Tasmania Secures V8 Supercar Contract Extention
Release Date: 14/11/2005
www.v8supercars.com.au
Tasmania has secured a two-year extension to its contact with the organisers of the V8 Supercar series, the Premier announced today. Mr Lennon said the extension would lock Symmons Plains into the Supercar calendar until at least 2010 in another major coup for Tasmanian motorsport.
“The State Government worked hard to secure the return of the V8s last year and our faith has been repaid,” Mr Lennon said.
“A record crowd of more than 62,000 people at Symmons Plains over the weekend was the best possible way of ensuring Tasmania’s future in the V8 circuit.
“Today, I’m able to announce that the State Government has reached an agreement with AVESCO, the organiser of the Supercar series, to extend Tasmania’s contract by a further two years.
“So now the V8s will roar at Symmons Plains until at least 2010 and I’m hopeful that continuing strong support from the Tasmanian community will ensure our partnership extends even beyond that.”
Mr Lennon said securing the contract extension was a significant coup for Tasmanian motorsport, given that some interstate circuits, such as Sydney’s Eastern Creek, were being taken off the calendar.
He said the State Government’s $5.2 million commitment to upgrading facilities at Symmons Plains had been crucial to securing the extension.
Under the extension deal, the State Government has agreed to pay AVESCO a $300,000 event fee to help organise and run the event.
Mr Lennon announced the extension in Hobart with AVESCO board member Garry Rogers.
“The potential for Tasmania to gain positive international exposure through hosting the V8s should not be underestimated,” he said.
“The V8’s are increasingly becoming a sought-after international product.
“With a round this year in Shanghai and next year in Bahrain, telecasting to 110 countries with a potential reach of 850 million homes worldwide; being a part of this event will deliver real benefits for Tasmania.
“Hosting the V8s at Symmons Plains is a great opportunity for Tasmania to sell its message and brand to a wide audience, as well as providing top entertainment for Tasmanians and attracting an extra 5,000 visitors to our State to watch the event each year.”
AVESCO Chief Executive Officer Wayne Cattach said the V8 Supercar series was alive and kicking in Tasmania.
“The huge success of this event has proved just what Premier Paul Lennon had predicted when he made it his personal mission to bring V8 Supercars back to Tasmania,” Mr Cattach said.
“The Premier said ‘build it and they will come’ and his vision has proven to be absolutely correct. The second successive record crowd of 62,019 at the weekend was testament to this.
“And not only is the event a massive success, the improvements of the facility are a legacy for all Tasmanians for the other 51 weeks of the year.
“From our perspective, it restores V8 Supercars as a truly national sport and as a sport of the people. We are extremely proud of the fact we are accessible to Australians in each state or territory, outside of the ACT."