Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, has announced that Western Sydney has been chosen by V8 Supercars Australia to host a three day 2012 Championship Series 24 - 26 August this year at the newly rebuilt Eastern Creek Raceway.
24 April 2012The latest event, round nine of the Supercars from Eastern Creek, will also be the official start of a week-long celebration of “all things V8” with the return of the Muscle Car Masters the following (Fathers’ Day) weekend.
Mr Souris said he was delighted to be able to announce yet another sporting event to add to the 2012 NSW Events Calendar…particularly for Western Sydney.
“We are incredibly pleased that V8 Supercars Australia chose Western Sydney to host this race and a broader festival of “all things V8”.
“Through Destination NSW and the Homebush Motor Racing Authority, we have been able to work with V8 Supercars Australia and the Australian Racing Drivers Club to make this happen and make even better use of the newly rebuilt Eastern Creek Raceway.
“The commercial arrangements are being completely covered by Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) and V8 Supercars Australia at no cost to the NSW taxpayers,” Mr Souris said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Racing Club Ltd Glenn Matthews said this is incredibly good news for his facility.
“Since the redevelopment announcement Sydney’s motorsport fans have been loud and constant in their call for the return of the V8 Supercars to the venue.
"Eastern Creek is the only permanent race circuit in Sydney and is a perfect complement to the street circuit based round held at Homebush in December.
“This is the perfect platform to relaunch the new Eastern Creek, with new circuit layouts, refurbished pit lane and upgraded spectator facilities almost complete, combined with September marking the 60th Anniversary of the Australian Racing Drivers Club,” he said.
V8 Supercar CEO David Malone said Australia’s largest city can have motorsport nirvana with a thrilling circuit race at a great permanent venue followed by all the street circuit bells and whistles of the Sydney Telstra 500.
“There will be something for all motorsport fans that week with the V8 Supercars featuring the best of the current crop of cars and drivers and The Masters presenting a great celebration of the cars and legends from the glory years of Bathurst,” Mr Malone said.
According to Mr Souris, the economic benefits of major events such as V8 Supercars resonate throughout the economy.
“Encouraging event organisers to stage their events in Sydney and NSW is all part of the NSW Government's determination to gain and keep the title of the nation's No.1 tourism and events city.
“The events strategy is simple: keep a continuous diet of blockbuster shows, peak arts events and major sports events of all codes including motorsport and festivals year round. In this way, tourists will be encouraged to come throughout the year with a multitude of exciting offerings and attractions across the State.
“Major events are a proven economic driver as they create business, tourism and jobs throughout the State.
“This is a major win for Western Sydney and NSW,” Mr Souris said.
About V8 Supercars
V8 Supercars is a touring car racing category run as an international series under Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) regulations.
In 2012 the V8 Supercar Championship Series will host 14 events throughout Australia, as well as an event in both Abu Dhabi and New Zealand.
