2002 calendar launched; Barbagallo saved (again)
6/10/2001 22:30 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
V8 Supercar fans from across the Nullarbor are breathing a sigh of relief today, with the launch of the 2002 series calendar.
The Supercar circus will return to Western Australia next season, to the much-maligned Barbagallo Raceway, thanks to benefactor, Carlton and United Breweries.
CUB will bankroll the trip West, only increasing speculation the brewing giant will replace Shell as the series’ naming-rights sponsor next year.
The provisional calendar features subtle changes to that of this year, including the promotion of Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 to open the championship in March.
Calder Park Raceway is, as expected, not part of the series next year. However, Calder and AVESCO will meet in court next Friday to debate the terminated contract and other disputed financial matters.
Also missing is the Gold Coast Indy meeting, after AVESCO failed to come to terms with race organisers. The V8 Supercars will continue to play a supporting role at Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix.
At today’s launch, Carlton and United Breweries Motorsport Manager, Peter Gallagher, said it was vital the West Australian public had the opportunity to see the V8 Supercars in their own backyard.
"The West Australian market is extremely important to CUB and we are proud to ensure that V8 fans in Western Australia do not miss out on this world-class sporting event,” Mr Gallaher said.
"CUB acknowledge the support we receive from the West Australian public and are delighted to be able to give something back."
AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane said without CUB’s support, a race at Barbagallo was not a viable option for 2002.
"After the West Australian government refused its support of the street race, AVESCO lost the opportunity to gain the extra revenue needed to sustain the additional costs to the teams in travelling to WA,” he said.
"Under these circumstances it was not financially viable for us to return to Perth, however this generous gesture will enable the people of WA to enjoy the sport they love.”
A similar gesture was made last year, when Shell stepped in to save the Barbagallo round from being cut.
This is all despite criticism of Barbagallo’s sub-standard pitlane conditions and spectator facilities that strained to breaking point this year under the pressure of bumper crowds.
Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 will be brought forward to March 15-17 to provide a more spectacular series kick-off.
“To have been awarded the first round of the 2002 V8 Supercar Championship Series is proof positive of the status of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide as Australia’s largest and most successful national motorsport event,” Clipsal 500 General Manager, Andrew Daniels, said in a statement today.
The V8 Supercar 1000 at Bathurst will not be moved back to the traditional October long-weekend, as originally promised by AVESCO, so as to not clash with football Grand Finals.
Bathurst will proceed the Queensland 500 next year, with a four-week break between the endurance events.
The New Zealand experiment will continue in 2002, though Auckland's Pukekohe Raceway has not been confirmed as the venue.
Canberra’s GMC 400 retains its June long-weekend date.
Race formats have not been announced, but AVESCO promise more compulsory pit stops and longer races.
Eastern Creek Raceway will host a new endurance-type event in April, with its own naming-rights sponsor, to be co-sanctioned by AVESCO and the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC).
Overseas rounds to Asia and the Middle East were also mooted at today’s launch, but they won't be seen until at least 2003.
The point-score system is also up for a reworking, to be revealed, along with AVESCO’s corporate partner for 2002 and beyond, at the final round of the Shell Series at Sandown Raceway in early December.
Next year’s five-round Konica Series calendar has also been released.
The development class begins its season at Wakefield Park in late March, with the final showdown again scheduled for South Australia’s Mallala Raceway in August.
Another 30-lap race at Bathurst has also been scheduled for Konica-class cars.
Brisbane’s financially-troubled Lakeside Raceway has been dropped from the series.
With increased patronage and television ratings for Konica events this season, Konica’s National Marketing and Sales Manager, Geoff Davey, today reaffirmed his company’s support.
"This year's Konica Series has seen a significant growth in popularity," Mr Davey said. "The increased interest in this series by the Australian motorsport public is fantastic.”
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