Hi-octane program announced for Top Gear Festival

Mr Gay said the Top Gear Festival would take place over the weekend of 9th and 10th March at Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek. 

“This is an exciting coup for Sydney with a line-up of never before seen motorsport demonstrations, races and hi-octane challenges,” Mr Gay said. 

“It’s estimated the Top Gear Festival Sydney will generate an additional $19 million into the NSW economy and attract around 20,000 interstate and overseas visitors each year.

“It will feature the best in Australian motor racing including Mark Webber and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team, current V8 champion Jamie Whincup and racing legend Craig Lowndes. 

“Highlights include the Tri-Nations Cup which will see three teams skippered by Craig Lowndes, Fabian Coulthard and The Stig battle it out in a series of track, skill and stunt challenges. 

“It will include Australian motorsport icons Alan Jones and Colin Bond participating in the Lap of Legends; Jamie Whincup in a V8 pitted against acrobatic pilot Matt Hall in his plane; Jeremy Clarkson performing thrilling stunts including flying overhead in a jet pack, and much more. 

“The Top Gear Festival Sydney will also be hosted by the BBC Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May,” Mr Gay said. 

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said this is the first time a Top Gear Festival had come to Australia and it’s fitting that it’s exclusive to Sydney. 

“The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, successfully bid for this event in conjunction with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) to ensure Sydney would be hosting from 2013 through to 2015. 
 
“It is yet another example of the NSW Government securing major events and ensuring the State remains number one. 
 
“This unique motoring festival will be an outdoor trackside spectacular with two full days of action packed entertainment for the whole family,” Mr Souris said.