The WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) is Australia’s longest-established motorsport club, with a history stretching back more than 90 years. Formed in 1929, the club has been at the heart of racing in Western Australia ever since, organising events from humble hillclimbs to the Australian Grand Prix.

The Early Years

In the 1920s and ’30s, motorsport in WA took place on public roads, country town street circuits, and even the high-speed salt flats of Lake Perkolilli near Kalgoorlie. The club quickly became the driving force for the state’s growing racing scene, staging iconic events like the Albany Grand Prix and the 1940 Patriotic Grand Prix in Applecross.

Post-War Racing and the Caversham Era

After World War II, the WASCC restarted racing at the Caversham airbase in 1946 — widely recognised as the first post-war race meeting in Australia. Caversham became the home of WA motorsport, hosting everything from club days to the Australian Grand Prix in 1957 and 1962, featuring legends such as Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, and Lex Davison.

By the late 1960s, as speeds increased and road circuits became less safe, the Commonwealth reclaimed the Caversham site. The club faced the challenge of building a new circuit from scratch.

Building Wanneroo Raceway

In 1968, the WASCC secured land in Wanneroo and, through a mix of member volunteer labour, sponsor support, and sheer determination, built a brand-new raceway in under a year. Wanneroo Park Raceway opened in March 1969 and quickly became the focal point of motorsport in WA.

Over the decades, the club funded countless improvements: track resurfacing, expanded spectator areas, pit facilities, lighting for night racing, and the development of Jack’s Hill hillclimb course. Every stage of growth has been member-driven and self-funded, with over $150 million invested in the venue since its opening.

A Legacy That Endures

From salt lakes to world-class circuit racing, the WASCC has been part of every chapter in WA motorsport history. While venues, cars, and events have evolved, the club’s purpose has remained constant — to promote, organise, and support motorsport in Western Australia.