8/10/2004 22:21 (Press Release) -
Senator Rod Kemp, Federal Minister for the Arts and Sport, has praised the vision of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series by claiming the world’s greatest touring car race, the Bathurst 1000, is in great hands for the next 20 years.
Senator Kemp was representing the Prime Minister John Howard at today’s official opening of the $24 million pit complex at Mount Panorama, of which the Federal Government contributed $10 million, the New South Wales Government $10 million and the Bathurst City Council $4 million.
The Australian Vee Eight Supercar Company (AVESCO) will promote and manage the Bathurst 1000 in a 20-year deal with the Bathurst City Council, starting from 2005.
Senator Kemp was joined by NSW Premier Bob Carr and the heavyweights of Australian V8 motor racing and Bathurst Regional Council leaders in another history making moment at the legendary circuit.
“Given the concerns that the Bathurst 1000 would have been lost to Australia, I was very pleased that AVESCO had signed a deal with the Bathurst City Council and will manage the event for the next 10 years with the option to continue for the next 10 years,” Senator Kemp said.
“Bathurst is an iconic race and this will ensure the race remains here for many, many years to come which will benefit not just the region but the whole of Australia.”
Future stages include construction of tourist attractions around the circuit, more improvements to camping and amenities and recreational facilities that will see Mount Panorama become a popular year-round destination for tourists and special events.
Bathurst Regional Council Administrator Kath Knowles, said the opening of the complex marks the beginning of a new era in Australian motor sport and provides a solid foundation for tourism and regional development in NSW.
“The completed first stage of the Mt Panorama Tourism and Recreational Development provides a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop to the special event that is the Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000 while setting the stage for exciting future improvements to one of the most significant tourist attractions in regional Australia,” she said.
“The change to the image of the legendary circuit this year is indeed dramatic and will be welcomed by all who make the annual pilgrimage to Mount Panorama but it is only the beginning.
“This iconic new structure gives a 21st Century image to what is one of the most unique motor racing circuits in the world and signals the beginning of a new chapter in motor racing history at Mount Panorama.”
The 42nd running of the Bathurst 1000 will be held this weekend.
Corporate and campsite bookings for Bathurst in 2005 can be made toll free: 1800 887 227
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