A vastly different type of pit stop and refuel will have everyone talking at Eastern Creek from this month.
It is the ARDC’s brand new bar, café and hospitality clubhouse, known as The Garage.
Situated directly above the existing pit lane, The Garage takes in great views of turn one, and draws inspiration from the workshops and garages at the heart of motorsport.
The café and bar provides a casual, relaxed place to either prepare for a day of racing or share stories of the day’s exhilaration over a wine or beer long after the chequered flag has fallen.
Concrete floors, painted brickwork and a toolbox-inspired bar bring a unique character to the clubhouse. A variety of seating, including stools and lounges, caters to diverse customer groups.
Australian Racing Drivers’ Club CEO Glenn Matthews praised The Garage when it officially opened its doors on Saturday, December 10.
“It’s fantastic to finally provide ARDC members, competitors, crews, race experience operators and clients, enthusiasts, and the local community a quality venue to match and complement their on-track experience”,” Mr Matthews said.
It marks the beginning of an exciting 2012 for the ARDC, Mr Matthews continued.
“2012 is going to be a big year for the ARDC with the finalisation of the Eastern Creek track extension,” he said. “Plans for the new South Circuit pit lane are now finalised; new and exhilarating events and experiences are in the offing, and of course there is the excitement of celebrating the ARDC’s 60th year.”
Visitors will quickly appreciate the detail and planning that has gone into the design of The Garage, highlighted by a special ‘Pole Position’ section in the north west corner. This is where guests can view cars and bikes reaching top speed before braking hard into turn one.
The excitement and external focus of this space is offset by quieter spaces in the opposite corners where guests can lounge, relax, talk a little business, or linger around ‘Memory Lane’ – a specially-designed space where the history of the ARDC will be on display.
The Garage will continue with a soft opening phase between now and Christmas before resuming in early January, when it will look to establish regular seven-day-a-week operation. The Summer Season Opening hours are 8am – 5pm 7 days a week up until 31 January 2012. The Garage will be closed for Christmas, closing 24 December 2012 through to the 6 January 2012. The Garage will be reopening its doors in 2012 on Saturday 7 January 2012 and we look forward to seeing you there.
