AVESCO extends AGP contract
19/2/2001 19:07 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
The V8 Supercars will play ‘second string’ to the Formula 1 circus at Albert Park until at least 2006, in a new deal announced today.
Unwrapped: The fierce-looking Hot Wheels Commodore that will lead out the AGP Supercar field
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By extending their contract with Australian Grand Prix organisers, V8 governing body AVESCO have made the non-Championship Melbourne GP round a permanent fixture on the Shell Series schedule for another five years.
AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane today said the new deal was, “a great foundation on which to continue to take V8 Supercar racing to new heights.”
"Racing at the Grand Prix is a natural synergy for the organisers of that international annual event and for us. It puts our show in front of huge crowds, many of them people who might not be seen at other motorsport events,” Cochrane said.
"We believe it's a win-win situation - and the biggest winner of the V8 Supercars racing at the Grand Prix for another six years will be the fans," he said.
As the events primary support drawcard, Melbourne GP Chief Executive John Harnden was pleased to be making the announcement.
"The contract between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and V8 Supercar organiser AVESCO guarantees 30 top V8 cars and drivers at the Grand Prix – and that's great news for the event and the fans,” Harnden said.
This year’s AGP Hot Wheels V8 Supercar Showdown was publicly launched yesterday, and saw Commodore charger Russell Ingall and Holden deserter Craig Lowndes spar in a makeshift boxing ring outside Melbourne’s Crown Casino. Lowndes will race in his new Ford colours for the first time at Albert Park.
The 2001 Australian Grand Prix will be held from March 1-4.
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