Championship to return to Barbagallo in five year deal

The V8 Supercars Championship will return to the Barbagallo circuit in Western Australia, after skipping 2010, to ensure the series visits all the Australian states from 2011.

The race was due to feature in this year’s championship, but the round was cancelled in February, with occupational health and safety issues cited as the reason for cancellation.

The announcement that the series will return from 2011, confirms that funding has been pledged to develop the track, initially focusing on a new pit lane and facility, with ongoing development throughout the new five year deal life cycle.

V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said:
“Western Australia is now assured of having a world class V8 Supercar event and the continued growth of motorsport in the state. I am absolutely delighted that Premier Barnett and his Government have made this significant ongoing commitment to motorsport and V8 Supercars.”

Holden Racing Team driver Garth Tander, himself from Perth, Western Australia, was overjoyed with the announcement the series would return to his home track:
“What a fantastic outcome for Western Australian fans and the Series in general,” said Tander.

“Premier Colin Barnett has been one of the real driving forces as far as making sure this event takes place. Eventscorp must be congratulated for grabbing this event, running with it and now we have a five-year plan to make it huge for the state.”

The state government of Western Australia will invest $10.5 million AUS in addition to $5 million investment pledged between the state and the Western Australia Sports Car Club.

Western Australia’s Premier, Colin Barnett, said:
“The State Government funding of $10.5 million will ensure the venue is suitable for local motor sport all year round and that it is ready to host the 70,000 local, interstate and overseas guests expected to attend the 2011 V8 Supercars Championship Series.”