Island to welcome Lites, not Sandown
25/3/2000 18:46 (Jason Whittaker) - Phillip Island Raceway has been added to this year's five-round V8 Lites schedule, replacing Sandown Raceway as host of Round 2 of the Konica Lites Series.
Phillip Island administrators will get a chance to redeem themselves after the fan backlash over the recent Supercar visit, offering fans three Lites races on the Sunday of the event, May 7.
After originally being pencilled-in for a round of the new series earlier in the year, Sandown was replaced by Phillip Island due to the high concentration of motorsport events in the Melbourne area.
Phillip Island has signed a three-year deal with AVESCO to hold a Lites round, seen as a "feeder" category to the Supercar class.
"Given the popularity of the V8 Supercars with Australian race fans, we are happy to be staging a round of the new V8 Lites Series," Phillip Island Managing Director, Fergus Cameron, said.
"For this Series, we've brought back Sunday's traditional triple sprint race format – which will guarantee fans a full day of on track activity."
Cameron also promised fans a more economical race day, with an Adult ticket, including pit admittance, costing just $20. Children under 15 will be admitted for free.
"The economical ticket package makes the Lites at Phillip Island perfect for families and is particularly good value with the free paddock access," he added.
Island organisers also promise a more streamlined traffic plan for the event, with a Grand Prix-like plan in place for a swift exit off the Island.
Victorian rev-heads will have plenty to cheer for at the Island, with Matthew White, Tim Rowse, Ryan McLeod and Terry Wyhoon all racing their Commodore's under the Victorian banner.
Formula Ford, Group N and Formula 3 will offer their support throughout the event, beginning on May 5.
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