Could private members secure Island circuit’s future?

A private members’ motoring club could be the future of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit after MotoGP leaves the region, according to circuit designer Bob Barnard.

But there’s no formal proposal just yet.

Barfield Pty Ltd, led by Mr Barnard, was involved in restoring the circuit before the first Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix was held at Phillip Island in 1989.

He hasn’t yet discussed the idea with Linfox Property Group, which owns the circuit, or members of the Fox family.

“It is an option that they could consider,” he said.

Under the model, motoring enthusiasts would pay substantial joining fees and annual subscriptions to drive their own vehicles at the circuit.

Speaking to the Sentinel-Times, Mr Barnard said private use would become the circuit’s main purpose because “that’s where the money is”, although race weekends and other events could continue around members’ access.

“Making money from selling tickets to spectator races is a bad business these days,” he said.

The circuit itself would not need to be altered, according to Mr Barnard. Instead, the development would centre on establishing the members’ club and building a clubhouse with hospitality, meeting rooms, changing facilities and driving simulators.

Garages could follow, and some overseas clubs offer overnight accommodation or larger residential developments next to their tracks.

Mr Barnard said the concept could create jobs at the club and generate work for food and beverage suppliers.

He said it could also bring more affluent visitors to the area.

“Members would spend time in the district, not just at the club,” he said.

“Members are likely business owners and would be exposed to the area for potential investment. It would keep the track viable as a business.”

It wouldn’t be the first of its kind either, with similar clubs already operating across the United States.

APEX Motor Club in Arizona currently advertises a Gold membership costing US$70,000 to join, followed by annual dues of US$8000.

It has multiple circuit configurations and trackside garages.

Near Chicago, Autobahn Country Club advertises full membership at US$60,000 upfront and US$7200 annually. It also has garage rentals, trackside condos and corporate events.

Other examples given by Mr Barnard include The Monticello Motor Club in New York and The Concours Club in Miami.

Mr Barnard said more than 30 such clubs were operating across the United States and that he was currently engaged on eight additional projects, involving either new clubs or expansions.

“None have gone out of business and the demand is not diminishing,” he said.

Mr Barnard said that the high cost of performance cars in Australia could potentially limit demand, but estimated between 300 and 400 members would be enough to make a Phillip Island club viable.

He said Australia currently has no club like this, although Black Rock Motor Resort, currently being developed at Lake Macquarie in NSW, follows a similar private circuit, membership and accommodation model.

The 2026 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will be the last held at Phillip Island before the event moves to an Adelaide street circuit from 2027.