Four festivals, four states: SHIFT Nation arrives in 2027
Traditional racing will meet modern motorsport culture in 2027 when a new national series – SHIFT Nation – launches in February.
Traditional racing will meet modern motorsport culture in 2027 when a new national series – SHIFT Nation – launches in February.
SHIFT Nation will host five rounds, including four festivals, across four Australian states, blending traditional circuit racing with drifting, time attack and roll racing.
South Australia’s crown jewel venue, The Bend, will open the calendar in February. It will be followed by the historic Calder Park in April, Queensland Raceway in September and Sydney Motorsport Park in October.
SHIFT Nation will also host a dedicated SHIFT Nation Race event in Victoria in November, with dates for that round to be announced.
All four festivals will feature night-time action, including Saturday nights at The Bend, Calder Park and Queensland Raceway. Sydney Motorsport Park's evening action will run on Friday night.
The festivals will be held over both two and three-day formats, focusing on affordable, accessible motorsport for competitors and fans.
Off track, the festival comes to life with car club displays, sim racing competitions, live music and entertainment for the kids. SHIFT Nation Partner Precinct will bring brands and businesses together in one place, showcasing the latest automotive and motorsport technology, products and promotions.
SHIFT Nation has been created to give competitors and categories a new home, with a national calendar of events built around them. Taking an event-first approach, SHIFT Nation will manage the racing and promotion of its own festivals, with the Australian Auto Sport Alliance providing sanctioning and insurance.
The motorsport categories, festival programs and partners will be revealed soon, leading up to The Bend season opener in February 2027.
SHIFT Nation plans to work alongside the operators, clubs and organisers who already run drift, time attack and roll racing, giving their events and communities a bigger stage. Anyone interested in partnering can get in touch via shiftnation.com.au.
SHIFT Nation is an initiative of Steve Jukes and Ben Alexander.
Beyond his national and international business interests, Jukes races at events of all levels across the country and has been involved in category management at both state and national levels.
Outside of corporate life, Alexander brings a lifelong love of automotive culture – from car meets to professional motorsport – helping to shape SHIFT Nation’s fan experience and off-track activity.
Keep up with the latest news and sign up to the mailing list at shiftnation.com.au or join the conversation on the SHIFT Nation social media channels;
QUOTES
Steve Jukes
Co-founder, SHIFT Nation
“We’ve been watching how motorsport is changing, nationally and internationally, as it reaches a wider audience who simply want to be entertained,” said Jukes.
“We’re responding with a fun, sustainable, all-ages national event that welcomes everyone, including competitors and spectators alike, regardless of their motoring background.”
Ben Alexander
Co-founder, SHIFT Nation
“What connects people in this scene isn’t the price tag or what’s in the garage. It’s a shared love of all things automotive,” said Alexander.
“SHIFT Nation celebrates that culture in every form, from cars to bikes and drift to endurance, bringing the whole community together in one place.”
2027 SHIFT Nation festival confirmed dates
SA: The Bend, Fri 26 to Sat 27 February
VIC: Calder Park, Fri 16 to Sun 18 April
QLD: Queensland Raceway, Fri 3 to Sun 5 September
NSW: Sydney Motorsport Park, Fri 8 to Sat 9 October