Autódromo San Nicolás
Location
San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Current Local Time
Track Info
Autódromo San Nicolás - San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina
Modern permanent circuit between Buenos Aires and Rosario - clockwise - technical, spectator-friendly and home to some of Argentina's biggest racing categories
When was the track built?
San Nicolás is one of Argentina's newer major circuits. It was developed beside the city's permanent Expoagro exhibition site, roughly halfway between Buenos Aires and Rosario on National Route 9.
The idea was to create one venue capable of hosting large exhibitions during part of the year and national motorsport during the rest. Argentine racing legend Juan María Traverso was involved with the project and advised on the circuit's design and development.
In October 2022 the racing circuit was officially named Juan María Traverso in recognition of his contribution.
When was its first race?
The circuit opened with a Súper TC2000 weekend on 6-7 October 2018. Huge crowds arrived to see Argentina's leading touring-car teams compete on a track that none of them had raced before.
Mariano Werner won both the qualifying race and the main event for Peugeot, becoming the first major race winner at San Nicolás. Agustín Canapino and Bernardo Llaver completed the podium in the final.
What's the circuit like?
- Technical despite the simple map: Nine corners might not sound like many, but several are slow enough to put a big emphasis on braking, traction and getting the car pointed straight before accelerating.
- Hard acceleration zones: Cars repeatedly slow down and then accelerate at full throttle, making rear grip particularly important. The right-rear tyre can take a considerable workload.
- Wide and modern: San Nicolás was designed for contemporary national racing, with substantial run-off, modern pit facilities and room for different racing lines.
The complex also contains alternative configurations, including a 2.414 km perimeter oval, although the approximately 4 km road course is the layout most closely associated with major championship racing.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Turismo Carretera qualifying: 1:25.779 - Agustín Canapino, Chevrolet Camaro, 2025.
- Súper TC2000 race lap: 1:26.728 - Agustín Canapino, Chevrolet Cruze, 2018.
- Turismo Carretera race lap: 1:27.900 - Julián Santero, Ford Falcon, 2021.
- Formula Renault 2.0: 1:29.879 - Guido Moggia, Tito F4-A, 2018.
- TC Pick Up: 1:31.564 - Germán Todino, Toyota Hilux, 2025.
Canapino's 1:25.779 was set in qualifying rather than a race. Race laps and qualifying laps should therefore be treated as separate benchmarks.
Why is San Nicolás important?
San Nicolás quickly became one of the main modern venues in Argentine motorsport. Turismo Carretera, TC2000, Turismo Nacional, Top Race, TC Pick Up and Formula racing have all competed here.
The circuit also has a strong connection with Juan María Traverso, one of Argentina's greatest racing drivers. He supported the project from its early stages, and the circuit was named after him while he was still able to attend the ceremony in 2022.
Why go?
San Nicolás was designed with spectators in mind. Its relatively flat and open layout means large portions of the circuit can be seen from many public areas, making races easier to follow than at tracks where cars disappear behind hills or buildings.
The modern pit complex and large surrounding exhibition grounds also allow the venue to handle very large crowds. Its location directly beside the Buenos Aires-Rosario motorway makes it particularly accessible for fans travelling from either city.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main straight and pit area: Best for race starts, finishes, grid ceremonies and watching teams work between sessions.
- Turn 1 area: A good choice for overtaking attempts, with cars arriving from the start-finish section and fighting for position under braking.
- General spectator areas: San Nicolás was deliberately laid out so spectators can see a large percentage of the circuit from many positions, making the higher open viewing areas especially useful.
The venue uses several different configurations and spectator areas can change between major championships and smaller events, so check the event map when you arrive.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Autódromo San Nicolás (Buenos Aires Province)
Autódromo San Nicolás is beside Ruta Nacional 9, around 10 minutes from central San Nicolás de los Arroyos. Driving, taxi or ride-hailing is the easiest option, while local buses can get you within a longer walk of the venue.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Autódromo San Nicolás. The circuit sits directly beside the Buenos Aires–Rosario motorway and is only around 10 minutes from central San Nicolás.
If you are staying in the city without a car, a taxi or ride-hailing service is usually simpler than using the local bus because the nearest normal bus stops still involve a fairly long walk.
Tip: Search for “Autódromo San Nicolás” or “Autódromo Juan María Traverso”. Both names may be used for the venue.
Driving & parking
- Main route: use Ruta Nacional 9, the motorway connecting Buenos Aires with Rosario.
- Circuit location: the venue is at approximately km 225.
- From San Nicolás: allow around 10 minutes from the city centre in normal traffic.
- Access: the complex has eight access points, but major events may direct spectators towards specific gates.
- Parking: the venue has extensive vehicle areas and lists capacity for around 3,500 cars.
For large race weekends, follow temporary signs and event staff rather than simply choosing the first entrance shown by your navigation app.
Bus & public transport
Public transport is possible, but there is no normal city bus stop immediately outside the circuit.
- Useful routes: current journey planners list local bus routes 500 and 507 near the circuit area.
- Nearest stops: the closest listed stops are around 1.8–2.2 km from the venue.
- Walking: expect roughly 25–30 minutes on foot after leaving the bus.
- Better alternative: from central San Nicolás or the long-distance bus terminal, a taxi or ride-hailing service is usually easier.
Check current bus routes before travelling, as local services and event traffic arrangements can change.
Taxi & ride-hailing
- From central San Nicolás: the short journey makes a taxi or app-based ride a practical option.
- From the bus terminal: visitors arriving by long-distance coach can complete the journey directly by road.
- After the race: expect higher demand when a large crowd leaves at the same time.
- Pickup point: use any designated taxi or rideshare area announced by the event organiser.
Rosario Airport
- Rosario International Airport (ROS): the nearest major commercial airport to San Nicolás.
- Airport → San Nicolás: the road journey is roughly 80 km.
- Easiest option: hire a car or arrange a private transfer if travelling directly to the circuit.
- Alternative: travel into Rosario and continue towards San Nicolás by intercity coach, then use a taxi for the final circuit journey.
Event-day tips
- Leave early: major national race meetings can create queues around the motorway exits and circuit gates.
- Check your entrance: the large site has several accesses, and your ticket may direct you to a particular one.
- Check parking prices: parking charges and zones can differ between events.
- Prepare for the weather: spectator areas are open and exposed, so bring sun protection, drinking water and rain protection when needed.
- Plan the journey home: taxi and rideshare demand can be much higher immediately after the final race.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free spectator access or assistance at Autódromo San Nicolás, contact the circuit or event organiser before travelling. The large site can use different entrances and spectator areas depending on the event.
Bus routes, parking charges, entrances and event traffic plans can change. Check the official Autódromo San Nicolás and your event information shortly before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Autódromo San Nicolás (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina)
Autódromo San Nicolás sits beside the Buenos Aires - Rosario motorway, close to the Paraná River and the historic city of San Nicolás de los Arroyos. Whether you’re visiting for Turismo Carretera, touring cars, motorcycles or another national race meeting, riverside walks, museums, family activities and classic Argentine food are all nearby.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Eco Parque San Nicolás: Follow a 6 km trail beside the Yaguarón stream and four lagoons, with wildlife, boardwalks and viewpoints along the route.
- El Yaguarón: Inside the Eco Parque, children can climb through a huge playground inspired by a local legend, complete with slides and climbing areas.
- Paseo Costanero: Walk along the high riverfront for broad views across the Paraná and Yaguarón. Sunset is an especially good time to visit.
History & rainy-day stops
- Casa del Acuerdo: This free national museum occupies the house where provincial governors signed the 1852 Agreement of San Nicolás, an important step towards Argentina’s Constitution.
- Teatro San Nicolás: The historic municipal theatre hosts performances and also has an interactive visitor space with displays explaining the building and local culture.
- Santuario Virgen del Rosario: One of the city’s best-known religious landmarks attracts pilgrims from across Argentina and is open daily.
Eat & drink after the racing
- River fish: The Paraná makes boga, pacú, pejerrey and surubí good local choices, with restaurants along the costanera specialising in freshwater fish.
- Parrilla: For a classic Argentine meal, look for grilled beef, sausages and other meats served from the traditional parrilla.
- Costanera: The waterfront is one of the easiest areas to combine dinner with a relaxed evening walk after the circuit closes.
Get outdoors by the Paraná
- Eco Parque: Birdlife, native vegetation and wetlands make the park a good change of pace after a noisy race day.
- Kayak & pedal boats: Seasonal rentals operate around the Eco Parque lagoons, giving families an easy way to spend time on the water.
- Historic centre walk: Ten important buildings form an official walking circuit through central San Nicolás, including the cathedral, Casa del Acuerdo and Teatro San Nicolás.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Rosario: Continue north along the motorway for a larger riverside city with parks, museums, restaurants and the Monumento Nacional a la Bandera.
- Buenos Aires: If you are travelling from overseas, San Nicolás works naturally as part of a longer road trip between the capital and Rosario.
- Paraná River countryside: Smaller towns and riverside areas around northern Buenos Aires Province offer fishing, boating and quieter rural stops.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the configuration: San Nicolás has several layouts, so the racing and best spectator areas can change between championships.
- Turismo Carretera returns in 2026: The championship is scheduled to race at San Nicolás on 4 October.
- Expect a large venue: The racetrack sits inside an extensive exhibition complex with multiple entrances, so check your ticket or event instructions before arriving.
- Prepare for open conditions: Bring water, sunscreen and a hat for warm events, plus lightweight rain protection if the forecast is uncertain.
Race schedules, circuit configurations, spectator access, activity rentals and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.