Queensland events secure until 2016

A new deal has been struck between the Queensland Government and V8 Supercars Australia, which has all but secured the future of the three Queensland championship rounds until 2016. Queensland Premier, Campbell Newman, confirmed the continuation of the extensively speculated Townsville 400, Ipswich 360 and Gold Coast 600 events for at least three more years.

The announcement came on Monday, with the new deal understood to involve an expenditure cut, however contractual arrangements did not allow for the disclosure of an exact figure. The Townsville and Gold Coast events had recently come under intense scrutiny resulting from Mr Newman’s recent cost-cutting push; however the Liberal government appears committed to supporting their future.
“This is great news for tourism in Queensland and for motorsport fans across the state,” said Premier Campbell Newman with regards to the new deal.
“The agreement follows extensive negotiations between the government and event organizers and is a good outcome for both sides” he continued. “In addition to securing the events for Queensland, our investment in V8 Supercars will be focused on event outcomes, driving more visitors to the State, providing a boost to the economy and community as well as showcasing Queensland’s destinations.”

Tourism minister, Jan Stuckey, was tight lipped on specific details, however she hinted at a potential invigoration of the Gold Coast event.
“I can say though we can expect a lot more excitement around this event, with a refreshed look and other events planned that involve our community” she said. “The events of the future I understand are going to have a lot more variety to them and these three races as a package offer something around the state and allow us to showcase all of our fantastic destinations in Queensland.”

Gold Coast Tourism chief executive, Martin Winter, provided further details surrounding the proposed alterations to the iconic Gold Coast event.
“It’s not just going to be all about race cars – it’s going to be about a week of public entertainment,” he explained. “It is a bit back to the future in many respects – there’s going to be a Miss V8 Supercar event, there’s going to be a parade of champions and there’s going to be lots of other entertainment. It’ll spread out over a longer period. It will attract different people and there’ll be lots of things for local people to go to as well.”

Even with lower attendances at this year’s Townsville 400, recently appointed V8 Supercar chief executive James Warburton affirmed Queensland’s vital importance to the category.
“V8 Supercars is absolutely committed to delivering three of the states’ largest annual events,” Mr Warburton said. “Queensland is vital to the V8 Supercars. The Gold Coast is the home of our company headquarters, and south east Queensland is a major hub for our teams”.

Four V8 Supercar teams are currently based in Queensland, including the dominant Red Bull Racing Australia outfit, Tekno Autosport, Dick Johnson Racing and Erebus Motorsport.

Fresh off the new deal, the Coates Hire Ipswich 360 will take place this weekend at Queensland Raceway, approximately 40 kilometers west of the Brisbane CBD. The sixty-sixty super-sprint format will return on Saturday afternoon, followed by two regulation sprint events on Sunday.