Superbikes to bring tourists to Vic until 2011

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, John Pandazopoulos has today announced a new deal that will see the Australian round of the World Superbike Championship remain at Phillip Island until at least 2011.

Speaking in front of a large media contingent at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Pandazopoulos confirmed that the Victorian Government, circuit owner Lindfox and World Superbike rights holder fgsport had come to the arrangement. 

Further to this announcement it was revealed that Phillip Island will host the opening round on the 2007 championship calendar, to be staged from March 2-4.

Two weeks ago Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced the re-signing of the MotoGP at Phillip Island, and today’s extension of the Suberbikes contract confirms the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as the home of Australian motorcycle racing.

“I’m really pleased that all the hard work is paying off, and that the World Superbikes will be back on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on the 4^th of March next year for its 17^th year,” Pandazopoulos said.

“I’m very pleased with the other rights holders to have locked in this event for another five years, up until 2011 as a minimum, which giving that extra degree of certainty. 

Pandazopoulos also said that the hosting of such highly regarded international events is not only beneficial to putting Victoria and indeed Australia on the map, but also contributing to the local Bass Coast Shire economy.

“There is no doubt that these sorts of events are huge for the local area,” he said.

“The Superbikes on its own brings about $17 million to the Victorian economy and about $8 million of that goes directly to the Phillip Island – Bass Coast community”.

“We’re talking about combined MotoGP/Superbikes $70 million to the Victorian economy, and about half of that is direct economic benefit to the local community.” 

Phillip Island Operations Managing Director, Fergus Cameron, also emphasised the role that the events and more specifically the Circuit has in promoting tourism in Victoria.

“In land size, Phillip Island is one of the smallest tourism Victorian regional bodies but it is also one of the most important.” 

“Phillip Island is classed by Tourism Victoria as a Level One destination due to its importance in both the international and domestic markets.” 

“The international recognition of this circuit and its events is used as basis on which this credit is achieved.”