Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux de Cascavel
Location
Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux - Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
Historic high-speed circuit in southern Brazil - anti-clockwise - short, extremely fast and famous for the daunting Curva do Bacião
When was the track built?
Cascavel's motorsport story began with a street race in 1964. Its popularity encouraged a group of local enthusiasts, including racer and businessman Zilmar Beux, to create a permanent circuit on land outside the city.
The first version opened with a dirt surface in 1970. Beux then helped lead the effort to pave it, and the asphalt circuit was inaugurated on 22 April 1973. It became only the third paved permanent racing circuit in Brazil at the time.
When was its first race?
Racing began on the permanent site in 1970, but the first meeting on the completed asphalt circuit took place on 22 April 1973 with Brazilian sports-car and touring-car categories.
Stock Car arrived in 1979, with Raul Boesel winning the championship's first Cascavel race in a Chevrolet Opala. The circuit has remained closely linked to Brazilian national racing ever since.
What's the circuit like?
- Very fast: Cascavel regularly produces some of the highest average speeds in Brazilian circuit racing despite being only just over 3 km long.
- The Bacião: The signature long left-hander begins downhill and finishes uphill. Stock Cars can exceed 200 km/h through the section, generating heavy lateral loads.
- Little room to recover: The lap is short and flowing, so losing momentum in one corner can cost time through much of the following sector.
The track was comprehensively renovated before reopening in 2012, with new asphalt, wider sections, improved run-off areas, upgraded grandstands and 36 modern pit garages.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula 3 race lap: 0:55.772 - Matheus Iorio, Dallara F309, 2016.
- Formula 3 qualifying: 0:54.849 - Artur Fortunato, Dallara F309, 2016.
- GT3: 1:00.331 - Renan Guerra, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, 2012.
- Stock Car race lap: 1:01.724 - Max Wilson, Chevrolet Cruze, 2017.
- TCR: 1:05.143 - Leonel Pernía, Honda Civic Type R TCR, 2026.
Qualifying laps and race records are different benchmarks. Formula 3 machinery remains considerably faster here than the heavier touring and GT cars.
Why is Cascavel famous?
The Bacião gives Cascavel its reputation, but the circuit is also deeply connected with Brazilian racing history. It has hosted Stock Car, Formula 3, GT racing, TCR, NASCAR Brasil and major truck championships.
It is also home to the Cascavel de Ouro, one of Paraná's most traditional endurance races, and the circuit played an important role in the development of Brazilian truck racing.
Why go?
Cascavel delivers speed in a compact package. Cars pass frequently, the elevation makes them visibly work through the corners, and large national events regularly bring strong grids to the circuit.
For newcomers, the combination of touring cars, trucks and endurance racing makes it easy to appreciate the differences between very different types of racing machinery.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: Best for race starts, finishes, pit activity and following the overall progress of an event.
- Curva do Bacião: Where public viewing is available, this is the essential Cascavel experience - high speed, elevation change and drivers committing to a very long corner.
- Heavy braking areas: Slower corners provide the clearest opportunities to watch overtaking attempts and differences in braking technique.
Available viewing areas can change between Stock Car, truck, touring-car and club events, so follow the event map and circuit signage on the day.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux de Cascavel (Cascavel)
The circuit is on the edge of Cascavel beside the BR-277 highway. Driving, taxi or ride-hailing is easiest, but local buses also stop within a short walk of the venue.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving, taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service is the simplest way to reach the circuit. Unlike many permanent race tracks, Zilmar Beux is close to the built-up area of Cascavel rather than being several hours outside the city.
If you are staying in Cascavel without a car, local buses are also a genuine option and can leave you within a short walk of the venue.
Tip: Search for the full circuit name in your navigation app. The venue is often also shown simply as Autódromo de Cascavel.
Driving & parking
- BR-277: the circuit is beside this major highway on the southeast side of Cascavel.
- From central Cascavel: head towards BR-277 and follow navigation to the Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux.
- From outside the city: BR-277 is the main approach for visitors arriving from either side of Cascavel.
- Event traffic: major race meetings can create queues near the circuit entrance, so allow additional time.
- Parking: follow the parking instructions issued for your specific event, as entrances and vehicle areas may change.
Do not rely only on your normal navigation route once you reach the venue during a major event. Follow temporary signs and staff directions.
Bus & public transport
Public transport is more useful here than at many Brazilian race circuits. Several Cascavel city bus routes pass close to the circuit on BR-277.
- Closest stop: the BR-277, 581 stop is roughly 520 m away, or around a 7-minute walk.
- Alternative stop: Posto Portelão is roughly an 8-minute walk from the circuit.
- Useful routes: services currently listed near the circuit include 020 Coopavel, 331 Coopavel–Terminal Nordeste and 335 Pavan.
- Check before travelling: bus routes and timetables can change, particularly at weekends and on public holidays.
For a large race weekend, check whether your event announces additional transport or changes to normal bus stops.
Taxi & ride-hailing
- From central Cascavel: a taxi or app-based ride is a simple option if you do not want to use the bus.
- From the bus terminal: visitors arriving in Cascavel by long-distance coach can continue directly to the circuit by taxi or ride-hailing.
- After the race: expect higher demand immediately after a major event.
- Pickup point: use the designated event pickup area if one is provided rather than arranging to meet directly beside busy BR-277 traffic.
Cascavel Airport
- Cascavel Airport (CAC): the nearest airport and the easiest option for visitors flying into the region.
- Airport → circuit: the distance is approximately 12 km; allow around 25 minutes by car under normal conditions.
- Easiest transfer: use a taxi, ride-hailing service or rental car.
- Staying in Cascavel: the city has a much larger choice of hotels, restaurants and services than the immediate circuit area.
Event-day tips
- Leave early: Stock Car, Copa Truck and other major meetings can bring much heavier traffic around the venue.
- Check your ticket: confirm which entrance and parking area you should use before arriving.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection and rain protection, as much of a race day is spent outdoors.
- Using the bus: check your return timetable before entering the circuit so you know when the final suitable service leaves.
- Plan your pickup: if using a taxi or ride-hailing service, choose an easy meeting point away from the busiest vehicle exits.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at the circuit, check with the event organiser before travelling. Access routes and parking arrangements can differ between major championships and smaller local meetings.
Bus routes, parking, entrances and event traffic arrangements can change. Check your event information and current Cascavel transport details shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux de Cascavel (Paraná, Brazil)
Autódromo Internacional Zilmar Beux sits in Cascavel in western Paraná, a Brazilian city with a long passion for motorsport. Whether you’re visiting for Stock Car, touring cars, NASCAR Brasil or truck racing, lakes, museums, local food and the world-famous attractions of Foz do Iguaçu can all be added to your race trip.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Paulo Gorski Municipal Park: Better known as Lago Municipal, this large green area is one of Cascavel’s favourite places for walking, cycling and picnics beside the water.
- Cascavel Municipal Zoo: Located beside the lake in Danilo Galafassi Park, the zoo focuses on Brazilian wildlife and environmental education and is an easy option for families.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida: Cascavel’s distinctive modern cathedral is one of the city’s main landmarks and makes a simple sightseeing stop while exploring the centre.
Culture & rainy-day stops
- Celso Formighieri Sperança Historical Museum: Learn how Cascavel developed from a small settlement into one of western Paraná’s major cities through photographs, objects and archaeological material.
- Museum of Art of Cascavel: Known locally as MAC, the museum hosts visual-art exhibitions and is a useful indoor stop when the weather turns wet.
- Motorsport history: The circuit itself has more than five decades of history. It underwent a major municipal reconstruction before reopening in 2012 and has continued to receive upgrades for national racing.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Brazilian barbecue: Cascavel has a strong meat-and-churrasco dining culture, making grilled beef and traditional barbecue an obvious choice after a full day at the circuit.
- Central Cascavel: Head into the centre for the widest mix of Brazilian restaurants, cafés, Italian food, casual bars and quick meals.
- Lake area: Restaurants and cafés around the wider Lago Municipal district are convenient if you want to combine dinner with an evening walk.
Get outdoors around Cascavel
- Lago Municipal: Follow the waterside walking and cycling paths for an easy morning activity before heading to the track.
- Paulo Gorski green space: The park combines native vegetation, open lawns and the lake, making it a welcome change from grandstands and engine noise.
- Western Paraná countryside: Cascavel is surrounded by productive farmland and rolling countryside, giving road trips around the region a very different feel from Brazil’s larger coastal cities.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Toledo: Visit Parque Ecológico Diva Paim Barth and its municipal aquarium for an easy regional outing with walking paths, water and family attractions.
- Iguaçu Falls: Foz do Iguaçu is around 140 km from Cascavel. Allow a full day or overnight stay to explore the spectacular waterfalls inside Iguaçu National Park.
- Itaipu: Combine Foz with a tour of the enormous Itaipu hydroelectric complex, where different visitor experiences explain how one of the world’s great engineering projects works.
Good to know on event weekends
- Expect serious speed: Cascavel is known for very high average speeds, so even experienced national drivers describe it as a demanding circuit.
- Check the calendar: Major meetings can combine several championships over the same weekend, while access and schedules vary for smaller events.
- Prepare for changing weather: Cascavel has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cooler winters. Sun protection and lightweight rain gear are both useful at outdoor events.
- Driving is convenient: Cascavel is crossed by the BR-277, making a car particularly useful if you want to combine the circuit with Toledo or Foz do Iguaçu.
Race schedules, spectator access, museum hours, park facilities and road conditions can change - check current information before you travel.