Tarumã, Racing Circuit

The Autodromo Internacional de Taruma lies at Viamao on the eastern fringes of Porto Alegre, in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, and is one of the oldest permanent circuits in the country. It is owned and operated by the Automobile Club of Rio Grande do Sul, whose roots in regional street racing date back to 1949, making it one of Brazil's few privately run racing facilities and one that must fund itself entirely from the events it stages. Construction was completed in late 1970, with the inaugural race held on 8 November that year, won by Jayme Silva in an Alfa Furia GT. Taruma has a reputation as Brazil's fastest track, characterised by quick, sweeping turns that demand commitment from drivers, with the flat-out Turn One and the ultra-rapid Turn Nine standing out as its signature challenges. It holds a special place in Brazilian motorsport history as the venue for the very first Stock Car Brasil race in 1979, and over the decades has hosted Formula Truck, Formula 3 and other national categories. Rising speeds eventually pushed the major series away on safety grounds, but investment ahead of the 2012 season brought new pit and paddock facilities and a full resurfacing, allowing Stock Car and other championships to return. A chicane was later added at the fast Turn Three for 2014 after a series of heavy crashes, and it has been reshaped several times since. Spectator facilities include good viewing areas, popular camping and the long-running Tala Larga restaurant.

Operated by: Automobile Club of Rio Grande do Sul