Autódromo Ciudad de Concordia

Circuit History

The Autódromo Ciudad de Concordia was the first asphalted racing circuit in the province of Entre Ríos. Constructed by the Concordia Automóvil Club replaced an earlier compacted dirt layout used for regional events in the 1960s.

According to contemporary reports, the final race on the old dirt course was held in late 1968. At that point, the club’s leaders made a commitment to open the 1969 season on a modern, paved facility. Construction began on 22 January 1969, relying on volunteer labour, donated equipment and significant local support. The work was completed within just 20 days—an impressive feat that culminated in the venue’s inaugural asphalt event on 4 May 1969.

“With humility and determination, the directors of the club gave Concordia a circuit worthy of its community and its passion for motorsport,” noted the press at the time.

This inaugural version was basic but functional, with modest pit facilities and no formal grandstands. Nonetheless, it immediately elevated the profile of motorsport in the Mesopotamia region of Argentina. The venue became a mainstay of regional championships and a training ground for emerging national talents.

Evolution and expansion

A 700-metre (0.435-mile) extension was laid in 1971, aiming to create a longer configuration. However, this layout was never officially used in competition, and the circuit reverted to its original loop for the following years.

The 1980s saw continued use by zonal and national categories, but as racing standards evolved, pressure grew for modernisation. A major overhaul was undertaken in 1992, marking one of the most significant transformations in the circuit’s history. The direction of travel was reversed to clockwise, and a new pit lane was constructed on the opposite side of the track. These changes brought the layout closer in line with contemporary expectations and reopened opportunities for top-tier championships.

From this point, Concordia became a regular fixture on calendars for Turismo Nacional, TC2000 and Formula 3 Sudamericana, with the revised 3.150 km (1.957 miles) configuration forming the backbone of the circuit’s new identity.

The 2014 redevelopment

In response to both safety demands and competitive needs, the circuit was significantly expanded in 2014. The “Gran Premio” configuration extended the lap to 4.700 km (2.920 miles), while an intermediate 3.120 km (1.939 miles) layout was also introduced to retain versatility. Modernisation efforts included resurfacing, improved safety barriers, a new paddock complex and infrastructure upgrades that met FIA Grade 3 standards (though have not been formerly homologated by the FIA).

This redevelopment enabled the return of Turismo Carretera, Argentina’s premier racing series, which now considers Concordia a key venue on its calendar. The new layouts also prompted praise from drivers. “Tiene un ritmo europeo” (“It has a European rhythm”) became a common refrain, particularly after TC2000 tested the Grand Prix loop in 2014. Drivers noted the flowing corner sequences, high-speed transitions and natural terrain undulations as reminiscent of classic tracks like Estoril or Jerez.

A living legacy

On 18 May 2019, Concordia celebrated its 50th anniversary, reaffirming its role not only as a place for racing but as a communal meeting point. As local press reflected, the circuit has grown not only in physical size and prestige but in the hearts of the community:

“What began as a dream full of hope, engines and hard work has become an icon of national motorsport—growing in infrastructure, in prestige, and above all in the hearts of the people of Concordia.”

Wildlife occasionally makes its presence known near the rural complex, and the small airstrip visible alongside the back straight remains an enduring feature of the venue’s unique geography. But the real story of Concordia is of endurance, adaptability and shared passion—a circuit born of community willpower and still driven by it today.

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