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Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
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This motor racing venue is located near Keilor, about 25 km north-west of Melbourne. The 1.83 km Thunderdome was the first purpose-built super-speedway outside North America and is the home of Auscar racing in Australia, a local version of American stock-car racing. Construction of the complex began in November 1984, on the site of a disused drive-in theatre, and the venue was opened in August 1987. The Thunderdome, which seats 40 000, was the brainchild of tyre retailer and car enthusiast Bob Jane. Jane, a former professional cyclist, racing driver and passionate anti-smoking campaigner, refused to allow tobacco advertising at the Thunderdome.