V8s sign deal to stay at Homebush

V8s will remain at Homebush for the next three years. Source: Braden Fastier / News Limited

SYDNEY Olympic site at Homebush will be the home to V8 motor racing for the next three years under a multi-million dollar agreement.

The new boss of V8 Supercars, former television executive James Warburton, negotiated the deal with the NSW Government that could include a twilight race finishing at 8.30pm.

Talks are under way with broadcaster Channel 7 about prime coverage which would provide another massive boost to Australia's fastest growing spectator sport.

Under the agreement, the grand final round of the Supercar championship series will be staged at Homebush each December until 2016 with an option for a further two years.

It is believed to be worth around $12 million to V8 racing.

The Sydney 500 will see Ford, Holden, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz and, for the first time, Volvo battle it out for the final race of the series.

The event will attract more than 5000 interstate and international visitors and an estimated $50 million to the state's economy over three years.

"Besides providing a multitude of motorsports fans with a wonderful experience, these two events will also provide many jobs and inject millions of dollars into NSW," said the minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris.

"It will also be seen by millions of people throughout Australia and the world thanks to a live broadcast by Channel 7."

Supercar drivers have welcomed the decision to settle on Homebush as the grand final venue.

"It is a very challenging race and one we all look forward to," former champion Rick Kelly said.

"It is the closing race of the season and the ultimate way to finish. Last year's race was the maybe the toughest of my career with the heat and the gruelling nature of the track.

"It was almost 40 degrees and that with the kerbs and the walls produced great racing. It is one of my favourite events and I am so glad it is going to stay.

"I think I can speak on for the rest of the drivers and applaud all involved for getting a new deal done."

Kelly said Sydney was a pivotal market for the sport and added the Olympic Park provided a perfect venue for NSW's second race.

"We need a high profile race in Sydney because it is Australia's biggest market," Kelly said.

Racing legend Dick Johnson, who led Dick Johnson Racing to a championship sealing result at the Sydney 500 in 2010, also stressed the importance of keeping the event.

"It is a key event on the calendar," Johnson said. "We have to have a big event in Sydney and this is the one."

The 2013 Homebush race takes place from December 6 to 8.

"Securing the Sydney 500 V8 Supercars grand finale at Sydney Olympic Park for at least another three years will mean motorsport lovers will be able to experience a truly exciting race in a unique venue which brings the precision of the V8 drivers to a challenging course that really delivers entertainment for the fans," Warburton said.

SYDNEY 500

*The event began in 2009 when former V8 boss Tony Cochrane secured a five year deal with the NSW Government

*The event drew 523,000 people in its first three years and is considered to be one of the sport's marquee races

*Holden legend Mark Skaife designed the demanding 3.5km temporary circuit which see cars race around NAZ Stadium and the Showground

*The Sydney 500 features the only indoor paddock in Australia with fans able to view the cars and the trucks

*Jamie Whincup has won three of his four championships at the Sydney 500

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

V8s sign deal to stay at Homebush

Dengan url

http://sportlivestyle.blogspot.com/2013/09/v8s-sign-deal-to-stay-at-homebush.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

V8s sign deal to stay at Homebush

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

V8s sign deal to stay at Homebush

sebagai sumbernya