September 2006

Phillip Island—A History of Motor Sport Since 1928

By Jim Scaysbrook

Phillip Island at the southern tip of the Australian state of Victoria has been a motor racing venue since way back in 1928. While the circuit is perhaps better known as the site of the Australian Motorcycle GP and modern racing, it’s easy to forget the historical significance of the Phillip Island circuit. Now with this publication that has all changed, for Jim Scaysbrook has done a first-class job of putting together the history of the ups and downs of the circuit. It was back on March 26, 1928, when the first meeting was held and won by Arthur Waite in a supercharged Austin 7. This race is also commonly considered to be the first Australian Grand Prix. However, the future of the circuit wasn’t always rosy, as the big problem for the circuit has always been money. I found it interesting to read of how the circuit went from reprieve to reprieve, all the while the caliber of racing (both cars and motorcycles) continued to improve with each event. Scaysbrook not only tells the history of the circuit but goes into the detail of significant meetings, with each page richly adorned with period images of the races and personalities involved. As Phillip Island has long been the center pin of Australian motor sport, it is possible to track the sport’s history in this country from just this one publication. Available for (AUS)$60.00 or (US)$45.00. Copies can be purchased from Autobook World, at www.autobookworld.com