V8 Supercar driver James Moffat, Norton 360 sponsor Trudie Wood and racing great Allan Moffat at the announcement of a new 10-year deal between V-8 Supercars Australia and Melbourne Racing Club. 52246 Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Justin Robertson
V8 SUPERCARS Australia just penned a new 10-year deal with the Melbourne Racing Club that will see them remain at Sandown Raceway until 2020.
The estimated multi-million dollar boost, spanning a decade, will also see pit lane and the paddock at the raceway undergo a major facelift which is expected to be completed within the next three years.
It’s one of the longest contracts with an individual circuit and according to V8 Supercars CEO, Martin Whitaker motorsport racing at the inner-Melbourne track is here stay. “It’s a great day for motorsport in Victoria to have this fantastic commitment to the circuit which has been very much part of the DNA of Australian touring cars,” he said.
“We are very proud that we have been able to work so well with the Melbourne Racing Club to reach this historic agreement for V8 Supercars and all those that use the iconic circuit.” Sections of the pit garages are also undergoing a transformation to allow for working areas that are larger and more accommodating for racing teams.
Melbourne Racing Club manager, Sandown Raceway, Wade Calderwood said motorsport racing was embedded in the history of the venue and will also bolster the local economy.
“The level of economic benefit brought into the Dandenong areas, which is also the base for several V8 Supercar teams, should not be underestimated with the signing of this long-term announcement,” Mr Calderwood said.
The first car race at Sandown was held in 1904 and ever since the closure of Oran Park in 2008 Sandown has become the oldest permanent circuit in the country after it opened in 1962 and has hosted six Grand Prix races.
Racing greats Allan Moffat and Dick Johnson marked the announcements earlier this week at Sandown with their respective sons, James and Steve, both of whom will compete at this year’s Norton 360 Sandown Challenge, while brothers Rick and Todd Kelly from Jack Daniel’s Racing added to the high-profile racing list.
“Sandown was always a challenge because of the high speed nature of the track,” Mr Moffat said. “Racing at Sandown was always a big occasion and I have great memories of racing past that packed grandstand filled with cheering fans.”
