Gnoo Blas circuit, motor racing circuit in New South Wales, Australia
Gnoo Blas Circuit was a racing track near Orange in New South Wales, Australia, laid out on closed public roads about 6 kilometers long with eight turns through rural countryside. The course wound through the landscape, following natural terrain around local landmarks including Bloomfield Hospital.
The track opened in January 1953 with its first race on April 6 under the Australian Sporting Car Club and quickly became known for hosting the first Australian Touring Car Championship in 1960. The circuit closed in October 1961 as safety regulations for road racing became stricter.
The name Gnoo Blas comes from the local Aboriginal language meaning 'twin shoulders,' referring to Mount Canobolas nearby. The track was a gathering place where drivers and spectators from the region shared in the excitement of early motorsport.
The old course can still be walked today, with former straights and corner lines visible and historic turns like Mrs Muttons Corner still marked. The site regularly hosts events such as the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show where visitors can see vintage vehicles and hear stories about racing history.
Jack Brabham, who later became a world champion, set a lap record at over 102 miles per hour (164 km/h) that defined the track for years. The course was also remarkable for hosting the first Australian Touring Car Championship, giving it an extraordinary role in the development of early Australian motorsport.
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