Clipsal revamp revealed

19/05/2008 The South Australian Parliament is expected to approve the much-mooted $20 million upgrade to Adelaides Clipsal 500 infastructure next month.

The South Australian Government unveiled detailed designs of a new pit pavilion and other upgrades for the street race late last month.

Deputy Premier Kevin Foley announced that a portion of the race track lying within Victoria Park will be resurfaced and kerbing and concrete barriers installed where required.

According to Foley, the works are scheduled to start at the end of the month.

Foley said the pit pavilion is expected to be erected by December in plenty of time for the 11th anniversary staging of the event early next year.

“The pit pavilion will be energy efficient, use naturally finished materials and will be low maintenance,” he said.

“The design responds to what the race competitors and their teams, sponsors and officials require for the race into the future.

“By giving them the space they need, it should in turn mean additional investors and sponsors will become involved in the event.”

Foley said temporary grandstands along pit straight, at turn one and at Adelaide's famous hairpin, will be also be enhanced.

“The experience for the race fans will be vastly improved with the construction of eight new shade structures to provide sun protection and comfort for the 24,000 spectators in those stands.”

Foley said Clipsal was an event that Adelaide residents and motor racing fans from across Australia and the world had embraced.

“Last year in excess of 290,000 people attended the event across the four days, bringing in at least 15,000 visitors to the state,” he said.

“In economic value, it's estimated that the four days of the event are worth in excess of $30 million to the State.

“Improving the facilities for officials, teams, sponsors and race fans will only enhance that value in the future.”