Homebush V8 race is go!

29/09/2008 One of most significant deals in the history of V8 Supercars will be revealed today.

V8 Supercars Australia has inked a five-year contract with the New South Wales Government to stage a race around the former Olympic precinct in Homebush, Sydney.

V8SA Chairman Tony Cochrane and the New South Wales Government will officially launch the race at Homebush this afternoon.

The inaugural ‘Sydney 400’ will be held in December next year and will become the Grand Finale of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship.

The event will provide the perfect platform for the sport of V8 Supercars to considerably increase its exposure in the Harbour City – a goal of Cochrane for many years.

V8SA is predicting spectator figures “in excess of 150,000” over the three days of next year’s event.

However, this could be a conservative prediction given the success that the Clipsal 500 street race in Adelaide has enjoyed over the past decade.

A race around the former Olympic precinct in Sydney was first mooted some years ago, and although there was some criticism and opposition from the nay-sayers, Cochrane and V8SA never lost sight of the goal to stage a major street race in Australia’s biggest city.

“This is big, big news for Sydney,” Cochrane said.

“Already we have been in talks with some of the country’s largest companies about being an integral part in this signature event that will provide Sydney with just what it wants – an annual, international-scale event.”

Cochrane said the event was a guaranteed winner for New South Wales and in particular Sydney.

“This is great news for Australian motor sport and reflects the fact that Premier (Nathan) Rees and the New South Wales Government want New South Wales back in the event business,” Cochrane said.

“We are naturally delighted that after an extremely exhaustive study, to be given approval in what will become Sydney’s biggest annual motor sport carnival and party.

“Olympic Park is tailor made as an entertainment and events precinct and our Grand Finale will turn the area into a showcase street circuit which will make every Australian proud.

“I’d like to particularly acknowledge the significant contribution of the New South Wales Government and in particular Premier Rees and Minister MacDonald in bringing this project forward.

“Nothing will be spared in making this a world class event.”

Plans are in place to stage a major concert within the precinct on the Saturday night of the race and attract a major international act. This will be just one of the many off-track events.

“This is not just a motor race – this is a three-day world class event,” Cochrane added.

“We can stage one of the world’s best shows on the race track by day and then by night this will be a party for all of Sydney and Australia at arguably one of the finest venues in the country.”

V8SA is also expected to release the 2009 V8 Supercar calendar at the launch of the Sydney event this afternoon.