Sandown classic returns bigger and Betta
2/12/2002 18:25 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
A 35-year tradition will continue at Sandown Raceway next year with the return of a 500km endurance classic to the V8 Supercar circuit.
After a widely unpopular four-year hiatus, the event will be a feature on next year’s calendar as the traditional lead-up race to the Bathurst 1000.
A 500km race at Queensland Raceway, which replaced the Sandown 500, has been scrapped.
IMG has secured a five-year agreement to promote the race, to be held next year on the football-free weekend of September 12-14.
A sponsorship deal has already been confirmed, with Betta Electrical taking up naming-rights status.
The news isn’t likely to please the PROCAR organisation, which has run the Sandown 500 for production cars after AVESCO abandoned the event. The PROCAR-backed race has been scheduled for August next year.
AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane said he was delighted to “return premier level touring car racing to Melbourne.
"I know our teams are excited to be vying once again for the prestige of winning this great event.
"The Victorian fans have been crying out for this type of spectacular, I am pleased we are able to give them what they desire – more V8 Supercar racing action."
Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway replaces Sandown as series Grand Final hosts.
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