V8SC disappointed in Adelaide City Council

V8 Supercars Australia is bitterly disappointed by the decision of the Adelaide City Council to force the South Australian Government to abandon plans for the redevelopment of Victoria Park, home of one of the country’s single biggest sporting events the Clipsal 500.

The State Government has withdrawn plans for a full redevelopment of the parklands that would have included a permanent state of the art pit building and main grandstand as well as a massive improvement of the surrounding parks for the benefit of all South Australians.

“I completely agree with the Deputy Premier Kevin Foley that the stance of the Adelaide City Council and their supposed ‘compromise’ are unworkable and absurd,” Mr Cochrane said.

“This is an unbelievably short-sighted and narrow minded position by the Council that does nothing for the City or the event which brings tens of millions of dollars into Adelaide year on year. Instead the backwards thinking Adelaide City Council has thwarted all attempts for this to happen.”

The State Government has committed $20 million upgrade to temporary facilities for the V8 Supercar Championship Series and fans alike in 2009 and beyond.

“Due to the commitment of Premier Rann and Deputy Premier Foley at least we are going to have world class temporary facilities for 2009 and beyond – and for that our fans thank them,” Mr Cochrane said.

The Clipsal 500 celebrates its tenth year in 2008. This year it attracted a crowd of 270,000 people and a world-wide television audience in excess of 850 million people. It is the tradition season opener to the V8 Supercar Championship Series.