Fergus Cameron, a figure pivotal in the revival of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, passed away in September, aged 76. Along with bringing the racetrack back to life and turning it into a favourite for fans and riders alike, Cameron was involved in introducing other attractions to the facility, like the go kart track, visitor centre and motorsport museum. After getting the track up and running, Cameron retained a close connection to the world-famous seaside circuit for almost four decades.
Back in 1984, Cameron headed a group of Victorian investors that purchased the run-down circuit, along with a section of surrounding land. The facility hadn’t hosted a major motorsport event for decades (the ‘Armstrong 500’ endurance race for touring cars moved from Phillip Island to Bathurst in 1963), but Cameron had a vision that would soon become a reality. When Wayne Gardner became the first Australian to win a 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship in 1987, Cameron and others, including circuit designer Bob Barnard, set the wheels in motion for an Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix – held at Phillip Island, naturally – that came to fruition in 1989.
After two years at Phillip Island, then six at Eastern Creek, the Australian GP came back the Island in 1997 and has been held at the seaside circuit every year since (barring COVID-related cancellations). Phillip Island has also hosted the World Superbike Championship since 1990, but both international motorcycle championships will be moving to South Australia in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Beyond motorcycling events, Phillip Island has also held a regular slot on the V8 Supercars calendar, along with national and state level racing championships, historic race meetings like the annual Island Classic, and other events unrelated to motorsport.
When Lindsay Fox purchased the circuit in 2004, Cameron agreed to remain involved as Managing Director for a few months, but that turned into almost two decades. A regular sight at the circuit’s major events, Cameron finally stepped down from the Phillip Island Circuit’s board in 2022. Since then, he had been enjoying a quiet life on his Phillip Island farm.
Fergus Cameron passed away on 9 September. He is survived by wife, Chris, two sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. A memorial service was held at the Phillip Island Winery on 2 October.
JUST BIKES extends its sympathies to the family and friends of Fergus Cameron.
