Established in 1984 under the South Australian Motor Sport Act, the South Australian Motor Sport Board (SAMSB) was created to promote motorsport, initially hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix from 1985–1995 and launching the Adelaide 500 in 1999. After being disbanded in 2016, the board was re-established in September 2022 to revive the Adelaide 500 and administer grant funding on behalf of the Government for motorsport events, including the Adelaide Motorsport Festival and Adelaide Rally.
Key historical developments include:
- Formation (1984): The Board was founded to manage major motor racing events to boost tourism and the economy.
- Formula 1 Era (1985–1995): The board successfully brought the Formula 1 World Championship to Adelaide's Victoria Park for 10 years.
- Adelaide 500 Launch (1999): Following the loss of F1, the board created the Adelaide 500, managing it until 2016.
- Dissolution (2016): The original board was dissolved.
- Re-establishment (2022): Following the 2022 election, the Labor government revived the board, chaired by Andrew Daniels, to reinstate the Adelaide 500 and oversee the Adelaide Rally and Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
The South Australian Motor Sport Board currently operates as a statutory authority to promote and manage major motorsport events in the state.