuring that the track is made up of high performance bitumen. All of this was done to ensure our guests have a world class experience and represents our sole focus to put smiles on people’s faces.
​
Based on the specifications required to meet the challenges of the regional conditions and the required industry standards for FIA and FIM grade circuits, and our focus on future customer needs, we used a bespoke Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) blended with synthetic polymers to improve its performance characteristics.
​
Our unique specification places the track’s surface among the top-tier racing surfaces globally and is a key factor in its ability to host a wide range of international and national championships.
​
This slice of bitumen is a piece of history. It comes from the actual race track. Enjoy it as a permanent souvenir of an icon of Australian motorsport. Head over to our merchandise store to secure your piece of history, and while you're there, check out the awesome range of apparel and accessories celebrating the circuit.