Described as a celebration of ‘power, speed and innovation’, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival champions our city’s automotive prestige every March. In a jam-packed weekend, experience the world’s best cars, motorbikes, cuisine and beverages at this family-friendly event. If you know motorsport as the Adelaide 500, then prepare for something completely different.

South Australia’s automotive prestige is on full display at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, the annual event taking place this March 16 and 17. From heritage and luxury car displays to adrenaline-raising champion Formula 1 and V8 Supercar demonstrations, world-class food curated by award-winning chefs and fun family zones, there’s something for everyone. Here’s how to spend your weekend: 

GOUGER STREET PARTY 

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival fun starts a day early in the heart of the CBD with the annual Gouger Street Party. On March 15, the free community event will kick start at 6pm with the ‘Peak Hour of Power’ – something the festival describes as “a high-powered parade of exotic, wild and rare vehicles”. 

The multi-million-dollar procession features 35 hero cars from the festival, toasting the weekend celebration of automotive excellence and setting the tone for what to expect over the following two days. After the parade, punters will be able to fill the street and mingle with personalities, and get up close to the racing vehicles while a DJ soundtracks the evening. 
Find out more here. 

ON-TRACK ACTION

Something new is on track every 15 minutes at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, with the track frequently rotating high-performance racing vehicles, historic Formula 1 cars and motorbikes . Gates open at 8:30am, with on-track action concluding with a drift race at 6pm. 

Demonstrations to look out for include the Ferrari Spettacolo, where ultra-rare vehicles from the Maranello-based carmaker will be driven, including the Ferrari F40 and Ferrari 599XX (only 44 were ever produced), as well as the developmental prototype of the high-performance Enzo Ferrari sportscar (only 30 were ever produced). 

Previous Bathurst 1000-winning vehicles will also be making an appearance at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, including the famed Holden Torana (1976 champion) and the Holden VP Commodore that Larry Perkins and Greg Hansford drove in 1993. 

For Formula 1 fans, the Benetton B193B Ford that Michael Schumacher raced in Adelaide in ’93 will be driven, as will one of the first Arrows Formula 1 cars, the ’79 Arrows A1B Cosworth V8. Current Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas will also get behind the wheel of the Adelaide-built Brabham BT62 and the Perkins/Hansford champion ’93 Holden VP Commodore. 

The action is fast and furious, ever-changing and punctuated with celebrity appearances both on and off the track.
Find out more about the Victoria Park Sprint here, or check out the full schedule online here.

THE GRAND MARQUEE 

Take a break from on-track demonstrations at the Grand Marquee, where guests can listen to industry chats with leading figures and racing celebrities. Hosted by Supercar presenter Charlie Barlow all weekend, as well as Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft on Sunday, March 17, guests of the talk tent include Stake F1 Kick Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo) driver, Valtteri Bottas, former Haas team principal and Netflix Drive to Survive favourite, Guenther Steiner, and former Formula 1 World Champion, Damon Hill.

VIP HOSPITALITY

Luxe hospitality meets world-class automotive action in the VIP spaces at the Adelaide Motorsport Festival. Take advantage of the uninterrupted balcony views at Club Zagame or indulge in all-day dining at the Pagani VIP Suites, curated by award-winning chef Tony Carroll.

South Australian Style has broken down the best hospitality packages that elevate your two-day festival experience and grant exclusive access to some of the world’s best food, drinks and heritage vehicles. Read the full article here. 

FOR KIDS 

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival is designed with fun for the entire family in mind – including kids! Under the shady trees of Victoria Park, the March 16 and 17 event will have an interactive Family Zone, featuring three triple-screen racing simulators, Hobby Habit radio controlled cars and a VR simulator. What’s more, the kid-friendly area will have pitstop and drag racing challenges, a winners podium and an F1 photo booth! 

The Adelaide Motorsport Festival takes place this March 16 and 17 at Victoria Park with entry off Fullarton Road. Find out more online here.